By Paul Schmitt

A formula for state aid is helping cities like Algoma maintain or lower their tax levies while rewarding their fiscal restraint.  The expenditure restraint payment (ERP) provides unrestricted aid to qualifying municipalities that limit growth in spending.  City Administrator Jeff Wiswell says that can make a big difference for smaller communities like Algoma.

Wiswell adds the ERP is equivalent to the salary of a police officer and public works employee.  The City of Algoma will be hiring a new police chief for next year when the current contract with Kewaunee County ends next month.