Town of Mukwonago- At last night's Budget Hearing, residents poured into the Town Hall, and spoke out against the board's proposal to charge them $154 for garbage collection.

Two harsh winters with lots of snow left the board over budget for snow removal, causing them to dip into their reserve fund.  The proposal to charge for garbage collection was supposed to build up the reserve fund, which after 2008, is projected to be down to a mere $168,566.

But taxpayers told the board they did not want the fee, especially during the difficult economic times.

The board wasn't left with much choice and deserted their original plan to charge the fee.  In order to balance the budget, however, cuts were made.  The board also expressed their concern that simply throwing around numbers to balance the budget could have a detrimental effect on the town's finances in future years.

Town of Mukwonago-  Take a close look at the upcoming budget for the Town of Mukwonago and you might be surprised to find that residents may be asked to pay twice for garbage pickup services. 

Funding the snowy winter and looking into solutions for the Country Bliss flooding problems dipped into the Town's reserve fund.  In order to build the reserve fund back up, board members have proposed to keep the approximately $450,000 for garbage pickup on the budget and put that money back into the reserve fund.  Since that money will not go toward garbage collection, residents will be charged a $154 fee.

The board already decided to raise taxes by the allotted 2%.  Add that to reassessments, a $154 service charge and the worsening economy, and many residents may be feeling the pressure.

The board will make its final decision at the Nov. 20 budget hearing at 7 p.m.