Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Contributed by: Mike Norton
There are those who did not like the .005 of 1 % sales taxes the County Executive was proposing to preserve jobs and for keeping the same level of services for Winnebago County. But at the same time supported the $10 a month garage fee, some called it necessary to balance the budget and called it better for it “was the greater of two evils”.Here is something for all of you to consider. If the garbage fee were made permanent for a full year, then at $10 (which it is presently and could go up) it would cost each household $120 a year. Now consider the .005 of 1% sales tax that the county was considering. One would have to spend $24,000 in sales taxable items to pay the amount equal to that of a full year of garbage fees. And remember the garbage fee will more likely to go up more and faster than the sales tax would. Also there is a movement in the state legislature to let municipalities have a sales tax.I have not seen or heard much resistance from the Chamber of Commerce or the newspaper concerning the garbage fee, yet it would hit people individuals harder than a proposed dales tax for the county . Just something for you all to think about as well as city council and county board supervisors to consider
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 03:25 PM MST
Mr. Norton:As usual, you are clueless.We HAVE to pay for garbage pick up so it really doesn't make a difference if you pay for it in taxes, or pay for it through a fee!The sales tax (that you supported) did NOT have to be implemented! The sales tax was supported because tax to the max people like you just want to spend more money. What happed to the 150 jobs that Mark Harris said would be lost. It seems your love for taxes wasn't justified.Wise up sir!
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Mark L. Harris on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 04:26 PM MST
The sales tax would have also reduced the property tax on an average homeowner by about $70.00 per year. As to the number of positions eliminated they were generally estimated in ranges. I don't think 150 was ever mentioned but I could be wrong. I was interviewed on wild eyed radio and I estimated 40 positions would be eliminated in a balanced budget with a sales tax ,and about 100 in a balanced budget without a sales tax. The board only eliminated 43 positions but they fell 1.6 million short of passing a balanced budget.The headline of 140 positions was placed on an interview with Alex Hummel where I made the same statement ( 40 with a sales tax and 100 without). Alex called the next day and appologized explaining that the reporter does not write the headlines. You can still listen to the radio interview on Tony's web page. You can ask Alex Hummel when you see him or search for the article in the ONW archives. I think I was very honest with the public and the board about the choices we faced. I never expected anyone to like those choices. I will never understand why so many people prefer politicians that tell them pleasant lies over those that try to tell them the truth. The ultimate failure of a government is the insistance on spending more than they are willing to tax. The County now operates with less employees than at any time in the last ten years. It will likely continue to shrink year after year.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Kent Monte on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 05:25 PM MST
As most know, I am strongly opposed to a fee for anything that is currently or previously covered by our property taxes. The sales tax I have nothing to do with so I will leave it alone except to say that I doubt we would have seen any break on our tax bill if it had been implemented.The Garbage fee is ridiculous. I think that if allowed to be implemented, it will not only never go away, it will get larger and be accompanied by more fees. This is a Pandora's Box that needs to be nailed shut. I have received emails and people have talked to me that are in favor of privatization and wanted me to contact a community that is currently doing it. My wife Michelle, who is running for school board {this advertisement approved by Monte for School Board :) }, lived in Manitowoc for 8 years under a private pick up and in the end, it was more expensive than $10/month for it. So given a choice, I would rather have the $10. But I will do it kicking and screaming. Tuesday is election day. Every vote counts. Make no mistake that I have done my homework and I will serve the best interests of this community and the hard working taxpayers in it. A vote for me is the right one and I hope to see you all on Tuesday.Thank you for reading and don't forget to vote.
Kent Monte
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Mark L. Harris on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 07:19 PM MST
Kent, I do not for a moment doubt your sincerity and I share your dislike for the garbage collection fee. The city however is at the maximum levy allowed by the state imposed levy freeze. This means that nothing can be added back to the levy without an offsetting decrease in spending or an alternative source of revenue. Whoever is elected or re-elected to serve on the council will have the tough choice of selecting what can be cut or what fees can be used. I wish whoever is elected the wisdom to make these extremely tough decisions. As far as the property tax relief built into the sales tax resolution it was always written in the same resolution. That resolution was included in the executive budget for all to see. The advantage of the sales tax is that nearly 1.2 million would come from tourists and day visitors. My proposal also called for sharing a small amount of the revenue with all the communities in the county on a per capita basis. I believe Oshkosh's share would have been $120,000.Please give my other post (regarding TPA) some thought. If it should become law in its current form, it will make road reconstruction nearly impossible for Oshkosh.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 06:55 PM MST
I too wonder why people would rather listen to people tell them what they want to hear during the election only to get in to office and say "oh, I didn't know that, or we can't keep all your services and not raise your taxes, we'll have to start cutting, and the list goes on...I appreciate your candor Mr. Harris, fortunately the voters in Winnebago county did too!
