The Superior Express -

The monthly meeting of the Lawrence Village Board of Trustees was a busy one Monday. The meeting also served as the annual budget hearing as well.

The budget hearing annually sets the amount of taxes the village needs to operate.

For the coming year, the tax rate (known as the mill levy) was set at 0.303296.

This a decrease from the previous levy of 0.331543, or a 9 percent drop. The property tax request remained the same as the previous year. However, the tax rate decline was possible because the valuation of property in Lawrence had increased nine percent as well. The valuation increased from $9,139,086 to $9,990,234.

Discussion on the budget was minimal and the board of trustees followed the advice of their lawyers and accountants in setting the levy.

The meeting also was the first meeting of the new member of the village board. Steve Smith took his oath of office and replaces Joe Kathman who will be moving from the village to a home east of town in the near future. Smith is new to the village, having just moved into the former home of Adrian and Maureen Menke.

The meeting also served as the hearing on the one and six year road plan. From information given, it appears the major road repair in the coming year will be on Stephens Street, just east of the athletic field in Lawrence.

It was noted during the meeting that the annual payment on the water bond is set for October. It was also noted the repayment of the bond was changed to take advantage of a lower interest rate. The 40 year bond started in 1998 to pay for the new water source for the village will now be paid off in 2032, rather than 2038. Currently there are no water wells in the village being used.

Some of the bleacher seating, formerly used at the athletic field is annually used by Deweese for their festival. The folks in Deweese have inquired about buying the bleachers and the village will consider the possibility.

The board also agreed to work with the Community Club for the purchase of playground equipment for the Village Park near the swimming pool. Money to come from the Keno account.

Discussion was also held on the possibility of putting liens on several properties in the village. Discussion is being held with lawyers on the proper way to proceed.