Ortonville City Golf Course lost $126,000 in 4 years.

Here is the article printed on the Ortonville Independent website:
Council discusses options on budget adjustments
Members of the Ortonville City Council held discussion at their meeting on Tuesday, Jan 20 concerning the 2008 budget projection with $53,000 Local Government Aid unallotment.
Council members discussed many avenues as where to administer cuts or increase certain items in the budget to make up for the $53,000. We want to mention that this is just discussion items, and nothing has been approved. They are encouraging citizens to voice their opinions about the budget.
Areas that could see a possible increase are water rates, change in sewer rates from a flat fee of 50 percent to 80 percent water bill, and charging developers upfront ‘Down-Payment” for development.
Areas of possible cuts include eliminating pro-rated insurance, vacations, holiday and sick PTO for part-time city employees, eliminate the 8-hour per week secretary position and one full-time patrol office with the Ortonville Police Department, eliminate one full-time employee in the Public Works Department or reduce the Ortonville Pool program offerings. These are just some of the ideas being discussed with no action being taken.
Ortonville Police Chief Curt Hormann presented his annual report for the year 2008. Hormann stated in his report that it has been a year of changes for the department. With the laying off of one full-time police officer and a cut in hours of coverage, Hormann feels that the Police Department has done a good job with providing services.
Hormann also presented his report on the city deer hunt. There were a total of 30 permits issued, with 17 deer harvested. Of the harvested deer, 11 were adult does, three adult bucks and three fawns.
Statistically archers harvest at a rate of approximately 50 percent. The target goal for the city deer hunt was to harvest 15 deer this year, which they surpassed. Hormann also said they did not receive any complaints about any of the hunters and that he recommends that the hunt continue as an ongoing deer management program with the DNR making recommendations on harvest goals and limits.
Council members approved two items for the Ortonville Ambulance Service. The council approved the purchase of a used 1998 Med Tec Type III Ambulance for $9,000. Their current vehicle a 1996 Collins Type III had several critical issues that were not repairable.
Also approved was an increase on the base rate for runs from $550 to $600. They also approved an increase from $600 to $650 on July 1, 2009. These increases will keep them in line with other services in the area that carry similar licenses and personnel, and are necessary due to rising costs for all their purchases and not being able to charge for items used on runs.
The next meeting of the Ortonville City Council will be on Monday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. in the City Office Meeting Room. You can visit their website at www.ortonvilleindependent.com