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A move to give the citizens a say over the approval of Tax Increment Districts, or TIDs, is drawing strong reaction from Sheboygan Mayor Ryan Sorenson. Organizers will circulate a petition during Monday’s Memorial Day parade, seeking enough signatures to submit an ordinance that would give citizens a vote over proposed TIDs, something that for now is entirely in the hands of City government.
Lisa Salgado, one of the organizers, said the goal isn’t to limit development, but to promote transparency and give people a say over how the City spends its money. Salgado was quoted as saying that “…when projects involve millions of dollars in public incentives or future tax revenue, residents should have the right to vote.” The proposal would require a city-wide referendum for TID projects exceeding $10 million in commitments and prohibit non-disclosure agreements in developing TIDs among other things.
Mayor Ryan Sorenson reacted to the proposal by stating that “This is ultimately an obstructionist approach that would exacerbate the ongoing housing shortage and increase costs for residents and business alike. This proposal would be detrimental to the long-term economic health of the city.”
Sorenson said that restricting responsible TID use would limit future growth and place Sheboygan at a disadvantage compared to neighboring communities by placing political hurdles in the way of development, likely dissuading investment in much-needed housing and business projects.
Organizers have 60 days in order to gather at least 2,599 signatures according to the City Clerk in order for the petition to move forward.
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