Pestigo Town Board discusses property taxes and ordinance updates

PESHTIGO – The Peshtigo Town Board held their monthly meeting on Dec. 17. After approving the agenda, the board began their meeting by hearing a public comment.

Adam Steeber took the floor to share his disappointment with the agenda following the board’s decision to not include an item he previously submitted. He also argued against the time restraints for public comments, which is 15 minutes total with three minutes allowed per person with no time donations. He added, “Chairperson Friday, you have stifled the voices of the people since you took office.”

In announcements, Chairperson Friday shared that updates about the Tyco work can be seen on the Town of Peshtigo website.

Afterwards, Chairperson Friday spoke about the recent complaints she has received regarding property taxes. She encouraged people to “Consider just how much you should reasonably expect from the Town of Peshtigo based solely on the amount of your property taxes that you pay.”

Chairperson Friday added that property tax distribution is 56% to the Marinette School District (or 58% for those in the Peshtigo School District), 33% to the county, 6% to the technical college and 5% for the Town of Peshtigo. The town has been locked in at this 5% distribution rate since 2005.

The fire department report was given. They received 10 calls, one of which was for a carbon monoxide incident. The department urges residents to install carbon monoxide alarms and to never run a vehicle in a garage, regardless of whether or not the garage door is open.

The board also discussed the annual newsletter that is mailed to residents, which costs $1,500 - $2,000 due to rising postage costs. In an effort to combat this expense, as well as making sure up-to-date information is always accessible, they considered different methods to publish information, such as a website banner, emails and keeping paper copies at the recycling center and town hall.

Next, they shared information regarding the sale on fire numbers. The Town of Peshtigo mandates that homeowners have a fire number outside of their house and that the number is readable. To lower costs for homeowners, the town is selling fire numbers and stakes at a discounted price of $25 Jan. 1 through April 1. Contact the Town of Peshtigo for information regarding fire number purchases.

In personnel news,  Dennis Czapiewski resigned from the planning commission. His term, lasting until March 31, 2027, will be carried out by Joel Ortman.

The board then discussed updates to Ordinance Section 34-82, “discharge of firearms.” The current ordinance states “no person shall discharge any gun in the town within 300 yards of any occupied permanent dwelling in the town.” However, the Department of Natural Resources suggested that the yard limit should be decreased to 100 yards to match the overall state law.

Supervisor Clarence Coble recommended that the board lower the ordinance to 100 yards for hunting, but keep it at 300 yards for target shooting. Other board members supported this idea, but they decided to research practices used by other towns first and sent it to the plan commission for further consideration.

In other updates, Chairperson Friday shared that parts for the new HVAC system are behind schedule due to global supply chain issues. Supervisor Clarence Coble shared that Oshkosh Roofing should be beginning the roofing project soon and that he will share updates once they begin.

Supervisor Tim Bergeson said that the recycling center will be installing additional lighting over the dumpsters due to safety concerns voiced by citizens. He anticipated that the lighting would cost under $500.

The Peshtigo Town Board adjourned the meeting and invited everyone in attendance to stop by the annual Christmas Party. The town board will meet next on Tuesday, Jan. 21.