TOWN OF WORCESTER NOTICE OF ARIP GRANT FUNDING AND PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
The Town of Worcester has been approved for an Agricultural Road Improvement Project (ARIP) Grant in the amount of $1.8 million. This funding is intended for the reconstruction of Little Chicago Road. However, the reimbursement from the grant will cover only 87.7% of the total project cost, up to $1.8 million, and will only be issued upon the completion, submission, and approval of all necessary documentation. Any costs exceeding the grant funding will be the responsibility of the taxpayers.
Project Funding and Financial Implications:
The total estimated cost of the project exceeds $2 million. The Town of Worcester is required to fully fund the project up-front before being considered for reimbursement. This includes an initial expense of $100,000 to hire an Engineering Firm to survey the sub-structure beneath Little Chicago Road. At the Tax Levy Meeting in November 2024, it was stated that there are no funds in the town's budget allocated for road reconstruction. Despite this, the town board intends to proceed with the project as soon as possible.
Purpose and Justification of the Project:
The ARIP Grant aims to improve roads affected by Spring Thaw Postings, allowing them to remain accessible without seasonal weight restrictions. However, according to public statements, there have been NO instances requiring Over Weight Permits for Little Chicago Road. It has also been asserted that, absent the grant, Little Chicago Road would not require reconstruction. The justification for prioritizing the project over other township roads in greater need of repair remains a matter of public concern.
Impact on the Community and Township Prioritization:
The completion deadline for the project is set for 2028 (at latest). Until then, taxpayer funds will be committed to the project, delaying potential repairs to other roads within the township. Given the significant financial implications, concerns have been raised regarding the prioritization of this project over other roads in need of repair.
Over the past decade, Little Chicago Road has undergone numerous repairs, raising questions about the necessity of the reconstruction. Accordingly, concerns have been expressed regarding conflicts of interest among the past and present town board members with connections to the road.
Public Awareness and Transparency:
Transparency issues have been noted concerning the town board's handling of this project. At the February monthly town meeting, it was stated that the board was NOT supposed to inform the public about this project. Given the substantial financial commitment required from taxpayers, the lack of public consultation is a significant concern. The town board is urgent to provide full disclosure of this project, allowing for community input before further action is taken.
Conclusion and Call for Public Engagement:
The Town of Worcester residents are encouraged to seek further clarification regarding the financial strategy for this project. It is imperative that the town board addresses public concerns and provides detailed information on the fund, necessity, and long-term impact of the reconstruction of Little Chicago Road. The community has a right to full transparency and involvement in decisions of this magnitude.
For further inquiries or to express concerns, residents are encouraged to attend town board meetings and request official documentation regarding the projects planning and financial arrangements.
The Phillips Public Library, located at 286 Cherry Street in Phillips, has lots of activities and events planned for this month. Visit the library's website for more information.
On February 27, 2025, at approximately 3:46 p.m., the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department received a telephone call for a report of smoke coming from a residence in the 2700 block of Wazhashk Trail.
According to police, "Upon arriving on scene, responding units confirmed that all the home’s occupants were safely exited from the residence and that there were no pets. The officers observed heavy smoke emanating from the structure. No flames were initially visible, but, within minutes, flames were seen.
"A preliminary investigation indicated that the fire was likely caused from the oven in the kitchen. There is no suspicion of criminal activity. It is unknown at this time if the residence will be a partial or complete loss."
Agencies assisting with the structure fire were the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center, Lac du Flambeau Fire Department, Lac du Flambeau Emergency Medical Services, Lac du Flambeau Victim/Witness Services, Lac du Flambeau Emergency Management, Lac du Flambeau Tribal Wardens, Lac du Flambeau Economic Support, Lac du Flambeau Family Resource Center, Arbor Vitae Fire Department, Woodruff Fire Department, Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department, and Wisconsin Public Service.
Davette Lynne Hrabak, CPA discusses rates, exemptions, and limits; education grants; standard deductions; and Health Savings Accounts. Each section is in bold for ease of finding the information you may need.
For a free, no obligation quote, call Davette at 715-339-6638. Her office is located between the lion statues at 164 South Lake Avenue in Phillips.
