The Shawano County Public Property Committee on Jan. 4 took another step forward in separating the county from the Shawano Municipal Airport.
An updated memorandum of understanding between the county and the city of Shawano was approved and forwarded to the executive committee for consideration.
Currently, the city and county equally share some operating costs and capital improvement costs. When the separation becomes effective Jan. 1, 2025, those costs will be the sole responsibility of the city.
“DOR (Department of Revenue) says it takes a year to do this,” said Jim Davel, administrative coordinator with the county. “I wouldn’t say we’re under the gun. I think we’re proceeding the way we should proceed. If there is an issue that somebody has, we certainly can address that issue.”
Supervisor Tom Kautza referenced last month’s comments from Shawano Mayor Bruce Milavitz that the separation was partly due to a personality conflict.
“I’m not taking this personal,” Kautza said. “This is strictly about dollars and cents. What is the benefit for what you’re spending? I can’t see it.”
Supervisor Randy Young, whose district includes part of the city, again expressed concern that his constituents would see the county’s share of airport costs added to their city tax bills.
“I’m just looking out for the people in my district,” he said. “Nobody wants to pay more taxes.”
Davel said the city and county each currently authorize between $66,000 and $70,000 for operations and another $25,000-$30,000 for capital improvements.
“Where they’re going to have a tough time .. is the capital improvement stuff,” Davel said to Young. “When the airport came to us for a garage door, ‘Here’s our half, $30,000.’ Next time, that’s going to be $60,000 that they’re paying.”
Davel said the county runs a very lean budget, despite the many requests made each year.
“The county is short of money,” said Supervisor Jerry Erdmann. “We’ve never been flush with money. We’ve got real needs — actual needs. The wants — to hell with wants — we’ve got actual needs.”
“I’ve heard more than once from a board member that always says, when you’re talking about $5,000 or $10,000, ‘This is a drop in the bucket,’” said Kautza. “Well, I don’t think that board member ever collected sap, because after you get enough drops in the bucket, it’s full.”
In the end, Young was the only member voting against the measure.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
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