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Mike Norton on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 11:29 PM MST
If Winnebago County can collect totally in three years time and not have to foreclose and take the property outright.Which Winnebago County has to do from time to time. There a little extra revenue I believe 1% every month the taxes are unpaid.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: DP on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 08:25 PM MST
Mike...it's .5 of 1%, but what's a couple of zeros to a county board supervisor!
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 08:59 AM MST
It seems to me that "Reformer" Mark Harris is turning into a typical "TAX and SPEND" Politician. He hasn't even been in office for a year and he is pushing a second attemt to raise our taxes. By making another attempt to put in place a county wide sales tax. --- (TAX)
On top of this is the Park View issue, which the Oshkosh Northwestern has been hammering him on. His wanting to spend an estimated 29 million on building a new building instead of the estimated 15 million it would cost to renovate the old Mercy Medical Building. Leaving the Tax Payers to have to pay an unnecessary additional 14 million dollars above what was necessary. --- (SPEND) ---- Link To The Northwestern Editorial
It really makes me wonder if we selected the right person to do the job as the Winnebago County Executive, and if we can afford to keep him in that position. We don't need a "Tax and Spend" politician in charge of the counties purse strings, and if these are the types of decisions that Mr. Harris is going to make with our money, maybe we need to put a different person in charge of the county. If I recall correctly Mr. Harris won the position by only a few percentage points (1% I believe). With the decisions he is making with the counties (our) finances maybe the people of Winnebago County should think about recalling him and putting someone into office who will be more fiscally responsible, after all, how hard would it be to make 1% of the voters change their mind in light of the decisions he has made...
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Mike Norton on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 09:32 PM MST
I did not say I loved taxes as you say I do. What makes you say that. Of course you will not reveal yourself to all.To get back to the subject at hand. The sales tax would of done the same thing the garbage collection fee will do. Pay for services previously paid for property taxes. When positions are cut and there were cuts and services cut at the county level(the Huber facility being closed is one example) services are affected. Before being cut from the county budget these servces/positions were funded by revenues coming from property taxes and other sources. A sales tax, which I may or may not supported, would be paid by citizens outside Winnebago County as well as citizens in Winnebago County.Garbage collection was paid for by property taxes but now is paid for by a separate fee. This fee will be paid solely by the residents of Oshkosh.To DP and the original poster - sorry about .005 when in should of been .5. DP you imply zeroes do not mean much to me- I will point out to you that I have voted against 4 out 6 budgets while on the county board for various reasons. Does that make a big spender ? In your view I must be.I should of said half-cent sales tax to be safe. Thanks for the correction DP.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Mike Norton on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 11:50 PM MST
Yes I know that the garbage collection is a service that has to be paid either by property taxes or a special fee. My point was some people claimed the sales tax was so unfair but could live with garbage fee. I am mainly talking about the Chamber of Commerce and one city council person. Paul Esslinger on "Eye on Oshkosh " called the garbage fee the "greater of two evils" which I took that statement to mean without the fee other actions would have to be taken. Actions even more unpopualr than garbage fee. You call me " tax to the max" type of person - why do you say this. I voted against 4 of the 6 county budgets. That plus other statements you have no basis of saying. The sales tax was not to spend more money- hardly= if anything to Keep the services at the same level as before.When reduce personnel something will suffer. A great many part-time seasonal employees were cut from the budget which means less maintenance for thebuilding and grounds owned and operated by Winnebago County.You seem to suggest that I think one or the other- half-cent sales tax vs. garbage fee- is better than the other. I do not, for I feel the city and the council should of done more to put off implementing the fee for 2006.The reason I started this post, I will state again is why such a uproar about the sales tax and not so much for the garbage fee.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 09:56 AM MST
I do not trust the current county board. I feel if the sales tax was passed the board would go on a spending spree rather than use the dollars to reduce taxes as the law was intended.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 12:24 PM MST
ditto
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 04:26 PM MST
Where could counties spend more- would have to put back the money the state and feds used to give to the counties for programs they created.Most are in mandates that they have imposed on the counties. Especially state government.Latest example the state created a new thing for counties to implement -creating a Elder Abuse Council and Program. But will they fund it, not one penny.Pass along a program and make some one else pay for it.Is that fair dr ?
