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Letter to the Editor: Gibraltar Utility Fee Is a Fair Way to Pay for Roads

The opposition to the Gibraltar Transportation Utility Charge by the Little Sweden Condominium leadership (Letter to the Editor, Aug. 12 issue, “Opposed to Gibraltar’s Transportation ‘Fee’”) is based on faulty assumptions and myopic thinking.

First, the complaint of “very little notice” rings hollow. There were several informal town sessions that were open to the public to discuss the proposed charge, and the final proposal was the subject at several town board meetings. Not paying attention is not the same as “very little notice.”

Their other criticism is that Little Sweden residents won’t be able to “budget” to pay the charge. Yet I suspect owners have somehow managed to budget for higher gas prices, increased food prices and the overall impact of the runaway inflation that has plagued us since early 2021. Moreover, I suspect for some of the owners, theirs is but a second home, and thus the sting of the utility will be less keen.

The Traffic Utility is a reasonable and fair way for residents to pay for the increased costs of road maintenance in the township. People come to the Fish Creek area because of its beauty, restaurants, parks and activities. Road improvements benefit all in the community, not just those who have an address in front of the work being done. The road improvements keep visitors and residents safe and benefit all. It is appropriate that all residents share the cost, whether they are out on Maple Grove Road or the other side of town at Little Sweden Condominiums. 

As passed, all residents will contribute to pay for road costs equally. The State of Wisconsin and businesses will also contribute. Although there may or may not be court challenges, other solutions such as special assessments are even more problematic. 

I say congrats to the town for an innovative and fair approach to funding roads, both now and in the future.

Cal Burnton

Fish Creek, Wisconsin