Orchard Board Discusses Budget, Dog Issue And More

By Natalie Bruzon
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Orchard held its annual budget meeting on Monday night, reviewing the Budget Summary and making a motion to approve the budget. 

After careful review of the budget with Regina Krebs, a discrepancy was found between last year’s audited cash balance and the cash balance reported this year. 

“So, have you doubled your cash balance since this end of the year?” Krebs asked the board, looking at last year’s audited amount of 121,000 and this year’s amount of 240,000. 

The board and Krebs discussed the numbers, and concluded that some reevaluation would have to take place. 

”That’s something that we’re going to have to look at,” said Krebs. “I did not reverify their numbers, because they were suppose to have audited these, so we will have to look at it. I’ll go back and do some analyzing. I’ll pull the cash balances from the end of December and the beginning of the year.”

Although there were questions about last year’s cash balance number, the board moved to pass the budget. 

“We have to pass the budget or we’re not going to get the tax levy,” Krebs explained. “These numbers are an actual estimated. If there is an adjustment for prior year audit, that’s something we will have to get sorted out when we do the audit.”

Also discussed at the meeting was a speeding issue and bike safety concern brought to the board by the Gudenschwagers. 

The concern involved their great-grandchildren and speeding cars traveling out of town on Harrison Street. 

“Will there be anymore speed limit signs on the road going by our place?” asked Ernest Gudenschwager. 

The board discussed the speeding issue and possible solutions. 

“If we put up more signs, do you think that’ll be okay?” board member Curtis Mitteis asked.

“If it catches them,” replied Shirley Gudenschwager. 

The Gudenschwager’s concerns are centered around their great-grandchildren, who will often ride their bikes in front of their house, which doesn’t have a sidewalk. 

Board members Glen Cheatum and Mitteis explained that putting a sidewalk in is a residents’ responsibility, and that if there were a sidewalk that might help with safety concerns. 

Brenda Harrison, the village clerk, also suggested a bike safety course. 

The board settled the matter by stating they will look into prices for a flashing speed limit sign in addition to putting up more speed limit signs on that road. 

Also on the agenda was an update on the dangerous dog citation issued to dog owners in town several weeks ago. 

Sheriff Bob Moore stated that the dog owners have appeared in court and requested court appointed council, which was denied. 
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“Joe told me this morning to tell you guys that it’s moving forward,” said Sheriff Moore. “I talked to him up in the courtroom and he said we’re just going to persist. They (dog owners) can go find their attorney or they can come back without an attorney, but they’re going to see the judge.”