Notes from the Grove

John Lowry, Liberty Grove town chair.

Welcome to the Notes from the Grove providing Liberty Grove residents and
 visitors tidbits of information about goings on in town government

The Tech Committee has installed three computers in the main meeting room at the town hall. The computers are available to use to connect to the internet and there is no charge. Wireless connection has been available in the parking area outside the hall and will now also be available inside. There is a small fee if printing is needed. The use of the computers is available during regular town hall hours.

The January issue of the Wisconsin Towns Association magazine has an interesting article regarding roads and local transportation. The Local Government Institute (LGI) released the study that they had commissioned the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance to conduct. LGI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization representing Wisconsin citizens at the local level. Its goal, according to the article, is to educate both the public and local policy makers on ways to improve service to people.

The study mirrors the transportation challenges facing local governments in Door County. Wisconsin is very dependent on transportation. Local spending on roads decreased 20 percent in recent years. According to the article, from 1999 to 2001, 40 percent of the state transportation fund went to local governments as transportation assistance. Currently it is 32 percent. Increasing costs for operating local government and the levy cap has proven to be very challenging for maintaining our transportation infrastructure. The approved 2015 Liberty Grove budget is available on the town website.

The Parks and Property Committee is waiting for information from our insurance carrier regarding our claim for damages at the Ellison Bay Marina. The south walkway has dropped several feet due to the undermining of support material under the walkway. Charles Shabica and Associates inspected this past fall and determined the damage was done due to dredging in an adjacent harbor.   

The board is scheduled to meet on the third Wednesday in both February and March. Please consult the calendar on the town website for updates and changes.