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Six local townships Ð Eden Lake, Irving, Munson, Paynesville, St. Martin, and Union Grove Ð increased their levies for 2004 at their annual meetings on Tuesday, March 9.

Eden Lake Township increased their levy the most, up $25,000. Eden Lake increased their levy by 7.35 percent, from $340,000 to $365,000, raising their levy for tarring by $11,500, for dragging by $9,500, and for snow removal by $4,000.

Union Grove Township increased their levy by $16,000, which was a 17.7 percent increase, from $90,500 to $106,500. Union Grove voters increased their road and bridge levy by $10,000, their revenue levy by $4,500, and their fire levy by $1,500.

Irving Township increased their levy by $15,000. This represents an 8.6 percent increase, from $175,000 to $190,000. Irving residents increased their road and bridge levy by $20,000 and increased their levy for community recreation (through the NL-S School District) by $300, while reducing their fire levy by $5,000 for a total increase of $15,300.

In Paynesville Township, voters unanimously approved a $10,000 levy increase, as recommended by the board of supervisors. With increased valuation in the township (from new construction), the township could have increased its levy by $11,500 without increasing tax rates to township residents.

Paynesville Township increased its revenue levy by $5,000 and its road and bridge levy by $5,000. The $10,000 increase is a 2.5 percent raise, from $390,000 to $400,000.

St. Martin Township also increased its levy by $10,000, all in the general fund. This represents an 8.5 percent increase in their levy, from $116,500 to $126,500.

Finally, Munson Township increased their levy by $3,000, levying that amount for a new building fund. This year Munson Township has built a new town hall, located on Co. Rd. 23 a mile north of Richmond. Future township meetings and elections will be held at the new town hall.

Other area townships Ð Lake Henry, Manannah, Roseville, and Zion Ð kept their levies the same for 2004. Lake Henry Township did make a small change, increasing their general fund levy by $2,000 and reducing their road and bridge by $2,000, keeping their levy the same at $82,000.

In other business at the annual meetings, Irving Township residents approved a $1,500 donation to recreation programs through NL-S Community Education; Zion Township residents approved a $750 donation to the Paynesville Area Center; and Roseville Township residents approved a policy change, the township will no longer provide culverts for free.