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 05:41 PM MST
No it is not fair. There is nothing fair about the whole process. Is it fair that we are the 5th highest taxed state in the U.S.? Is it fair that the local cities and counties keep trying to find ways around the laws made by the state legislature to keep our taxes down? As long as we continue to raise wages and maintain benefit packages we can not afford to our city and county employees we will continue to go into a deeper and deeper hole. Yet our local governments continue to dole out the raises and benefits while finding new and creative ways (fees, sales tax, moving expenditures to the capital improvements budget) to tax us to pay for them. No it is not fair.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: L Schaffer on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 08:24 PM MST
I totally agree with you, it is not fair that our elected officials be it local, county, state and federal think that they know more than the taxpayer and they will only tell us what they want us to know. They say we want to keep you informed and they have nothing to hide, yet they keep information from us. Our elected officials asked us why we don't trust them is because they say one thing and then do another. The taxpayers are being asked to pay more and do with less and when you start to question their wisdom and try to bring up suggestions in order to save money they ignore you and hope you go away. Our elected officials do not want to hear from the taxpayers and they will do whatever they want no matter what it costs. It is time to start getting rid of these elected people and start putting people in place that will listen to the taxpayers.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 07:56 AM MST
I couldn't agree with the last two posts more.It would be a breath of fresh air to have someone like Scott Walker (Mke County's Exec.) come in and put a line in the sand. Look around in the private sector. Pension and benefit promises are imploding...IBM moves away from a pension type retirement system to a 401k style...companies that don't adapt go the way of the dinosours. I'm sick of hearing about mandates, quid pro quo with the unions, and scare tactics about how services will be lost. The Taxpayer Protection Act, while far from perfect, is the first salvo of the modern version of the Boston Tea Party. Bring it on.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 08:15 AM MST
Funny, I never heard a word about how we have to give the unions more money during the roar in the stock market when the private sector was rolling in money!
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 09:44 AM MST
Excellent point but it is futile to argue with the irrational
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 10:40 AM MST
Those in government jobs truly have lived in a fantasy world. Well, reality has hit. The closer your compensation packages get to that of the private sector the more we will hear you complain.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 11:44 AM MST
If you are talking compensation PACKAGES I think you will find they are in line with the private sector ---public sector employees usually have less in the salary area and better benefits than the private sector but overall compensation (salary & benefits) are about the same.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 01:02 PM MST
That's just not true. Please show me an independent study that shows that. When the county did that a few years ago, they did it in house with a bunch of unqualified and biased employees doing the "study". OH...WAIT...LOOK WHAT I FOUND ON MY DESK...According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, state and local government employees averaged $23.56 an hour in 2003, compared with $16.49 for private sector employees.Credit the city of Houston, who DID hire a professional actuarial firm to study their compensation. But then in true circle the wagons fashion, the city gladly reported PART of the findings...that the average city worker made about 19% less than the similar private sector job (about $32K vs. $38K). BUT, they maybe forgot to mention total compensation. They fail to mention that the average private sector worker participating in a 401(k) would have to receive a salary that's at least 25% higher during each year of his 30-year career, save every dime of that difference, and generate and 8.5% return in order to accumulate the same pension received by a city employee.I'll admit that executives and upper management probably do much better in the private sector, but overall, it's just not so.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 02:05 PM MST
Then again, do you think Mark Harris would be hired by a company of over 1000 employees to be the CEO? How about our city manager Dick W.? Would a corporation go out and hire an office manager to be the CEO of a large corporation? Could Mike Norton serve on the Board of Directors of a large company? I could go on, but I think you get the point.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 09:00 PM MST
If things are SOOOOOO bad, please throw your hat into the ring. The county board is looking for new blood.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 10:32 PM MST
Yes to Mark Harris no to Wollangk and Norton...
