Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Lower Sales Tax Revenue Means A Rise In City Property Taxes

The Washington City Council has a public hearing on their proposed city budget for the upcoming fiscal year. City Administrator Dave Plyman says since the casino has been operating the money the city gets from the casino has gone to capitol projects, and money from sales taxes has been used to offset property taxes. Plyman says with lower money generated by sales tax, and with the city allocating money from the casino to needed capitol projects, there will be an increase in what residents pay in property taxes under the proposed budget. Tonight's public hearing on the budget is part of their regular meeting which begins at 7pm at the public library.

Brighton Township Trustee Vacancy

Washington County Supervisors want to hear from the existing Brighton Township Trustees before making an appointment to fill a current vacancy. There are three seats and Supervisor Chair Jim Miksch said at yesterdays supervisors meeting that the two trustees haven't been able to recommend someone to be appointed to fill the vacant seat. Mike Murphy expressed strong interest in being appointed at the supervisor meeting this morning but supervisors want to talk to the two current trustees first to see if they can't agree on a recommendation. The vacancy exists because no one filed to run for the seat in the last election.

Washington Guard Member Meets Senator Harkin

A Washington High School student was among a group of Iowa National Guard members who recently met with Iowa U-S Senator Tom Harkin. Michael Cavin was among those who paid a visit to the Senator's Washington D.C. office. Harkin told the group he was very proud of the young men and women have chosen to serve Iowa and the United States with great pride and commitment. Harkin added it was great to meet with them and share some his own stories as veteran. Michael Cavin is currently a senior at Washington High School.

Washington After Prom Committee Seeking Donations

Washington High School After Prom preparations are underway. After Prom Committee Chair Brenda Fishback says the committee is seeking donations to be used for door prizes at the event. She says whether it is video games, gas cards or gift cards to eating establishments there are lots of great ideas. Fishback says you can donate money and the organizers will use it to purchase a prize. Donations can be dropped off to Eastern Iowa Chiropractic.

Kalona Trail System

Washington County Engineer David Patterson appeared before the Kalona City Council to present plans for a trail system from Kalona to Richmond when the Kalona City Council met Monday. Patterson noted that the Washington County Trails Plan and the Kalona Comprehensive Plan both call for a pedestrian/biking trail connecting Kalona and Richmond. Patterson will also report on the study, which the city helped fund, on retrofitting and upgrading the old English River Bridge that is now closed.

Hunter Safety Course

A Louisa County hunter safety class will be offered on Thursday, March 26, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 28, from 8:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. at Langwood Education Center. Katie Hammond with the Louisa County Conservation says students must attend both classes in order to become certified. The course includes classroom lessons as well as live fire and shooting demonstrations. Iowa residents born after January 1, 1972 and nonresidents born after January 1, 1967, must satisfactorily complete a hunter education course in order to obtain a hunting license.

Purple Martin Workshop

A workshop/seminar on attracting Purple martins will be held Saturday, March 28, beginning at 9:10 A.M. at the CAM Iowa Clothing Center, 1005 Nutmeg Ave in Kalona. Jim Walters is one of the coordinators and says the purple martin is one of our most wanted songbirds since a well-maintained colony brings joy to any neighborhood. Martin populations are rebounding across North America as people put up improved housing and learn proper monitoring techniques. There will be a $2.00 registration fee and lunch will be available at the site. The event will be held Saturday, March 28 at the CAM Iowa Clothing Center in Kalona.