Revised September 17, 2024
READ AND SIGN THE PETITION HERE
In a little more than 3-1/2 years, the Shorewood City Council and city staff have spent $38.2MM which additionally burdened residents with $23MM in bonding debt (twice that of previous councils). Another $20.5MM in bonding debt is planned in the upcoming years. That’s more than $14,000 per household in debt repayments alone.
In 2021 the city budget was $5,812,165. Now, the 2025 proposed budget is $7,601,570 – that’s a 31% increase in a 4-year council term. Furthermore, the 2025 proposed budget is an increase of $907,924* over 2024. *Source: Shorewood Council Work Session Preliminary Budget (9/9/2024)
Instead of focusing on the needs of all residents the city council has gone on a spending spree that benefits fewer than 5% of Shorewood homeowners (i.e.: Birch Bluff road reconstruction $4,075,514, Strawberry Lane road reconstruction $4,983,514, Smithtown Ponds $2,325,486, etc.). Residents are fed up with the outrageous amount of taxpayer money being spent in just four short years.
Additionally, Shorewood’s bonding debt has expanded from $11.280MM at the beginning of 2021 to $23.275MM at the beginning of 2024: A 206% increase in four years.
This trajectory is unsustainable. Residents will be responsible for repaying this debt long after the current city council members and staff are gone. Residents want a city government that listens and respects them and plans accordingly, with detailed plans and taxpayer benefits.
The city council members approved these expenditures. It’s more important than ever to know who you are voting for this election.
Please sign and forward the petition below and let Mayor Labadie and councilmembers Maddy, Callies, Zerby and Sanschagrin know you want them to stop the outrageous spending!
