By: James Pruitt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The village of Lyons is moving ahead with implementing a 1 percent income tax for residents.
The council recently heard a first reading of the ordinance and Mayor Andrea Glecker said she has talked with her counterparts in Metamora and Swanton about using RITA to handle accounting duties. Both of the other communities are pleased with the work by RITA.
Fire Chief Matt Smithmeyer told council his department needed more volunteers to properly staff for calls. Lyons and Metamora have the last true volunteer departments in the county. The village received a complaint about the lack of a timely response to a call.
Smithmeyer said many of his firefighters work two jobs and cannot make it to calls. The cost for increased training has risen. A regular squad would require a steep increase in taxes, he said.
The council discussed water usage, especially as the village has reached its service capacity. Two applicants for taps were denied in May.
The former Den is going to reopen under a new name.
The village will obtain quotes about replacing some bad sidewalks.
The village council talked about updating its handbook.
James Pruitt may be reached at
publisher@thevillagereporter.com