September 21 2026 Budget Workshop Minutes

The Budget Workshop of the Village of Birchwood

was held on Monday, September 21st, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the

Birchwood Village Hall, 101 N Main Street, Birchwood, WI 54817.

MINUTES

1. VanGilder called the Meeting to Order (meeting is recorded).
2. Pledge of Allegiance-Recited
3. Roll Call by Clerk-Present: R. VanGilder, T. LeBrocq, R. Seffinga—Absent: B. Darkow and P. Parkos
4. Public Comments
   1. Citizen comments on agenda items only (3 minutes per person)-Linda Zillmer voiced concern about the BFCESD moving funds to Sterling Bank. She commented that the local bank should be supported. 
5. Current Agenda
   1. Motion by VanGilder, 2^nd by Seffinga to approve the current agenda. Carried 3-0
6. Birchwood Four Corners Emergency Services District
   1. Dewayne Reiten to present BFCESD 2027 Fire and Ambulance Budget and Assessments –Reiten was unable to attend tonight but will be here on the 28^th. VanGilder questioned the Total Fire Receipts on pg. 3 – the 2026 budget was for $266,000—Actual for 2026 is $347,000—There is only $52,100 budgeted for next year. LeBrocq commented that it may be a typo. VanGilder added that it looks like they are budgeting for a 10% increase in wages. Beffa will follow up with Reiten on these questions, so he has answers for the next meeting. VanGilder commented that overall, the Village’s portion went up around $4000.
7. Municipal Wages
   1. Review 2027 rate of municipal wages and benefits-Beffa presented a spreadsheet with percentage of increase and projected numbers. VanGilder commented that the increase in the cost of living for 2027 is slightly above 3%. He mentioned that there isn’t a wage cap for each position, so the Board needs to be mindful of that. Seffinga added that the mill gives performance-based raises. LeBrocq agreed. VanGilder also discussed a bonus system vs a raise. VanGilder asked Beffa to put in a 3.5% increase to start. The stipend will also increase by that amount. Election workers’ wages will remain the same. BOT and committee member wages will stay the same as well. VanGilder asked Beffa to reach out to other insurance companies for comparison. Brunclik explained that it’s hard-to-find companies that will work with only 2 employees. Beffa added that her insurance is higher than Bruncliks because she is in a Mayo network. Beffa commented that there is a waiting period to get back into State insurance if you cancel it. VanGilder reiterated that the Village needs to do its due diligence to make sure we have the most reasonable rates. Beffa and Adam will look into it.
8. Projected Year End Review-Revenue-Live link was presented.
   1. Review projected year end -Beffa went through the revenues to date. Beffa is working with Brandon to make sure the Waterworks tax PILOT is correct. There is a slight increase in shared revenue and ACT 12 personal property aid. Transportation aid and the DNR PILOT decreased.  Beffa went through the differences in revenues to date. VanGilder will contact Pete -Edgewater about a possible 3% increase in the law enforcement contract. Beffa discussed the garbage service and fuel charges. Ron took in the spring clean-up scrap which boosted revenue. Beffa stated that Milligan thinks he can fill more seasonal spots next year. Doolittle electric will be billed at the highest rate through Xcel. Beffa explained that we suffered a decrease in bank interest this year. Beffa stated that Tammy DeGraw will be at the next BOT meeting. Due to increased interest in the Village garage, the renter would like to lock in the lease and is willing to pay $1000/month. Overall, our revenue has increased slightly.
9. Debt Service
   1. Discussion on municipal debt service and 2026 levy-Beffa explained that the 2026 payable 2027 allowed Levy is $167,033. Public Fire Protection of $65,101was left in debt service but can be changed as the budget is finalized. Beffa discussed the current Village loans. VanGilder commented that we need to include engineering fees for the sewer and water line. To remove the painted lines off the road is around $13,000 which doesn’t include the painting of the new lines. Strand commented that he’d like to have the lines straightened out and the crosswalks done. Beffa asked if this should be a budgeted item of around $30,000. VanGilder stated he would rather just pay for the sidewalks and lines instead of financing it. VanGilder commented that we also need to do a sewer rate increase in 2027. LeBrocq commented that the solar panels should decrease the electricity costs which will help offset the sewer rates. -The next Budget meeting is September 28^th at 6 pm.
10. Adjournment-Motion by Seffinga, 2^nd by LeBrocq to adjourn. Carried 3-0.

The meeting is open to the public and is handicapped accessible. Agendas are posted in three public places which are the Village Hall, Pioneer Market and Deli, and Birchwood United States Postal Service Office notice boards, and on the village website www.birchwoodvillage.wi.us to comply with Resolution 175-15.