EMBARRASS — Twenty residents attended the Embarrass Township Annual Meeting on March 10, and set the 2027 levy at $263,700, a 13.2-percent increase over 2026. The board of supervisors had proposed a levy of $267,700, a 14.9-percent increase. The difference between the two was a $4,000 decrease in the insurance fund, requested by a resident at the meeting due to a built-up surplus in that fund.
All other funds were passed at proposed levels, with increases ranging from zero to 43 percent. The general fund went from $120,000 to $135,000, the road and bridge fund from $8,000 to $10,000, and the cemetery fund from $4,000 to $7,000.
Increases reflect the rising costs of materials and labor, mandates such as paid leave and PERA, planned future projects at the cemetery, and continuing improvements to township roads to meet county standards.
Moderator Gene Wright fielded questions from residents regarding the expenses involved in operating the ice rink, hosting the annual ice candle celebration, and maintaining historic properties such as the Pyhala Homestead.
There were also questions about the legal ownership of the empty property on Hwy. 21 that previously held the weather station, and the status of ownership and easements at the visitor center property on Hwy. 21 and Hwy. 135.
Residents were encouraged to bring those issues to a regular town board meeting for discussion. Chief Eric Garman was unable to attend the meeting, and firefighter Hunter Kimball reported on the Embarrass Region Volunteer Fire Department in Garman’s absence.
He explained the challenges of the continuing need for new recruits, updating equipment, maintaining the fleet, and meeting compliance rules and standards.
The ERVFD report, Sisu Heritage report, annual maintenance staff report, and detailed levy packet can be obtained from Clerk Jenny Boese at 218-984-2084 or embarrasstownship@frontiernet.net.