Welcome To The Town Of Buffalo
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THIS WEBSITE IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF:
DENNIS MICHAEL SEMLING
1960-2021
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THE ABCs OF TOWN GOVERNMENT
#11 JANUARY, 2022, TOWN BOARD POWERS & DUTIES(PART B/REVENUE)
Just like any individual or family, carrying out the responsibility of "day to day affairs" for a town, requires prioritizing financial resources. The December posting outlined a major responsibility of the town board which is the development of an annual budget. Once approved, the budget provides a key piece of the overall annual plan for the town to meet statutory obligations. Accomplishing those obligations means having expenses and the town board must anticipate and then prioritize the revenue that is available. The town does not make money, it must operate, largely, with what is given by other entities. In 2022, the Town of Buffalo expected revenue can be summarized into six categories:
Transportation aids: $74,907
Tax Levy: $73,846
CAPX: $71,788
ARPA (Covid stimulus): $36,172
Shared Revenus: $36,006
Other (Misc.): $29,737
TOTAL: $322,546
All categories except local levy (set by board but limited by state) and a small amount of the "other" category,are determined by another authority and means the board generates approximately 25% of expected revenue.
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NOTICE: TAX PAYMENT COLLECTION DAYS AND TIMES:
If you prefer to make your tax payments in person, the town has arranged for someone to be at the town hall on the following days to accept and receipt your payment:
Tuesday, January 25 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Sunday, January 30 12 noon - 4:00 pm
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Several months ago the Town of Buffalo Board Supervisors authorized the formation of a committee to explore the options for enhancing the possibility of initial or improvement of internet service to town citizens. The six town officers have met several times now with seven (7) citizens to form a 13 member Broadband Exploratory Committee. That committee is looking forward to continued work on this extensive project and is pleased to announce that Jeff Strom has been selected for and agreed to accept leadership of this committee going forward.Our committee is meeting next on Tuesday, Nov 30 6:30 to prepare a resident survey mailing regarding the broadband project.
NOTICE: Broadband Committee is meeting Tuesday, February 8, 6:30 PM
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The TOB Town Hall is again available for rental purposes, depending on dates and with certain conditions, limitations applied. Contact Claire Waters for availability and details.
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Occasionaly, there is an issue or announcement related to town business that seems to rise to the need to make contact with as many citizens as possible. One timely way to do this is through email contact. If you are not on the town's contact email list and would like to be, please contact [email protected] This is used for emergency/important town business ONLY.
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UPDATE ON FLOOD DAMAGE: Following the July 2017 storm, the Town of Buffalo submitted a flood damage report that included 13 specific projects that needed to be addressed with maintenance or repair. FEMA approved a reimbursement of $105,728 and the State an additional $17,621 plus $6,167 for administration costs for a total of $129,516 or approximately 80% of the related costs. The project has been closed since December 31, 2019. We are still waiting for the $6,167 of state reimbursement for administration costs (We are not alone in waiting for FEMA promised funds. The county and several area towns are in same situation.) We just received word that, because of Covid caused issues, it could be as late as October, 2021 before we receive the final FEMA payment. UPDATE: As of January, 2022, we still have not received this payment.
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There have been some questions about the new fire station (Officially it is the Ft. City Public Safety Bldg) now in construction. In June 2019, our town and each of the other muncipalities that form the Fountain City Fire Assn., made a commitment of up to $200,000 toward the development of the new fire station. As of July 21, our town will have made payments of $175,000 ($87,500 each from the town and CAPX). Fortunately, we have been able to do this without borrowing funds and/or adding special tax assessments but it will be a strain on the town budget. Donations of any amount are encouraged and very welcome as each dollar will potentially help with this significant commitment. Donations can be made to the Ft. City Fire Assn or to the Town of Buffalo. We thank several local residents/businesses who have made donations.
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You may have heard, or read, about funds coming to local muncipalities (cities, towns, villages) by way of the March, 2021, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). ARPA set aside $2.5 billion for the State of Wisconsin with $411.6 million designated for non-entitlement units (NEUs) defined as municipalities with less than 50,000 people. There is a published chart that indicates the Town of Buffalo would qualify for approxmately $72,000. On June 25, the town received the first payment of just over $36,000. The 2nd payment of equal amount is scheduled for one year. We know that the funds were(are) intended for Covid19 related response but specifics are still unclear so the funds have been placed in a separate account pending the board plan for disbursement as per guidelines.We know it is likely that we will not be able to use the funds for usual/common town business nor can we reduce tax/or debt obligations however, there is a formula that will allow an amount toward government services as "replacement of lost public revenue." The Towns Assn promises guidance for us in this - so far they advise patience as we will have over three years to "obligate" the funds and 5 years to complete any projects that are funded by the money.
UPDATE: The board was recently informed that the "final rule" for ARPA funds clears the way for most towns to use their entire ARPA amount for "government services." This will be effective as of April, 2022. We still have three years to decide how the funds are to be distributed and five years to actually spend the money (In other words, we cannot hold on to it as an investment.)
Guess what? Have a reunion, birthday party, graduation or just a plain ole family gathering? Are you aware the town hall is available for rent?
Full kitchen, RR facilities, air conditioning, plenty of tables & chairs, use of park. Special rate for multiple days
Contact Claire Waters at 687-8419 for details.