2024 TAX YEAR QUICK TAX FACTS - RATES, EXEMPTIONS, AND LIMITS
By: Davette Lynne Hrabak, CPA, CFE, CBM, ATA, ATP, ABA, ECS, CGMA
“When it comes to taxes, save the lion’s share; enter between the lions to get this special care.” https://www.DavetteLynneHrabak.com
Each year the IRS releases and revises various rates, exemptions, and limits, some of which are listed below:
Standard mileage rates are available to taxpayers in certain situations. The current rates for the filing of your 2024 income tax return are as follows:
Business Standard Mileage Rate: 67 cents per mile
Medical and Moving Standard Mileage Rate: 21 cents per mile
Charitable Standard Mileage Rate: 14 cents per mile
Gift Tax Annual Exclusion: $18,000
Each person’s tax situation is unique. Sometimes the only deduction available is a standard deduction and other times the taxpayer has an option to choose to use standard deductions or actual amounts. The circumstances of which is most appropriate to use must be looked at on a case-by-case basis for each taxpayer; rarely are any two taxpayers’ situations identical.
2024 STUDENT EDUCATIONAL GRANTS CAN BE TAXABLE
Many taxpayers are surprised to learn that some of the money that their children receive from scholarships and grants may be taxable.
It is true that there is a Scholarship and Fellowship Exclusion; however, this is only a partial exclusion based on how the funds are used, and, in order to qualify for that exclusion, the person must be a degree candidate. The degree candidate must also be a primary or secondary school student, a college undergraduate or graduate student, or a part-time or full-time student at an accredited educational institution that provides a program that is acceptable for full credit towards a bachelor’s or higher degree. The program that the school offers must be a program of training to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.
If the person is not a degree candidate, all amounts received are generally taxable.
If the person is a degree candidate, then only amounts used on tuition fees, books, supplies, and equipment are tax-free. Any amounts spent on room & board and travel are taxable. This, at times, causes some confusion among many taxpayers and can result in some students inadvertently doing their tax returns incorrectly.
Scholarships and fellowships include items such as Pell Grants and other Title IV Grants that are need-based education grants.
There are, however, additional exceptions to this, including if the scholarship or grant was provided by a tribe subject to the Tribal General Welfare Act.
STANDARD DEDUCTIONS
Almost every year there are changes to the amounts for the standard deduction. As you probably know, if you do not itemize a tax return, you are entitled to take a standard deduction. If you are able to itemize, and if your itemized deduction is higher than your standard deduction, then you take your itemized deduction.
The standard deductions for this year are:
Married Filing Joint or Qualified Widow or Widower Filing Status: $29,200
Single Filing Status: $14,600
Head of Household Filing Status: $21,900
Married Filing Separately Filing Status: $14,600
Dependent Filing Status: $1,300
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS (HSAs)
You may have heard about Health Savings Accounts. They are a savings account that is set up and used exclusively for paying for qualified medical expenses for the account beneficiary and/or dependents and/or spouse of the beneficiary.
They are a valuable tool to help assist in the costs of individual and family health care.
If you qualify for a Health Savings Account, there are differences in limitations based on self-only or family coverage.
For 2024, some of the limitation cut-offs are as follows:
For Self-only Coverage:
Contribution (deduction) limit: $4,150
Plan minimum deductible: $1,600
Plan out-of-pocket limit: $8,050
For Family Coverage:
Contribution (deduction) limit: $8,300
Plan minimum deductible: $3,200
Plan out-of-pocket limit: $16,100
There is an annual contribution amount increase of $1,000 for anyone who is age 55 or older.
Remember, if you have already filed but realize that you could have had a credit or deduction that you missed, it is not too late; you can always amend your return. If you need more information or believe you could qualify for them, I would be happy to give you a free quote on the preparation of your return.
When the right tax and financial advice is essential, talk to someone with an unmatched level of knowledge, experience, and education. A CPA understands the business of taxes and finance and can provide trusted advice and services during the tax season and throughout the calendar year.
Davette Lynne Hrabak, CPA, located at 164 South Lake Avenue in Phillips, specializes in tax return preparation, business start-up services, consulting, bookkeeping, payroll, and all your accounting needs. Call 715-339-6638 or visit Davette's website. Follow her Facebook page.
The Town of Worcester has received an Agricultural Road Improvement Program (ARIP) Grant for two roads totaling 3.5 miles.
ARIP Grants cover the improvement of roads, culverts, and bridges that are used to transport agricultural and forest products that are currently subject to load limits. Once the roads are improved, they will not have load limits and will be upgraded to last a longer time.
Little Chicago Road, from Highway 13 to the railroad tracks, and Cranberry Lake Lane, from Little Chicago Road to the culvert, will be reconstructed and upgraded, according to Chairman Jim Michler.
