MERRILL, WI (WSAU-WAOW) — Merrill residents came out in droves to an open city council meeting on Tuesday to express their concerns over tax increases.
Residents expected a 3% tax increase for 2019 but were shocked to see that taxes increased by 7.4% instead. On Tuesday evening, a closed session was held by the city’s Personnel and Finance Committee to hear complaints sent in by citizens about the tax hike.
A protest was held outside before the closed meeting and Mayor Derek Woellner told WAOW-TV he’s glad that citizens are making their voices heard. “I think it’s great that people felt strongly about something and came out and had their voice heard.”
Residents also expressed their frustration during the public city council meeting, including resident Mark Bares. “And the city administration didn’t say a single word about the 4.4% additional tax increase. Why did they keep that a secret?”
But at the meeting, it was announced no recommendation had been made to change the tax rates in closed session. The announcement was met by boos from some residents and eventually, some walked out of the meeting in frustration.
City administrator Dave Johnson also voiced his opinion on the resident’s lack of trust in the city’s leadership. “I’m disappointed in people that don’t appreciate all the things that have been going on in the city that are positive. All the amenities we’ve been getting, new businesses, new jobs.”
Without a recommendation tonight, Merrill residents are still hoping that something will be done in the near future.