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Mark L. Harris on Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 10:37 PM MST
I guess I am no Bernie Ebbers or Ken Lay but then who would want to be like them. I understand the point you are making but I do have some good credentials including a business and Law Degree from the University of Michigan a CPA certificate in two states and a sound mind, strong work ethic, and a good moral compass. I do my best for the people of Winnebago County and I don't think they deserve anything less.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 06:31 AM MST
While you may be a good man and a hard worker the fact remains that a corporation of over 1000 employees would not hire you to be a CEO.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Jim B. on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 06:52 AM MST
But what CEO type candidate would take the job of Winebago County Executive?Jim B.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 09:09 AM MST
How could it possibly be a "fact" that a corporation with over 1000 employees would not hire Mr. Harris... what do you base these "facts" on? It is a ridiculous statement, you can't possibly know what every corporation in the country would do. I think Mr. Harris has all the skills and more that a corporation of 10,000 employees would be looking for.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 07:09 AM MST
Mark, don't pay any attention to their childish, mean-spirited personal attacks. Their lack of critical thinking skills helps me understand they simply want a County Executive who will treat them like children and tell them everything is OK when it isn't, rather than be told the truth as an adult. You have inherited a tough situation and I appreciate your dedication, intelligence, and honesty!
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 07:38 AM MST
The conversation is about wages and benefits for government employees vs the private sector. No one said he is doing a bad job. I think we all understand the mess he inherited, as well as how tough the next budget cycle will be.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 08:29 AM MST
That's what is suppose to be about but if you read the postings you will find personal attacks against Mark that I do not believe should be made, especially in this forum.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Jim B. on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 08:47 AM MST
My comment was not meant as a slight to Mark Harris, whom I think is doing a good job and willing to make the tough decisions while not candy coating the situation . It is actually support for the task he has taken on. You would be hard pressed to find a CEO type to take on the job of County Executive considering the pay scale versus CEO pay scales. Not to mention the mess he has inherited.
Jim B.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 09:00 AM MST
I agree, Mark Harris has done a very good job with the cards that he was dealt and the mess that he inherited.Given that the position is elected and anyone could be elected, I think we are very fortunate to have someone with the experience, qualifications, and overall comprehension of the problems that this county faces.Although, when a nurse can be elected and create her own political machine, it makes you wonder whether this should be an elected or hired position. But would you really trust this County Board to hire someone for that position?I don't envy the tough decisions that are going to have to be made in the next couple of years.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: got it on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 06:48 PM MST
Don't forget, that nurse has a Master's Degree in Public Administration.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 08:37 PM MST
Wasn't she close to getting it, but did not have it while in office?
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Thursday, February 23 2006 @ 03:43 PM MST
What "mess" did he inherit? AA2 bond rating, 25 cents below the state cap, huh. He was on the county board and had all the power and privelege of the board and finance committee, he never talked "mess" because he was part of the policy makers. He was Mayor of Oshkosh. They apparently are "mess" free.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Thursday, February 23 2006 @ 05:45 PM MST
You must have short memory. The previous County Executive raided the general fund to make the previous budget work rather than making the necessary cuts. Couple that with a levy cap and you have a mess.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Thursday, February 23 2006 @ 06:56 PM MST
says who????
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Thursday, February 23 2006 @ 09:08 PM MST
I did, can't you read what I just wrote. Facts!
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 07:13 AM MST
I challenge you to email the department of sanitation as I did. The link is on the city web site. The email address is shutchison@ci.oshkosh.wi.us. His answer to me was "We currently have (17) fulltime Sanitation Operators within the Sanitation Division. Our Division is supplemented with an average of (4) inmates".
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 09:00 AM MST
Mark,I think you have done an excellent job for our county. I've come to realize that too many of the posters on this site and others really don't care to understand the issues, they just like to complain. I would like to thank you for all you do. This community is lucky to have an elected official like you.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 09:04 AM MST
I think the frustration that some show is not directed at Mark, but at the constant comparisons that county employees use to defend their pay packages.I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard the comparison of the County Executive's pay to the CEO of Kimberly Clark.That's where the frustration comes from...it's not a knock on Mark.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 09:11 AM MST
Well why wouldn't county employees use the comparison, posters are always saying their benefits need to be in line with the "private sector" why is that a fair comparison but the other is not?
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 09:01 PM MST
Nice broad brush!
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 01:35 PM MST
"Overall, the analysts forecast a 7.2 percent annual increase in health care costs over the coming decade. That's in line with the 7.4 percent increase in 2005."If true, and if levy limits will be capped at about 1/2 of this, government has no choice but to reduce benefits.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 01:41 PM MST
The county has the proposed sales tax to fall back on and the city has the garbage fee for added revenue. They always find ways to tax or fee us more and avoid the necessary cuts.