The project will cost $2,087,555.40. The State of Wisconsin will reimburse the Town of Worcester 87.7% of the actual cost not to exceed $1,830,786.09. According to the Town of Worcester, the town's portion of the total cost will be $256,769.31.
Deer Creek Angus, LLC has a large selection of Black Angus burgers, steaks, roasts, and other beef products sold by individual packages and in quarters, halves, and whole. Contact Deer Creek Angus, LLC at 715-550-6156, find products & pricing on their website, and follow their Facebook page.
By: Davette Lynne Hrabak, CPA, CFE, CBM, ATA, ATP, ABA, ECS, CGMA, https://www.DavetteLynneHrabak.com “When it comes to taxes, save the lion’s share; enter between the lions to get this special care.”
Whether you are saving for retirement or retired, there is important information you need to know for the preparation of your taxes.
2024 TAX YEAR RETIREMENT SAVER’S CREDIT
The Retirement Saver’s Credit is available in 2024 to various taxpayers who fit into the proper criteria and who make eligible contributions. It is a non-refundable credit which allows for a taxpayer to receive a non-refundable credit of up to $2,000 for a Married Filing Jointly Tax Status and up to $1,000 for a Single or other filing Tax Filing Status.
Many taxpayers are surprised to learn that they have contributions that count for this credit.
Qualifying taxpayers must be at least 18 years old by the end of the year, not be claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s tax return, and cannot be a full-time student.
The Retirement Saver’s Credit is also subject to phase-outs, which vary depending on a taxpayer’s filing status and Adjusted Gross Income amounts. If a taxpayer lands in the proper range, then the taxpayer would be eligible to receive from 10 to 50 percent of their contributions back up to a maximum allowed by their filing status.
There are also rules on eligible contributions and some reductions of some eligible contributions, but, overall, many taxpayers are able to use this credit.
Remember, if you have already filed but realize that you could have had a credit or deduction that you missed, it is not too late; you can always amend your return. If you need more information or believe you could qualify for them, I would be happy to give you a free quote on the preparation of your return.
When the right tax and financial advice is essential, talk to someone with an unmatched level of knowledge, experience, and education. A CPA understands the business of taxes and finance and can provide trusted advice and services during the tax season and throughout the calendar year.
For a free, no obligation quote, call Davette at 715-339-6638. Her office is located between the lion statues at 164 South Lake Avenue in Phillips.
2024 TAX YEAR TIP: QUICK RETIREMENT TAX FACTS
Each year the IRS releases and revises various limits for various retirement type accounts, some of which are listed below:
IRA Contribution Limits:
Under Age 50: $7,000
Age 50 or Older: $8,000
Elective Deferral Limits On:
Simple IRA Plan:
Under Age 50: $16,000
Age 50 or Older: $19,500
401(K), 403(B), and 457 Plans:
Under Age 50: $23,000
Age 50 or Older: $30,500
Each person’s tax situation is unique. There are a variety of plans out there; the above list is not all inclusive but provides some information on some of the most common ones. Each person’s tax situation must be looked at on a case-by-case basis for each taxpayer; rarely are any two taxpayers’ situations identical.
For a free, no obligation quote, call Davette at 715-339-6638. Her office is located between the lion statues at 164 South Lake Avenue in Phillips.
At the end of the academic year 2024-2025, Northland College will close in Ashland.
The college has been in financial jeopardy since March 2024. According to the college, "More than one thousand donors responded to a spring 2024 fundraising appeal and the college reduced costs by streamlining its academic offerings and cutting staff." Northland College began the 2024-2025 academic year with nine majors and a smaller number of students.
However, the college was not able to sustain itself. Therefore, the Northland College Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 for the closure.
According to Ted Bristol, Chair of the Northland College Board of Trustees, “Despite the collaborative efforts of the entire Northland family, we no longer have the resources needed to navigate the economic and demographic storms endangering small, liberal arts institutions today....With declining enrollment and soaring costs, it takes more to operate the College than we raise in tuition. Even after enacting aggressive measures to cut costs and raise revenues, Northland College has no sustainable path forward.”
Interim President Barb Lundberg assured the students that this year's coursework will continue and commencement will take place as scheduled. Students who are not graduating will be advised on options, such as teach-out agreements with cooperating institutions and transfer to other colleges.
The college was founded in 1892 and was the first US college to fully integrate an environmental focus with its liberal arts curriculum.
