GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich’s proposed budget for next year would have many property owners paying more in taxes despite a decreased tax rate.
While at least one city council member is saying increased spending is too drastic, others are saying the city is feeling the effects of inflation, just like everyone else.
Genrich outlined his proposal Thursday evening during a town hall at Titletown Brewery.
To read the full 2023 budget proposal, click this link.
“I think everybody’s costs are going up,” said Genrich. “That is definitely true of the city of Green Bay as well, particularly with fuel costs, with natural gas costs, so those have to be accounted for as well.”
Genrich’s proposed budget includes a 20% decrease to the tax rate but a 6.79% percent increase in spending.
The city portion of people’s tax bills will likely still be going up due to a citywide property reevaluation, which prompted plenty of calls to council members last month.
“Some people were in a state of shock,” said Alderperson Mark Steuer. “One fella called me and said, ‘I’m going to be homeless.'”
On Facebook, Green Bay City Council President Jesse Brunette wrote, “Given the recent assessment changes, inflationary pressures, and living expense increases we are all facing, it is as bad a (budget) proposal than I could have imagined.”
“You’re seeing growth in fuel charges, you’re seeing growth in debt service, all the things that we expected to see,” said Brian Johnson, Green Bay’s city council vice president.
“Ultimately, we have to make decisions. Are we going to cut police, fire and roads? Or are we going to find a way to pay for these services?”
Steuer says at first glance, the budget seems fine, and people should understand taxes aren’t going up at the same level as perhaps their property value did in the reevaluation.
“I think the big challenge for us at council is to let the folks know that your taxes may not go up appreciably,” said Steuer. “That is going to be one of the big selling points this time around.”
As for Genrich, he is encouraging the council to come up with constructive alternatives.
“It’s not OK for our alders to simply sit on the sidelines and criticize,” said Genrich. “They need to offer real solutions to the people of Green Bay.”
The council is scheduled to vote on the budget within the next few weeks.
Seven new firefighter positions are included in the mayor’s budget, plus salary increases for city employees. The budget also covers the annual cost of body cameras for the first time and the first full year of the recently formed Green Bay Conservation Corps.
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