Attend Nov. 12 meeting

Dear Editor,

A meeting to determine the town of St. Joseph’s portion of your taxes is Thursday, Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall. Wisconsin law provides that town “electors” have a direct vote in these matters. Your elected officials have exactly the same single vote that you have.

As town residents who attend a majority of the public meetings, we want to alert you to two important issues that will be considered at that meeting.

First, the matter of deteriorating town roads and how to deal with that situation has been under serious discussion since the summer months. The relevant committees of town residents set up to advise the town board have been consulted and their advice given. In addition, the town board has sought the counsel of outside contractors.

The proposal that has resulted is one to borrow money to get a number of roads up to standards that can be maintained in the coming years. Fortunately, this can be accomplished without a tax increase. Of course, it is possible to repair more roads with increased borrowing and the residents’ (electors’) votes on Nov. 12 will make that decision. This has been a job well done by our elected officials.

The second matter is one concerning additions to the Town Hall. The current proposal, presented at the Oct. 8 town board meeting, appeared to startle the town board members (who are not members of the recommending committee). The proposal is different from town hall expansion plans the town board considered a year ago and has not had the benefit of thorough public discussion or a current review by committees set up to advise the town board.

Also, the town consultants have had to rush to get recommendations for the town board’s consideration. The proposal for the Town Hall expansion will be decided at the Nov. 12. Should this proposal pass, it will either increase the borrowing, and therefore the taxes, or decrease the work to the town roads.

While there are issues in the proposal that may certainly have merit, in our opinion the lateness of this proposal has not allowed for a complete discussion.

To find out more details or to express your opinion, contact your town elected officials at their phone numbers or email addresses available at www.townofstjoseph.com. The details will also be discussed at the Nov. 5, town board meeting.

However, to have your vote counted, you must be present in the Town Hall on Nov. 12.

Tags: town of st joseph, opinion, letters, taxes