Residents of Port Washington are bracing themselves for a property tax hike following the Common Council's decision to allocate $33.5 million for the construction of a new public safety building. This development has sparked varied reactions within the community as TMJ4 Lighthouse reporter Ryan Jenkins discovered during his interactions with the locals. Jenkins toured the current fire department facilities to better understand the pressing need for a new, modernized space. Windy Hope Bohn, a resident, voiced mixed feelings about the new project. As a mother, she values the emphasis on enhancing police and fire services, but is concerned about the financial implications.
The extra taxes are kind of hard right now, especially with my husband being a blue-collar worker in a tough economy.
The financial impact is significant, as reports presented to the Common Council indicated that a home assessed at $300,000 will experience an average property tax increase of around $575. Neighbor Steven Zibell shared similar concerns, predicting a rise in his taxes by approximately $650. "It's a tough pill to swallow, considering other recent tax increases," said Zibell, referring to additional charges for the city’s water system and EMS funding. The tax implications coincide with Port Washington's ongoing capital improvements to the water treatment plant, also a financial burden for residents. Zibell expressed doubts over the necessity of such a large facility, suggesting it might exceed the city's needs.
To gain further insight, Ryan Jenkins consulted Deputy Fire Chief and EMS Service Director Joe Deboer for a tour of the existing fire house. Jenkins reported cramped conditions with inadequate ventilation and outdated living quarters, posing potential health risks to the team. With 20% of the firefighters being female and no exclusive locker room facilities for women, the demand for an inclusive space is apparent, especially with six new firefighters joining the force soon.
Deboer highlighted the advantages of housing fire and police departments in one building, promoting collaborative training and shared amenities such as a fitness center. The new structure will feature a training tower, addressing the lack of live fire training since 2013. Additionally, its proposed location on Port Washington's west end positions it strategically at the junction of two major highways, enhancing operational efficiency. Despite the costs, Deputy Chief Deboer emphasized the benefits the new facility offers and expressed his resignation to the high costs as a sign of the times.
As the community absorbs this investment in public safety, the conversation around its financial burden continues. Meanwhile, residents can follow local news and updates on platforms like Roku and Apple TV.
