Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels was recently on WOMT’s “Be My Guest” program, where he was put on the spot by host Jim Medley.
“You are going on record,” Medley said “This September 15th, that there will be no city tax increase?” Mayor Nickels responded with “That is correct.” He went on to say that work on the 2021 budget is beginning to pick up. “We’re going into this budget knowing we’re going to have to cut back a little bit and be responsible with the dollars we have.” Nickels explained. “In 2022 we may see a bigger gap in state shared revenue (due to the pandemic) so we are starting to save a few dollars now. By doing this, we shouldn’t have to eliminate positions or services and keep business as normal.”
Nickels also spoke about some items already resolved in the spending plan. He said, “There won’t be any new positions added to any department except police and fire or any essential personnel we deem necessary. City employee scheduled raises are still in the budget but depending on the economy and the course of the COVID-19 virus that may have to be adjusted.” Nickels plans to present his budget to the full Council next month with anticipated passage before December first.