By Lexi MooreActive real estate markets in the Hills area prompted a 12- to 16-percent increase in the value of residential homes as well as a 27-percent increase in farmland.Tom Houselog and Mark Hovland of the Rock County Assessor’s Office attended Tuesday’s council meeting to explain to the council and residents the reasons behind the increase in land values.Following an evaluation of residential sales from October 2004 to September 2005 the assessor’s office saw an increase in the value of all residential homes in Hills.Older, two-story homes saw the biggest residential increase in value, increasing by at least 15 percent.The large increase in farmland was a result of high sales in Martin Township. Properties in the township increased by 20 to 50 percent.Houselog explained, "All values are market driven – the markets in the area have really taken off."He pointed out that in the four previous years the area had not experienced much of an increase, if any.2005 Audit ReportThe City of Hills ended their fiscal year with a $497,734 balance in the general fund.Total expenditures and revenues increased when compared with the 2004 fiscal year.Although the city collected $266,324 in revenue, they incurred $324,427 in expenditures. The $48,524 in excess spending didn’t leave the city in debt, because the year started with a healthy fund balance.The largest fund increase was the Economic Development Authority, which increased by nearly $200,000, ending the year with a balance of $213,183. The increase was a result of the sale of the Economic Development Association’s apartments on Josephine Drive.Kenneth Chavarria purchased two of the units in October and Carol Vermeer purchased one in April of 2004.All utility funds experienced growth during the year. oWater took in an operating income of $6,148.oSewer ended the year with a $35,851 net income.oGarbage took in $42,315 in revenue and spent $39,532, resulting in an overall income of $2,783.Matt Taubert from Meulebroeck, Taubert & Co. presented the audit to the council and was pleased with the fiscal responsibility of the council."All of your funds had small increases, that means you are doing your job well."The only problems Taulbert reported in the audit dealt with the fire fund.Changes at the state level required that control of fire department financial books be in the hands of the city.Hills Fire Department complied with the new mandates by closing their accounts near the end of the year, but the finding still had to be sited in the audit.Another problem was sited regarding the purchase of the fire tanker. The state requires the city to ask for sealed bids on all purchases made over $50,000.The city did not ask for sealed bids when if purchased the truck with Martin Township. They gave the responsibility of finding a truck to the department, who solicited quotes from various dealers.ATV/golf cart resolutionThe council passed a resolution that would permit the use of golf carts, ATV’s and motorized vehicles to be used on city property.The resolution states that drivers would have to take the shortest possible route to get from place to place and abide by all laws regarding the use of recreational vehicles. In other city business:
Wayne Ward reported the city’s lagoons are taking in an extra 4,000 to 5,000 gallons per day. The council speculated that the problem could be caused by residents running sump pumps into city drains.The council plans to place an ad reminding residents that that process is not legal.
Projects at the American Legion building are still progressing despite a change with the painting contractor. Due to an injury the city has been forced to find a new painter to finish the job started by Connie Kole.In addition to painting, the city is seeking quotes to replace several doors in the building. They hope to make the door to the clubroom larger and replace the front doors. Repairs have already been made to the door leading into the township room.A cleaning crew from Service Master will clean carpet and tile in the building on May 22.
Problems with creeping Charlie and dandelions might become city business if residents do not take care of the problem themselves.The council, based on city code, may begin treating residents’ lawns and assessing the property owners for the cost if the problem persists.They plan to place an ad reminding residents of their lawn care responsibilities.
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