Manitowoc County Executive Bob Ziegelbauer has revealed that his recommended 2023 county budget received a public hearing this past Monday.
The spending package is scheduled to be voted on and approved by county board members on Thursday (November 10th).
Ziegelbauer explained to Seehafer News, “The tax impact for the average taxpayer will go up 2.8%. It’s less than inflation. I hoped it would be less, but we have to combat inflation. One of the things we are recommending is a 5% increase in the pay of County employees.”
That cost of $2 million dollars is more than the tax increase on the typical property taxpayer in Manitowoc County.
The 2.8% increase is much less than inflation which is running at 7 to 8 percent.
In the meantime, Ziegelbauer explained like other businesses they’re competing for people.
“We have job vacancies for corrections officers, social workers accountants, clerical people, and emergency dispatchers,” he revealed. “That changes from time to time, but we are competing in the job market and the budget will help that in the long run.”
The County Executive also said that in December and January the county board will consider the courthouse dome and renovation project, which he recommends they approve.
As stated earlier, the courthouse project will be a 3-year endeavor with a price tag of between $20 and $30 million.
Ziegelbauer says more details on this project will be released in the coming months.
