The Ellsworth Village Board on Sept. 9 approved an ordinance increasing from $10 to $40 the fine for parking violations.

Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Brad Roy said the $10 fine “is not adequate.” An increase to $40 was proposed following Police Chief Eric Ladwig’s research on fines in surrounding communities and discussions with village police officers on setting an enforceable fine, Roy explained.

In other action, the board approved a certified survey map with a lot split and a rezone for a 36.48-acre lot owned by Scott Zimmer in the Town of Ellsworth within the extraterritorial zone. The lot will be split into two parcels, one covering 16.44 acres and the second covering 18.89 acres. Under the approved zone change, the 18.89-acre parcel’s designation will change from light industrial to rural residential district.

The board also approved a request for an exemption from the Pierce County library tax. The request will be sent to the county Board of Supervisors.

To be eligible for an exemption, the village must appropriate a minimum of $53,607 for the Ellsworth Public Library. Roy said last year’s village appropriation was $204,600, adding he “can’t imagine a scenario” in which the village’s appropriation would fall below the minimum.

In his September report to the board, Roy said the Wisconsin Public Service Commission will hold an Oct. 9 online hearing on the village’s water rate case, in which the village is requesting an increase with a 6.2 percent rate of return. New rates must be implemented for the Department of Natural Resources to approve a safe drinking water loan for the Grant and Piety Street projects, Roy said.

In the September President’s Report, Board President Becky Beissel said she attended a Home Builder Co-op kickoff on Aug. 6. Beissel said the co-op’s purpose is to alleviate a housing shortage for households that have annual incomes of $74,000 to $99,000 in Pierce and St. Croix counties and $53,000 to $76,000 in Polk, Pepin and Dunn counties.

“The co-op will be a collaborative effort among lenders, subcontractors, contractors, suppliers and other community organizations and leaders. The goal is to ensure that our communities have the housing availability they need to attract and retain residents to create a thriving economy,” her report said.

In her September report, Library Director Tiffany Meyer reported that the library received a $1,000 memorial donation, which was used to purchase items for the children’s area.