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The
Official Newspaper of Manchester and Delaware County, Iowa
Tuesday,
March 21, 2006 | |
Steve Lukan seeks third term in HD 32
by Brian Cook |
Lukan |
State Representative Steven Lukan (R – New Vienna) announced his plans to seek election to a third term to the Statehouse with a tour announcing his re-election through District 32, which covers parts of Delaware and Dubuque counties.
On Friday he was in Manchester to discuss what he has accomplished and what he still hopes to accomplish if elected to another term in the Iowa House of Representatives.
“I’m excited to be running again,” Lukan commented, “and I’m excited about what’s on the horizon, possibly getting to work with Jim Nussle as governor.”
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Lukan, who currently serves as a budget chair, said he and other legislators have had good success in many areas that are important to people in House District 32. He said the budget is on sound financial ground and that has come while passing property tax reform and phasing out taxes on pensions and some social security income.
“We’ve worked very hard to get rid of wasteful spending and to make sure our budget is in the black,” Lukan explained “I want to continue to stand strong for the taxpayers and make sure we’re not leaving a legacy of debt to our children.”
Lukan said Iowa should reform its property and income tax systems so that it can be a competitive place in which to do business. He said he and fellow legislators should work to create a climate that fosters entrepreneurs and encourages hard-working Iowans to create their own businesses.
He said he also wants to continue to push for more renewable energy and renewable fuels and to support legislation that would increase the use of E-85 gasoline, bio-diesel and wind energy. Lukan said Iowa is a leader nationally in the use of ethanol and the research and development of bio-based fuels.
Another issue Lukan said Iowa is facing in the future is immigration. The House recently passed a bill that places a penalty on employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens. It would also prevent illegal aliens from obtaining government sponsored home loans.
“We have a lot to do, but I think this bill was the first step,” Lukan said of immigration concerns.
U.S. Senator John McCain, a likely presidential candidate in 2008, has agreed to headline a campaign kick-off fundraiser for Lukan in Dyersville on Thursday, April 13. |
Public hearings on budget, mental health held
by Julie Sunne |
The current 2005/2006 fiscal year and proposed 2006/2007 fiscal year budgets were addressed during public hearings at the Delaware County Supervisor’s March 13 meeting.
The current budget amendment was approved to accommodate increased expenditures of $112,278.
The change in the budget broke down as follows:
• a decrease of $4,000 in court expenses
• an increase of $7,000 for the medical examiner’s office
• an increase of $23,490 for fuel and prison expenses for the sheriff’s department
• an increase of $68,500 for voting equipment and employee retirement expenses and $17,288 in employee hires for the auditor’s office
The 2006/2007 appropriations budget was also approved. Taxes needed to meet the increased budget are $5,713,784, up from $4,840,990. To make up the difference, corporation levies will go to $5.51234 from $4.74111 and rural levies to $8.01234 from $7.06911 per $1,000 of taxable value.
A public hearing on the strategic plan for mental health was also held. Peggy Petlon, director of Delaware County Community Services, presented the final draft. The adopted plan will be in effect 2006 through 2009. The plan outlines six goals:
• improve access to transportation
• improve public knowledge of systems and services in Delaware County
• continue to expand employment opportunities for clients
• improve quality assurance
• identify and provide additional programs
• explore further supervised apartment living opportunities (transitional living)
Delaware County Community Services strives to provide appropriate and cost effective services to those who need them, with priority given to community-based support.
The Board was pleased to see the goals that were laid out, and the addition of transitional living apartments in county owned buildings at the Penn Center.
A resolution setting the salaries for elected officials was approved. On Nov. 17 the compensation board recommended a 3 percent raise for the county attorney and supervisors and a 5 percent raise for the treasurer, recorder, and auditor.
However, the Board decreased that recommendation by 20 percent. The new salaries are as follows: county attorney, $60,936; sheriff, $50,893; supervisors, $25,478; and auditor, treasurer, and recorder, $40,914.
Liquor licenses were approved for the Petersburg Community Center and the Manchester Golf Club effective April 1, 2006 to April 1, 2007.
Also, the Indian Hills Area farm lease payment in the amount of $395 was deposited in the land acquisition fund.
As a result of the county supervisors being in Des Moines Monday, March 20, there have been some changes to the board of supervisor’s meeting schedule. The March 20 meeting has been moved from Monday to Wednesday, March 22 at 9 a.m. Also, there will be no supervisor’s meeting on Monday, March 27. Regular Monday meetings will resume on April 3. |
WD sets public hearing for project
By Latisha Sand |
The West Delaware School Board scheduled a public hearing date so the public will once again get to see the plans and specifications for the new auditorium, gymnasium and the plans for the geothermal well field.
The meeting will take place on Monday, March 27 at 7 p.m. in the District Conference Center, which is the old Keystone Field Office at 220 Liberty Street.
As of right now, bids are out for the new project and will be opened on April 6. Although the building costs have risen since the vote of approval, Superintendent Rick Hilbert said he is not worried about the final cost yet.
“We are moving ahead,” said Hilbert. He also mentioned that the board has set up alternate bids in case the project gets to expensive.
The board also approved an agreement with Seedorff Masonry. The company came to the board in January to inform them that they will fix or replace bricks on the schools at cost plus five percent during their off time. The company also has agreements with area schools, like Maquoketa Valley.
The board told the company that they can fix the north side of the middle school on a trial bases.
A calendar meeting was also set for April 10, which is also the next regular school board meeting. |
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