Gazette Corner: Preview of Proposed Ordinance to bypass voters for public works projects under 5 million

Click on the post for the article by Gina Duwe on the proposed ordinance that would bypass voters input for any public works project under five million.

Cities such as Evansville, which have affordable living as the main draw when compared to cities such as Madison, need to have control of the taxes, whether it is schools or city municipal or even Technical Education such as Blackhawk. The past several years where officials have talked about mill rate in the face of rising appraisals have been relatively easy for budget purposes. When municipal revenues are flat or fall, due to slowing growth as well as flat or falling property valuation and expenses rise, mill rates go up for no additional services.

Proposing large public infrastructure projects without allowing citizens to decide has been traditionally political suicide. It has also been considered irresponsible disregard of citizens.

What do you think? Click on the post for the full article by Gina Duwe and the text of the proposed ordinance. You make the call.