According to information from the Oshkosh Northwestern,
Oshkosh city leaders have consider adding new police and public works positions in the 2022 budget. Because of this tax levy would increase 4.62%.
The city council set an initial goal in July to not increase the tax levy by more than 4.5% but felt adding new positions requested by city services was needed to better serve the community. On Wednesday, the council approved adding several positions, 6-0, as well as a zoo specialist, which passed 5-1, with Mayor Lori Palmeri in opposition. City Manager Mark Rohloff said part of the reason for the levy increase is because of a decrease in state aid, which made up 5% less of the city’s budget in 2021 than a decade prior, and because there are limits to what the city can tax.
During Wednesday’s meeting, council member Bill Miller said he understands that it is tough for citizens to hear tax bills will increase, but after many budget meetings and discussions with city staff on new regulations, the city had to add more in the budget. “These jobs are needed. These positions need to be filled. I don’t want to pay anymore taxes than I have to … but when you’ve got mandates coming down from the state, federal government, DNR, we don’t have a choice,” Miller said.
Reporting for “Week in Review”, I’m Dylan Herring.
