Ettrick board sets budget, caucus date

It was tight, but switching insurance plans gave village of Ettrick trustees a little more breathing room as it set the 2026 village budget last Tuesday.

The tax rate increased slightly, from $16.15 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2025 to $16.20 in 2026. That will be about a $10 difference for the owner of a $200,000 property. 

“We went through the budget with a fine-tooth comb,” Harold Olson, chair of the finance committee, said. “As you know, we’re right down to bare bones as far as money is concerned.”

One way trustees were able to save money was by switching insurance providers. The village will now be insured under the Wisconsin League of Municipalities, which will save nearly $17,000. 

Olson said the the village worked with insurance agent Brian Christ, an Arcadia High School graduate, who helped guide their decision-making process. 

“I always say insurance is as good as your agent,” Olson said. “I thought he knew what he was talking about.” 

Trustees used some of the money saved to give raises to village employees. 

“It is long overdue,” Olson said. “We have good employees and we want to keep them.”

Village President Marc Baures added that replacing good employees is more costly than giving raises. 

“I think the committee did a good job,” Trustee Dan Molstad said. 

Baures said putting the budget together is always a difficult process.

“You pick through and find every which way you can go through it, every angle,” Baures said. “It is always a struggle.”

Trustees said some fees had to be raised, though that is partly because of costs incurred by the village.

“Prices on everything go up,” Trustee Pete Filla said. “We’re more than justified on some of the things we have to increase.”

Olson encouraged members of the public to contact trustees with any questions.

“If we don’t know the answers, we’ll search for them,” Olson said. 

In other matters, the village set its annual caucus date for Jan. 6. 

Trustees Cory Komperud, Kaylee Waldvogel and Filla are all up for reelection. The caucus allows village residents to nominate incumbents or possible replacements. Those nominated will appear on the ballot for the 2026 spring election if the nomination is seconded.