District will seek member approval

By Jane Myhra

A comprehensive study of Lake Iola has been delayed until 2017.

“Our lake study has been delayed for a year in order to better budget for it and seek approval from the members at our annual meeting,” said John Bertelson, chair of the Lake Iola Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District.

As chairman, Bertelson was authorized to sign off on a grant application to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources that would help pay for a comprehensive lake study beginning in 2016.

Minor issues regarding ownership of the dam and lake level control came up as the grant deadline approached.

The ownership issue was resolved, and the mill’s turbine is back in operation to help control water levels.

Bertelson’s remaining concern was how the Lake District would pay its share of the study.

“The first year was never an issue, since there is enough money in our contingency fund to cover the cost in 2016, along with the pre-funding money from the DNR grant,” he said. “Although the board has assured me that we would have enough money to cover the second year of the study, we may have to spend up to $11,000 before we get the remaining amount of the DNR grant reimbursement.”

He was also concerned the Lake District needs to pay off the nearly $9,000 lake drain loan left in 2016.

According to Bertelson, Onterra will keep the study cost the same for the two-year study in 2017 and 2018. Also, the DNR agreed the Lake District will not have any extra cost associated with its weed harvesting permit being extended for one year.