Residents who want trustees to more fully explain how the village would spend the money generated by a binding referendum will get the information they want at next week’s committee meeting.
Michelle Strauss asked for more detail Tuesday during public comment at the Sturtevant village board meeting.
“Residents are concerned, but I think they would support this if they had more details,” she said.
The referendum was proposed after the annual July 3 fireworks event. Volunteers expressed their frustration with fundraising challenges and the lack of involvement from residents outside the core group who have been involved since the fireworks were taken off the village budget in 2007. Funding through the referendum would also include village parks and possibly the re-introduction of village parks & rec programs.
In August, trustees voted to include a binding referendum on the November ballot. If approved, taxes would go up 1.8 percent over 2013 rates, or $19 more per $100,000 in assessed value.
Wording of the question is dictated by state statute, Trustee Chris Larsen told Strauss, so exactly how the money would be spent is something board members can discuss in committee but can’t spell out on the ballot.
“It’s wordy and really kind of annoying,” he said. “But we can put this item on the agenda for next week’s committee meeting and we can talk details then for residents who want to know.”
Volunteer Master Gardeners have been caring for the grounds at village parks for years, and public works employees mow the grass and perform routine maintenance, but the annual budget has for years lacked a dedicated line item for parks.
The committee meeting begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Village Hall, 2801 89th Street. Call (262) 886-7200.