There are those who did not like the .005 of 1 % sales taxes the County Executive was proposing to preserve jobs and for keeping the same level of services for Winnebago County. But at the same time supported the $10 a month garage fee, some called it necessary to balance the budget and called it better for it “was the greater of two evils”.Here is something for all of you to consider. If the garbage fee were made permanent for a full year, then at $10 (which it is presently and could go up) it would cost each household $120 a year. Now consider the .005 of 1% sales tax that the county was considering. One would have to spend $24,000 in sales taxable items to pay the amount equal to that of a full year of garbage fees. And remember the garbage fee will more likely to go up more and faster than the sales tax would. Also there is a movement in the state legislature to let municipalities have a sales tax.I have not seen or heard much resistance from the Chamber of Commerce or the newspaper concerning the garbage fee, yet it would hit people individuals harder than a proposed dales tax for the county . Just something for you all to think about as well as city council and county board supervisors to consider
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 03:25 PM MST
Mr. Norton:As usual, you are clueless.We HAVE to pay for garbage pick up so it really doesn't make a difference if you pay for it in taxes, or pay for it through a fee!The sales tax (that you supported) did NOT have to be implemented! The sales tax was supported because tax to the max people like you just want to spend more money. What happed to the 150 jobs that Mark Harris said would be lost. It seems your love for taxes wasn't justified.Wise up sir!
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Mark L. Harris on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 04:26 PM MST
The sales tax would have also reduced the property tax on an average homeowner by about $70.00 per year. As to the number of positions eliminated they were generally estimated in ranges. I don't think 150 was ever mentioned but I could be wrong. I was interviewed on wild eyed radio and I estimated 40 positions would be eliminated in a balanced budget with a sales tax ,and about 100 in a balanced budget without a sales tax. The board only eliminated 43 positions but they fell 1.6 million short of passing a balanced budget.The headline of 140 positions was placed on an interview with Alex Hummel where I made the same statement ( 40 with a sales tax and 100 without). Alex called the next day and appologized explaining that the reporter does not write the headlines. You can still listen to the radio interview on Tony's web page. You can ask Alex Hummel when you see him or search for the article in the ONW archives. I think I was very honest with the public and the board about the choices we faced. I never expected anyone to like those choices. I will never understand why so many people prefer politicians that tell them pleasant lies over those that try to tell them the truth. The ultimate failure of a government is the insistance on spending more than they are willing to tax. The County now operates with less employees than at any time in the last ten years. It will likely continue to shrink year after year.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Kent Monte on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 05:25 PM MST
As most know, I am strongly opposed to a fee for anything that is currently or previously covered by our property taxes. The sales tax I have nothing to do with so I will leave it alone except to say that I doubt we would have seen any break on our tax bill if it had been implemented.The Garbage fee is ridiculous. I think that if allowed to be implemented, it will not only never go away, it will get larger and be accompanied by more fees. This is a Pandora's Box that needs to be nailed shut. I have received emails and people have talked to me that are in favor of privatization and wanted me to contact a community that is currently doing it. My wife Michelle, who is running for school board {this advertisement approved by Monte for School Board :) }, lived in Manitowoc for 8 years under a private pick up and in the end, it was more expensive than $10/month for it. So given a choice, I would rather have the $10. But I will do it kicking and screaming. Tuesday is election day. Every vote counts. Make no mistake that I have done my homework and I will serve the best interests of this community and the hard working taxpayers in it. A vote for me is the right one and I hope to see you all on Tuesday.Thank you for reading and don't forget to vote.
Kent Monte
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Mark L. Harris on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 07:19 PM MST
Kent, I do not for a moment doubt your sincerity and I share your dislike for the garbage collection fee. The city however is at the maximum levy allowed by the state imposed levy freeze. This means that nothing can be added back to the levy without an offsetting decrease in spending or an alternative source of revenue. Whoever is elected or re-elected to serve on the council will have the tough choice of selecting what can be cut or what fees can be used. I wish whoever is elected the wisdom to make these extremely tough decisions. As far as the property tax relief built into the sales tax resolution it was always written in the same resolution. That resolution was included in the executive budget for all to see. The advantage of the sales tax is that nearly 1.2 million would come from tourists and day visitors. My proposal also called for sharing a small amount of the revenue with all the communities in the county on a per capita basis. I believe Oshkosh's share would have been $120,000.Please give my other post (regarding TPA) some thought. If it should become law in its current form, it will make road reconstruction nearly impossible for Oshkosh.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 06:55 PM MST
I too wonder why people would rather listen to people tell them what they want to hear during the election only to get in to office and say "oh, I didn't know that, or we can't keep all your services and not raise your taxes, we'll have to start cutting, and the list goes on...I appreciate your candor Mr. Harris, fortunately the voters in Winnebago county did too!