Phillips High School has announced the honor graduates for the Class of 2025.
Lily Miller is the valedictorian, Maya Nieto is the salutatorian, and there are 23 additional honor students, including Lane Abraham, Amanda Angelo, Christian Benson, Shay Denzine, Mataya Eckert, Nickolas Edgerton, Kylie Edinger, Ty Henderson, Ariel Henney, Sarah Knaack, Andrew Krueger, Kaitlyn Matthewson, Meredith Merlak, Caitlin Pesko, Jaycee Pomeroy, Kacie Quinnell, Brayden Revak, Jade Revak, Rylie Sidenbender, Ayden Tobias, James Vollendorf, Karol Wright, and Kiana Zierer.
IAP Inc. is a manufacturer of industrial fans and blowers. Impeccable service, high quality standards, continued growth & prosperity. Visit IAP's website. and follow their Facebook page.
Jill Underly, Brittany Kinser, and Jeff Wright were on the ballot for the Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction during the primary on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
Statewide, as of the time of publication, Jill Underly had 38% of the vote (about 177,205 votes), Brittany Kinser had 35% of the vote (about 161,385 votes), and Jeff Wright had 27% of the vote (about 128,336 votes). 466,926 votes were cast in those totals.
In Price County, 1,074 people voted. Brittany Kinser received 458 votes, Jill Underly received 349 votes, and Jeff Wright received 264 votes.
The two women will face off in the general election on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 to decide which of them will hold the upcoming four-year term.
Pine Village in Prentice offers affordable, active living in a wooded setting for those 50+ and disabled persons. Rent is based on 30% Adjusted Gross Income. Small pets under 30 pounds are welcome. Contact Pine Village at 715-428-2300.
On April 2, 2024, Town of Worcester residents voted to change the town clerk position from being elected to appointed. The change will take effect on April 1, 2025.
When a clerk is elected, the clerk must reside in the township. When a clerk is appointed, the clerk does not need to reside in the township. Therefore, the Town of Worcester has appointed a deputy clerk/treasurer from another township. This appointment was needed due to the resignation of Alli Mathys, the current clerk/treasurer. She resigned, "effective immediately," on January 6, 2025. However, Alli has agreed to remain as the clerk/treasurer until April 1, 2025.
At that time, Regina Damjanovic will become the deputy clerk/treasurer. Regina is also the clerk for the Town of Elk.
According to Chairman Jim Michler, "The board will revisit filling the clerk/treasurer position after April 1, 2025."
By: Davette Lynne Hrabak, CPA, CFE, CBM, ATA, ATP, ABA, ECS, CGMA, https://www.DavetteLynneHrabak.com “When it comes to taxes, save the lion’s share; enter between the lions to get this special care.”
Social Security and Medicare are not just about retirement; they also have tax issues for individuals and businesses.
Each year, the maximum amount of earnings that is subject to Social Security Tax and Medicare Tax changes.
For 2024, the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security Tax was $168,400 and for 2025 it will be $176,100.
For 2024 and 2025, the maximum earnings subject to Medicare Tax is unlimited.
A very common question that many people have as they are nearing retirement, and when they are in the first year of their retirement, is, “What is the maximum amount of earnings that I can make and still receive my full Social Security benefits?”
For 2024, you could have made $22,320 if you were under the full retirement age at December 31, 2024. For 2025, if you are under the full retirement age at year’s end, you can make $23,400. However, if it is the year in which you reach full retirement age, for the months leading up to full retirement age only, you could have made $59,520 for 2024 and you can make $62,160 for 2025. Further, in the month that full retirement age is reached and later, there is no limit to the amount you can earn and still receive full benefits.
Just because you can earn as much as you like and still get your full benefits once you hit full retirement age, you still have to pay taxes on any portion of your Social Security that is taxable, just like you did in years before you hit your full retirement age. The rules are for a calculation of reduction of benefits, not a reduction of taxes.
Remember, if you have already filed but realize that you could have had a credit or deduction that you missed, it is not too late; you can always amend your return. If you need more information or believe you could qualify for them, call Davette at 715-339-6638 for a free, no obligation quote. Her office is located between the lion statues at 164 South Lake Avenue in Phillips.
When the right tax and financial advice is essential, talk to someone with an unmatched level of knowledge, experience, and education. A CPA understands the business of taxes and finance and can provide trusted advice and services during the tax season and throughout the calendar year.
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