In 4 short years since 2022 Shorewood’s Administrative budget has increase $314,670 or 35.19% to a whopping $1,208,620 in 2025. And just this month the city hired an administrative assistant at a cost to taxpayers over $100,000/year ($70k salary + benefits) to answer phones and coordinate administrative duties. Now, a 35% increase may be acceptable if residents were provided with more services. Unfortunately, most investments seem to be inwardly focused on large pay increases, outside services and technology. This leaves residents (taxpayers) questioning, “what am I getting for all these additional administrative costs?”
On the other hand Shorewood’s Public Works budget increased $271,072 or 31.94% in the same timeframe to $1,119,690 for 2025. Over the last 2 years we’ve seen significant improvement to Public Works projects in particular parks, roads and general maintenance throughout the city thanks to the leadership of Public Works Director Matt Morreim and Supervisor Chris Heitz along with their staff of 13 employees.
If you missed the August 25th City Council Work Session, Councilman Sanschagrin requested the Finance Director provide a forward understanding of the 10 year tax levy on residents (see Figure 1 below). If accurate this would more than double resident’s taxes by the year 2035 since Shorewood is almost fully developed.
The City of Shorewood’s debt has more than tripled in the last 7 years and has accumulated to more than an estimated $25 million dollars with annual payments of $1.1 million while increasing each year. Continuing on this spending spree and driving up the cost of living beyond norms will drive long-term residents and retirees out of the city. Council has a moral obligation to serve all residents fairly and equally and not get ahead of the population it serves. This ridiculous spending extends to Hennepin County and Met Council.
City of Shorewood Bond Debt
(Note: 2025 bond data not available until 12/30/2025)
Let the Administration and city council members know you want them to rein in spending and pay down debt. If this was an eye-opening article for you please help our city leaders understand your position.
Let city leaders know what you think.
- Best option: attend and /or speak up at City Council meetings and get it on the public record.
- Contact City Council Members
Dustin Maddy (612) 293-6727 dmaddy@shorewoodmn.gov
Jennifer Labadie (952) 836-8719 jlabadie@shorewoodmn.gov
Michelle DiGruttolo (517) 422-9528 mdigruttolo@shorewoodmn.gov
Guy Sanschagrin (952) 217-1289 gsanschagrin@shorewoodmn.gov
Nat Gorham (617) 780-7771 ngorham@shorewoodmn.gov