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Mike Norton on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 11:29 PM MST
If Winnebago County can collect totally in three years time and not have to foreclose and take the property outright.Which Winnebago County has to do from time to time. There a little extra revenue I believe 1% every month the taxes are unpaid.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: DP on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 08:25 PM MST
Mike...it's .5 of 1%, but what's a couple of zeros to a county board supervisor!
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 08:59 AM MST
It seems to me that "Reformer" Mark Harris is turning into a typical "TAX and SPEND" Politician. He hasn't even been in office for a year and he is pushing a second attemt to raise our taxes. By making another attempt to put in place a county wide sales tax. --- (TAX)
On top of this is the Park View issue, which the Oshkosh Northwestern has been hammering him on. His wanting to spend an estimated 29 million on building a new building instead of the estimated 15 million it would cost to renovate the old Mercy Medical Building. Leaving the Tax Payers to have to pay an unnecessary additional 14 million dollars above what was necessary. --- (SPEND) ---- Link To The Northwestern Editorial
It really makes me wonder if we selected the right person to do the job as the Winnebago County Executive, and if we can afford to keep him in that position. We don't need a "Tax and Spend" politician in charge of the counties purse strings, and if these are the types of decisions that Mr. Harris is going to make with our money, maybe we need to put a different person in charge of the county. If I recall correctly Mr. Harris won the position by only a few percentage points (1% I believe). With the decisions he is making with the counties (our) finances maybe the people of Winnebago County should think about recalling him and putting someone into office who will be more fiscally responsible, after all, how hard would it be to make 1% of the voters change their mind in light of the decisions he has made...
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Mike Norton on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 09:32 PM MST
I did not say I loved taxes as you say I do. What makes you say that. Of course you will not reveal yourself to all.To get back to the subject at hand. The sales tax would of done the same thing the garbage collection fee will do. Pay for services previously paid for property taxes. When positions are cut and there were cuts and services cut at the county level(the Huber facility being closed is one example) services are affected. Before being cut from the county budget these servces/positions were funded by revenues coming from property taxes and other sources. A sales tax, which I may or may not supported, would be paid by citizens outside Winnebago County as well as citizens in Winnebago County.Garbage collection was paid for by property taxes but now is paid for by a separate fee. This fee will be paid solely by the residents of Oshkosh.To DP and the original poster - sorry about .005 when in should of been .5. DP you imply zeroes do not mean much to me- I will point out to you that I have voted against 4 out 6 budgets while on the county board for various reasons. Does that make a big spender ? In your view I must be.I should of said half-cent sales tax to be safe. Thanks for the correction DP.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Mike Norton on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 11:50 PM MST
Yes I know that the garbage collection is a service that has to be paid either by property taxes or a special fee. My point was some people claimed the sales tax was so unfair but could live with garbage fee. I am mainly talking about the Chamber of Commerce and one city council person. Paul Esslinger on "Eye on Oshkosh " called the garbage fee the "greater of two evils" which I took that statement to mean without the fee other actions would have to be taken. Actions even more unpopualr than garbage fee. You call me " tax to the max" type of person - why do you say this. I voted against 4 of the 6 county budgets. That plus other statements you have no basis of saying. The sales tax was not to spend more money- hardly= if anything to Keep the services at the same level as before.When reduce personnel something will suffer. A great many part-time seasonal employees were cut from the budget which means less maintenance for thebuilding and grounds owned and operated by Winnebago County.You seem to suggest that I think one or the other- half-cent sales tax vs. garbage fee- is better than the other. I do not, for I feel the city and the council should of done more to put off implementing the fee for 2006.The reason I started this post, I will state again is why such a uproar about the sales tax and not so much for the garbage fee.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 09:56 AM MST
I do not trust the current county board. I feel if the sales tax was passed the board would go on a spending spree rather than use the dollars to reduce taxes as the law was intended.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 12:24 PM MST
ditto
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 04:26 PM MST
Where could counties spend more- would have to put back the money the state and feds used to give to the counties for programs they created.Most are in mandates that they have imposed on the counties. Especially state government.Latest example the state created a new thing for counties to implement -creating a Elder Abuse Council and Program. But will they fund it, not one penny.Pass along a program and make some one else pay for it.Is that fair dr ?
