In 2017 residents have watched to see if campaign promises by the mayor and city council were kept. Like anything political it can be difficult, but not impossible, to govern according to the principles you campaign on.

 

Residents were promised reduced spending and promotion of business growth. Recently residents learned the city council increased spending another 10% bringing the last five years total to 50%. Taxpayers were told that it would cost no more than $70,000 for a parking lot expansion in T-town that ended up costing $295,000 for about an additional 20 parking spaces. 

 

Businesses say the city requires them to “jump through hoops” or pay expensive fees for permits and infrastructure if they want to purchase lots or expand. Has anyone else thought why, one year later, Kwik Trip is still not here and why city owned lots remain empty? According to city council minutes 92% of the city’s revenue is from property taxes and I believe Xcel Energy still accounts for about 70% of that figure. 

 

A gas plant is not yet a reality it is still just a plan. Could anyone blame Xcel? The city is on record as saying they have no problem competing with business owners even if it puts them out of business and with such a killer business environment plans could change. 

 

That being what it is a city council with an appetite for spending with no growth does not bode well for taxpayers and does not fulfill their promises.