Have you looked at your utility bill this past quarter? Residents are stunned to find it’s costing more than $100 more per quarter or $400 more per year – never mind the city’s 9% property tax increase! Seniors are especially concerned with the direction the city is taking with monumental tax increases and services fees outpacing cost of living increases and investments.
In June 2025, consultants from Northland Securities provided recommendations to city council to approve a 60% rate increase for storm sewer fees, 30% rate increase for sanitary sewer fees and no increase to water usage fees until 2027. Well-water residents who have city water lines in front of their home get a new “Water Base” fee of $32.51 per quarter. Here’s an actual quarter-to-quarter invoice comparison from a Shorewood resident – an increase of $110.03 per quarter – $440 per year!
Service Period 10/1/2025 – 12/31/2025
Service Period 1/1/2026 – 3/31/2026
But why? Shorewood already has $15.7 MILLION of your tax dollars neatly tucked away earning interest in dedicated funds for water utility projects. Northland Securities, recommended increasing rates to implement a pay-as-you-go savings strategy instead of issuing bonds and paying debt for 20 years. However, a closer look at the financial recommendations outlined in their plan also shows the city is still planning on issuing another $8.0M in bonds over the next 10 years for water utilities. Are they planning to triple-dip taxpayers? Sure looks that way – price increases plus $8.0M new bonds on top of the $15.7M in the bank. How much is too much?
The 2027 budget discussions have begun between staff and city council members. Residents can express their concerns and personal experiences by contacting city council members below, however it’s always best to speak directly to council members at the twice-monthly meetings making your comments public and on the record. The next meeting is scheduled for May 11th at 7:00 pm.
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