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 05:41 PM MST
No it is not fair. There is nothing fair about the whole process. Is it fair that we are the 5th highest taxed state in the U.S.? Is it fair that the local cities and counties keep trying to find ways around the laws made by the state legislature to keep our taxes down? As long as we continue to raise wages and maintain benefit packages we can not afford to our city and county employees we will continue to go into a deeper and deeper hole. Yet our local governments continue to dole out the raises and benefits while finding new and creative ways (fees, sales tax, moving expenditures to the capital improvements budget) to tax us to pay for them. No it is not fair.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: L Schaffer on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 08:24 PM MST
I totally agree with you, it is not fair that our elected officials be it local, county, state and federal think that they know more than the taxpayer and they will only tell us what they want us to know. They say we want to keep you informed and they have nothing to hide, yet they keep information from us. Our elected officials asked us why we don't trust them is because they say one thing and then do another. The taxpayers are being asked to pay more and do with less and when you start to question their wisdom and try to bring up suggestions in order to save money they ignore you and hope you go away. Our elected officials do not want to hear from the taxpayers and they will do whatever they want no matter what it costs. It is time to start getting rid of these elected people and start putting people in place that will listen to the taxpayers.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 07:56 AM MST
I couldn't agree with the last two posts more.It would be a breath of fresh air to have someone like Scott Walker (Mke County's Exec.) come in and put a line in the sand. Look around in the private sector. Pension and benefit promises are imploding...IBM moves away from a pension type retirement system to a 401k style...companies that don't adapt go the way of the dinosours. I'm sick of hearing about mandates, quid pro quo with the unions, and scare tactics about how services will be lost. The Taxpayer Protection Act, while far from perfect, is the first salvo of the modern version of the Boston Tea Party. Bring it on.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 08:15 AM MST
Funny, I never heard a word about how we have to give the unions more money during the roar in the stock market when the private sector was rolling in money!
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 09:44 AM MST
Excellent point but it is futile to argue with the irrational
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 10:40 AM MST
Those in government jobs truly have lived in a fantasy world. Well, reality has hit. The closer your compensation packages get to that of the private sector the more we will hear you complain.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 11:44 AM MST
If you are talking compensation PACKAGES I think you will find they are in line with the private sector ---public sector employees usually have less in the salary area and better benefits than the private sector but overall compensation (salary & benefits) are about the same.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 01:02 PM MST
That's just not true. Please show me an independent study that shows that. When the county did that a few years ago, they did it in house with a bunch of unqualified and biased employees doing the "study". OH...WAIT...LOOK WHAT I FOUND ON MY DESK...According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, state and local government employees averaged $23.56 an hour in 2003, compared with $16.49 for private sector employees.Credit the city of Houston, who DID hire a professional actuarial firm to study their compensation. But then in true circle the wagons fashion, the city gladly reported PART of the findings...that the average city worker made about 19% less than the similar private sector job (about $32K vs. $38K). BUT, they maybe forgot to mention total compensation. They fail to mention that the average private sector worker participating in a 401(k) would have to receive a salary that's at least 25% higher during each year of his 30-year career, save every dime of that difference, and generate and 8.5% return in order to accumulate the same pension received by a city employee.I'll admit that executives and upper management probably do much better in the private sector, but overall, it's just not so.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 02:05 PM MST
Then again, do you think Mark Harris would be hired by a company of over 1000 employees to be the CEO? How about our city manager Dick W.? Would a corporation go out and hire an office manager to be the CEO of a large corporation? Could Mike Norton serve on the Board of Directors of a large company? I could go on, but I think you get the point.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 09:00 PM MST
If things are SOOOOOO bad, please throw your hat into the ring. The county board is looking for new blood.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 10:32 PM MST
Yes to Mark Harris no to Wollangk and Norton...
