[Winona Online Democracy]
Jim and all,
Contrary to popular belief, the city has been the one, time and time again, that has backed down from their previous verbal agreement. Through this whole ordeal, the city has prematurely made a press release that "an agreement has been reached". What the city would then do is change their stand and Wilson would reject it because it wasn't what they had verbally agreed upon......a decision many Wilson residents would, and do, want the Supervisors to do. Then the next thing the press would report would be that Wilson rejected the offer. It's a game the city is playing against the Township to get the public on their side. I would assume you're well aware of how the city can use the WDN to their advantage. The city has told many half truths and lies throughout this whole process.....two of which were told by a city representative at the Wilson Hearing and exposed that very same night by other speakers in front of a whole room of Wilson residents as well as some city residents. Do you really expect Wilson residents or Supervisors to trust these people when they flat out, face to face, lie to the residents?!?!? There has even been an editorial in the WDN about the mistrust caused by the comments at that meeting. And the major lie from that night is not one this city person can deny in any way either.
There has been, however, one instance when the Township has brought something new to the table, that was after the public hearing with the Wilson residents......The town supervisors have stated all throughout the process that they would only sign an agreement after presenting it at a public hearing to the Wilson residents. The city was well aware of this all along.
Another instance of misleading info is the city saying the sewer extension won't raise taxes. They say it's coming from the sewer fund. So, it may technically not be labeled a tax, but the bottom line is it's still coming from the citizens. Another line that a city council person has told me is that "the sewer and water fund is in good shape, so the impact on my bill will be minimal". How did this fund get to be in good shape.....I would only think it came from the citizens.
Daren Engler
----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Galewski" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "Online Democracy" <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2005 12:55 PM
Subject: Re: [Winona] Wilson
[Winona Online Democracy]
John-all:
I guess I'm one of those silent taxpayers of the city. I could argue that it
wouldn't cost the city anything if the Township would just agree to the
annexation.
The city's (Our) share of the legal fees will come out of future tax
revenue. Wilson will be raising its budget to fight the annexation. Wilson
residents will see an increase in taxes. I wouldn't be surprised to see the
legal cost of fighting this annexation equal or exceed the entire Wilson
township budget.
Unlike Winona Township - which became annexed by the way - The tax impact
was softened by the township being solvent.
Does Wilson Township have a six figure annexation war-chest? If not, the taxpayers will have to build one. I can see why Wilson people might not like annexation, but how many times should the city come to the bargaining table to have the township get cold feet.
The city fathers have better things to do.
Jim Galewski
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wed, 18 May 2005 12:27:32 -0500 To: Online Democracy <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [Winona] Wilson
[Winona Online Democracy]
"Why am I not hearing any citizens of Winona commenting on who/how their lawyer fees are being paid? Are the citizens of the city not realizing their taxes are going to go up to pay for a lawyer."
Playing devil's advocate here: Maybe Winonans feel it's money well spent since the annexation is their best shot at also being able to live the Springbrook livestyle. Pam Eyden wrote an opinion piece in the newspaper a while back about the futility of everyone trying to live "upstream" from everyone else, but I not personally aware of many who would agree.
John N. Finn
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