Greenwood residents double Board-recommended levy

Greenwood residents double Board-recommended levy

GREENWOOD TWP.—The relatively high attendance at Greenwood’s town meetings over the last 12 months gave residents not only a clear understanding of the issues, but gave an equally clear look at the participants in those issues, in both board discussions and public input—and it showed in the election results:

  • Board Supervisor: Steve Bradach with 261 votes (80%) over Sue Drobac’s 65 (20%).
  • Treasurer: Paul Thompson with 259 votes (79%) over JoAnn Bassing’s 67 (21%).
  • Option B: Yes — 252 (77%) over No – 76 (23%)

The passage of Option B means that the offices of Clerk and Treasurer will no longer be up for grabs in future elections, but will allowed the board to hire competent and qualified candidate for those positions, effective immediately.

As a result, newly-elected Thompson—who enthusiastically supported Option B—will not be seated. However, the present clerk, Debby Spicer, who was elected to a two-year term in March 2024, will continue to serve out her term until next year’s election.

Steve Bradach and Paul Thompson were all smiles after their resounding victories in the March 14th Township Day election.

Steve Bradach and Paul Thompson were all smiles after their resounding victories in the March 14th Township Day election.

Annual Meeting

Before Chair Lois Roskoski presented the 2026 budget, she began with a comparison of Greenwood’s market values, levies, and taxes to those of neighboring communities Tower, Breitung, and Eagles Nest.

Without listing all the figures presented, it became quite clear to all attending the Annual Meeting that Greenwood topped its neighbors in market values but paid out the least—by far.

The budget showed a general fund balance of $534,347 with projected spending at $343,130. The board had approved a proposed levy of $300,000.

But that’s only part of the picture.

Roskoski pointed out that the amount the township levied in 2024 was exceeded by $146,000 in expenses over the last twelve months, and went on to list anticipated needs over the next year. Topping the list was the need for a replacement fire truck, which would cost an estimated $650,000.

Incoming board supervisor, Steve Bradach, referring to the reality of purchasing a fire truck, commented, “Either we pay interest or start setting aside more money.”

Roskoski also listed other near-future expenses:

  • maintenance of Birch Point Extension
  • replacement of the fire department’s rescue snowmobile
  • replacement of the fire department’s indoor water tank
  • maintenance on the town hall roof
  • replacement of several windows.
  • resurfacing the tennis court
  • costs to remodel/upgrade the town hall kitchen.

It was then that the 50-plus residents in attendance began throwing out figures to increase the levy. “$375,000,” “$400,000,” $450,000,” $600,000” …

By a near-unanimous voice vote, residents approved that the levy be increased to $600,000.

The remaining 2025 supervisors briefly summarized the year:

  • Paul Skubic reported that potholes were repaired on Birch Point Extension last year and the sides of the road were brushed.
  • Craig Gilbert listed the fire department activities in February, but no annual report was prepared by former fire department chief Jeff Maus.

Board of Audit

Clerk Debby Spicer summarized the audit results from February. Spicer noted that some checks were missing from last February.

JoAnn Bassing responded that JoAnn Bassing said the missing checks had all been voided and were kept in a locked drawer in the office. Spicer said she had requested the voided checks from outgoing treasurer Jeff Maus (not present at the meeting), but Maus told her he didn’t have them. Spicer also noted that the checks were never recorded in CTAS.

The board then approved a motion to delay the acceptance of the audit until the board can reconcile the clerk’s report with the treasurer’s incomplete financial information.

Board of Supervisor’s Meeting

The board approved the minutes from the Regular Meeting of Feb. 11, 2025 and all four of the Special Meetings held on Feb 7, 11, 18, and March 4.

No motion was given to approve the minutes Board of Audit meeting held on Feb. 11, and so it failed.

The board also would not approve the treasurer’s report because it contained discrepancies with the clerk’s report. Motion failed.

And finally, the Reorganizational Meeting set for Wednesday, March 19, was moved up a hour from 6:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.