By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News

It was standing room only as the Wellington City Council gathered on Wednesday, Aug. 13, as citizens packed Wellington City Hall for a public truth-in-taxation hearing. Facing a proposed 225% increase, citizens railed against the proposal, encouraging the council to lower the proposed increase.

Following two hours of public comment, the council elected to postpone the rate increase for further review.

Mayor Jack Clark opened the hearing with a presentation explaining the rationale behind the proposal. “This is a pretty harsh thing to swallow,” said the Mayor. He explained that these increases would be used for public safety, road repairs, utilities, employee retention and general city operations.

He clarified that this increase would not be used for new city building, employee raises or new programs.

As for why the increase is so steep, he explained that the city has not seen a tax increase since 2017. With the proposed increase, the total revenue would be increased to $1,646,775. However, the total expenses of the city amount to $1,673,325, leaving a shortfall of $26,550.

Clark also noted that without the increase, the city would see an immediate shortfall of $400,000, claiming that this would lead to cuts to staff, reduced services and longer response time. “This is about preserving the city we have and preserving the future,” said Mayor Clark.

The meeting was then opened to public comment, with resident Bill Barnes opening the affair. “I’m imploring you guys to make some of those overdue needs overdue some more,” he said. Adding that the city should instead look to increase taxes little by little each year. He closed, stating,” Go back to the drawing board.”

Clark again stated that he understood the increase would be hard on citizens, but that without it, the city would be forced to make cuts. “If I need to get rid of an officer, I’ll get rid of an officer … If I need to get rid of a city worker, I’ll get rid of a city worker. But who will fulfill those roles?” he asked. He added,” We’re doing the best we can.”

“I believe the government should budget and operate just like I have to. I’d love to buy a brand-new truck and build a brand-new house, but I can’t,” said one citizen. “I work too damn hard, I work 70 hours, and to turn around and pay this kind of burden to live here.”

Another criticized the city’s spending,” Needs are different from wants. We need to get back in the black before we start purchasing things that are wants.” Another added,” You have a responsibility to make sure the taxes you collect are being used responsibly. It seems to me Wellington City still has a spending issue.”

“I’m heartbroken because I thought this would be a forever house,” said resident Erin Hansen. “But the reality is these taxes are going to be more than my mortgage. I can’t afford to live here … This is not the answer, trying to tax a community that doesn’t have it is not the answer.”

Criticism didn’t stop at the increase, with some taking aim at the state legislature, with Len Wells stating,” The state don’t do a damn thing for us. All they do is come down with unfunded mandates.”

Others aimed the school district’s role in property taxes,” The schools are just off the chart … We just can’t pay it”

Bringing the elder perspective, Sam Espinzoa addressed the council, stating,” The elderly can’t afford to hold onto the property they have right now because of taxes going up. There has to be a better way.” He also encouraged the body to” listen to the citizens who have spoken tonight.”

Among those speaking out about the increase, some came up with potential alternative solutions to the budget shortfall. One suggested that the city pursue grants, while others recommended both independent and state audits of the city’s finances. Others encouraged the city to find ways to attract new businesses to the area or to increase the tax rate gradually instead of all at once.

Others recommended changes to the police force, lowering the number of on-shift officers and putting some into an on-call position.

Addressing the crowd, Carbon County Treasurer Tara Madsen explained that for property taxes, the county offers a circuit breaker program for those 65 or older based on income. They also provide a hardship abatement geared toward younger citizens. She encouraged citizens to apply if needed at the County Clerk/Assessor Office.”

Caleb Nelson took the podium and stated,” At what point do we just become county? At what point do we say we can’t afford to be a city?”

“One house in the county went from $2,000 to $5,000; we’re not the only ones raising taxes,” said council member Kathy Hascall, prompting yells of “That doesn’t make it right” from the crowd.

Again, Clark stated,” Tell me where to cut and I’ll cut. Would you rather call 911 and have an officer show up? Or maybe your water line breaks on Christmas Day and there’s no crew who wants to show up and fix it. Tell me where to cut and I’ll cut.”

Things got chippy when one commentator took the podium and called out mayoral candidate Ed Chavez, asking what he would do to fix the problem, creating a shouting match in the crowd. Police Chief Tom Kosmack intervened and stated that things would remain orderly, and that if not people would be removed.

The hearing was then closed, bringing the proposal to a vote.

In a unanimous decision, the council elected to postpone the decision on the tax increase, prompting applause from those in attendance.

The council will have until October to make a decision on the increase.