Thomson Town Board approves 3-percent levy increase

The Thomson Township Board of Supervisors heard annual reports from community leaders and discussed taxes at the annual township meeting Tuesday, March 8.

The board approved the proposed 2023 tax levy for the township, $1,738,876, which reflects a 3-percent increase from the previous levy for 2022.

There was no discussion regarding the 2023 levy, but resident Jim Nynas questioned the board about the township's relationship with the Cloquet Area Fire District and wondered if there had been any changes regarding the levy the CAFD discussed in 2021 which would have significantly raised taxes for residents of the township. Residents, who objected loudly, got a last-minute reprieve on this year's taxes when CAFD board voted to leave the 2022 ambulance district tax levy the same as 2021, but promised to continue working toward better cost sharing in the future, as ambulance district taxes have been too low since the fire district was formed.

The township board reported that they have officially been approved for a township representative to be back on the CAFD board so that the township can be a part of decisions that are made and report back to the board and community. Supervisor Jason Paulson, who stepped down from the CAFD board last fall, will serve as the township's representative, with other members of the board stating that they plan to attend the meetings as well.

Of the few residents who attended the annual meeting, several cited concerns the next CAFD levy will significantly increase taxes for residents of the township.

"I think next year could be a difficult year for residents with the potential for another levy, and someone should be watching that," Nynas said.

Board members did not have anything more to share with the community, and Paulson was not in attendance to give any updates.

"As a board, we know we have a lot of big decisions to make in the next six months," said supervisor Tony Compo.

In other business, Lt. Dan Danielson from the Carlton County Sheriff's Department gave an update to the board on the temporary replacement for the township's deputy, Randy Roberts, while he recovers from surgery. According to Danielson, deputy Bridget Johnson will be the township's long-term substitute until Roberts recovers.

Thomson Township Fire Department chief Kyle Gustafson reported that the department's new self-contained breathing apparatuses are set to come in at the end of March. The department is looking forward to receiving the new equipment, as it is something they have been budgeting for for the past two years.

At the board's meeting on Thursday, March 3, township engineer Joe Jurewicz reported that he recently applied for a Star Grant for the township. Star grants are awarded through the Minnesota DNR and are small grants that can be used for short-term projects and planning that relate to coastal areas. Jurewicz said he is optimistic that the township will be awarded some funds, as it is the end of the DNR's fiscal year, and he will report back to the board when he hears any further news.

The board moved the annual meeting to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 16. The board meets the first and third Thursday of the month.