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Mark L. Harris on Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 10:37 PM MST
I guess I am no Bernie Ebbers or Ken Lay but then who would want to be like them. I understand the point you are making but I do have some good credentials including a business and Law Degree from the University of Michigan a CPA certificate in two states and a sound mind, strong work ethic, and a good moral compass. I do my best for the people of Winnebago County and I don't think they deserve anything less.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 06:31 AM MST
While you may be a good man and a hard worker the fact remains that a corporation of over 1000 employees would not hire you to be a CEO.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Jim B. on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 06:52 AM MST
But what CEO type candidate would take the job of Winebago County Executive?Jim B.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 09:09 AM MST
How could it possibly be a "fact" that a corporation with over 1000 employees would not hire Mr. Harris... what do you base these "facts" on? It is a ridiculous statement, you can't possibly know what every corporation in the country would do. I think Mr. Harris has all the skills and more that a corporation of 10,000 employees would be looking for.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 07:09 AM MST
Mark, don't pay any attention to their childish, mean-spirited personal attacks. Their lack of critical thinking skills helps me understand they simply want a County Executive who will treat them like children and tell them everything is OK when it isn't, rather than be told the truth as an adult. You have inherited a tough situation and I appreciate your dedication, intelligence, and honesty!
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 07:38 AM MST
The conversation is about wages and benefits for government employees vs the private sector. No one said he is doing a bad job. I think we all understand the mess he inherited, as well as how tough the next budget cycle will be.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 08:29 AM MST
That's what is suppose to be about but if you read the postings you will find personal attacks against Mark that I do not believe should be made, especially in this forum.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Jim B. on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 08:47 AM MST
My comment was not meant as a slight to Mark Harris, whom I think is doing a good job and willing to make the tough decisions while not candy coating the situation . It is actually support for the task he has taken on. You would be hard pressed to find a CEO type to take on the job of County Executive considering the pay scale versus CEO pay scales. Not to mention the mess he has inherited.
Jim B.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 09:00 AM MST
I agree, Mark Harris has done a very good job with the cards that he was dealt and the mess that he inherited.Given that the position is elected and anyone could be elected, I think we are very fortunate to have someone with the experience, qualifications, and overall comprehension of the problems that this county faces.Although, when a nurse can be elected and create her own political machine, it makes you wonder whether this should be an elected or hired position. But would you really trust this County Board to hire someone for that position?I don't envy the tough decisions that are going to have to be made in the next couple of years.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: got it on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 06:48 PM MST
Don't forget, that nurse has a Master's Degree in Public Administration.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 08:37 PM MST
Wasn't she close to getting it, but did not have it while in office?
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Thursday, February 23 2006 @ 03:43 PM MST
What "mess" did he inherit? AA2 bond rating, 25 cents below the state cap, huh. He was on the county board and had all the power and privelege of the board and finance committee, he never talked "mess" because he was part of the policy makers. He was Mayor of Oshkosh. They apparently are "mess" free.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Thursday, February 23 2006 @ 05:45 PM MST
You must have short memory. The previous County Executive raided the general fund to make the previous budget work rather than making the necessary cuts. Couple that with a levy cap and you have a mess.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Thursday, February 23 2006 @ 06:56 PM MST
says who????
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Thursday, February 23 2006 @ 09:08 PM MST
I did, can't you read what I just wrote. Facts!
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 07:13 AM MST
I challenge you to email the department of sanitation as I did. The link is on the city web site. The email address is shutchison@ci.oshkosh.wi.us. His answer to me was "We currently have (17) fulltime Sanitation Operators within the Sanitation Division. Our Division is supplemented with an average of (4) inmates".
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 09:00 AM MST
Mark,I think you have done an excellent job for our county. I've come to realize that too many of the posters on this site and others really don't care to understand the issues, they just like to complain. I would like to thank you for all you do. This community is lucky to have an elected official like you.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 09:04 AM MST
I think the frustration that some show is not directed at Mark, but at the constant comparisons that county employees use to defend their pay packages.I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard the comparison of the County Executive's pay to the CEO of Kimberly Clark.That's where the frustration comes from...it's not a knock on Mark.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 09:11 AM MST
Well why wouldn't county employees use the comparison, posters are always saying their benefits need to be in line with the "private sector" why is that a fair comparison but the other is not?
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 09:01 PM MST
Nice broad brush!
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 01:35 PM MST
"Overall, the analysts forecast a 7.2 percent annual increase in health care costs over the coming decade. That's in line with the 7.4 percent increase in 2005."If true, and if levy limits will be capped at about 1/2 of this, government has no choice but to reduce benefits.
Sales Tax/Garbage Fee in City of Oshkosh
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 01:41 PM MST
The county has the proposed sales tax to fall back on and the city has the garbage fee for added revenue. They always find ways to tax or fee us more and avoid the necessary cuts.
posted by Cheryl Hentz at 2:40 PM
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