Empire Township released its 2024-25 proposed budget last week.
Empire proposed a $422,200 general fund, up from $408,200 from the 2023-24 amended budget.
The township will rake in $120,000 in personal taxes and $80,000 in state revenue sharing .04% on general operation’s levy.
Total revenues proposed is $247,132, which adds to a $175,069 surplus.
Expenditures for the township board totals $18,770, which includes $4,800 in wages, $5,000 in professional services (audit), $4,500 in dues, and $2,200 in printing.
The budget includes a raise for the township clerk’s position, which will increase from $43,205 to $46.350. Compensation for the treasure’s position will increase from $41,542 to $43,850.
Election related expenses will cost the township $19,700, up $9,000 from previous year with August and November elections looming.
Total general fund expenditures sit at $430,00 in the proposed budget including a prior surplus.
The Empire Township fire fund equals roughly $1,240,940 for the Glen Lake EMS/Fire Contract. The township levy raises from 4.1 to 4.5 because of the increase.
“To support new payment and after discussion to be better prepared for emergencies,” Neiswonger said.
Revenues include $1,192,840 in personal taxes and another $30,000 in delinquent taxes. The 2024 Glen Lake fire/EMS contract raised from $95,000 a month to $97,000.
The Township placed $74,840 in “new station savings.”
The Township campground expects at least $75,000 in revenues to be added to a $22,000 surplus for 2024-25, totaling nearly $95,000. The proposed budget for the cemetery fund is $41,420.
“We got great employees, they are a great team,” Neiswonger said.
The Empire airport authority has total funds of $16,550 with no capital improvements.
