City Hoards Taxpayer Money

Shorewood has a money problem. They have too much! At what point does prudent saving become hoarding at your expense?

“Shorewood’s Reserve Policy”Put Through the AI Test

We asked ChatGPT to review Shorewood’s Reserve Policy. In its simplest term, reserves are a savings account that the city holds in case of emergency. Shorewood City Council has adopted a Reserve Policy of 35% - 50% of next year's expenses.

Sept. 14, 2026 Shorewood Council Meeting 5 Minute Recap

Some items of interest from the Shorewood council meeting: - 2027 Preliminary Budget & Tax Levy - SCEC Operational Analysis - Galpin Lake Trail Grant

Shorewood’s Long-Term Financial Plan:What Will It Cost Taxpayers?

Shorewood’s 10-year financial plan provides a detailed look at where City finances are headed. The numbers raise an important question for residents: “Are we planning to spend what we need—or simply planning to find the money to pay for what we want?”

Policing by the numbers: The SLMPD budget

The South Lake Minnetonka Police Department Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) dictates the management and funding of the department. The JPA follows good governance principles like shared decision-making, but falls short on transparency and accountability.

July 27, 2026 Shorewood Council Meeting 3 Minute Recap

Some items of interest from the Shorewood council meeting: – SLMPD 2027 Budget Proposal – Pavement Management Plan – Club Lane Demolition Assessment

SCA: The New Era in Local Journalism

In Shorewood, the retreat of legacy media like the Sun Sailor and other print publications directly enabled the creation of a "news desert"—a dangerous reality that the Shorewood Citizen Advocates (SCA) has stepped in to combat.

Success: Speaking up Works!

Over the past year, 15 residents have presented 6 major topics to Shorewood City Council members. These residents have made a positive impact: Which means the city council is paying closer attention to public input. You can be heard too!

12% City Tax Increase?

Are you prepared to take another tax increase? After a 29.4% tax and services increase over the last 4 years, city finance director Jeanne Schmuck presented city council with a proposed 12% tax increase for 2027.

Death Debt & Taxes

$34.5M Debt! 117% Tax Increase! Shorewood is headed for a tsunami of debt. Based on city council’s approval of the 2026 Long-Term Financial Management and Capital Improvement Plans the city is continuing an unprecedented spending spree never seen before.

Help Save $55k Annually – Go Paperless!

It’s no surprise that eliminating paper, envelopes, printing, postage and resource time will reduce costs and provide funds for more useful projects. The same is true for Shorewood and you can help save the city at least $55k/year in taxpayer money by going paperless.

$4.0 Million! Give Us A Break Already

Upon hearing resident Barry Brown’s speech during the city council meeting of March 23, 2026 we requested Mr. Brown to provide his documentation to SCA for a follow-up story. Here’s what you need to know, in his words:

Shorewood Citizen Advocates

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