LETTER: Why no referendum on huge tax bill for safety building?

To Ozaukee Press:

In the spring of 2024, a referendum was held in Port Washington in regard to adding five full-time EMT/paramedics. This would increase the average property owner’s tax bill by about $100, and it passed.

Fast forward six months and on the Common Council’s agenda is a $33.5 million safety building. The original council vote was 4-3 against.

Many taxpayers, me included, wondered why this wasn’t put on a referendum for the taxpayers to vote on, considering this would add about $500 to the average property owner’s tax bill. Were they afraid it would get voted down?

I emailed two aldermen and asked that question, and neither would address it. When the final vote was taken, one of the aldermen who originally voted against the building was out of town on vacation.

I don’t think I’m the only one who is disappointed with the entire process and feel like this is being crammed down our throats.

Ron Lauters

Port Washington