You may want to think twice the next time you call for the city of Sturgeon Bay to remove snow or mow your lawn. In the Common Council meeting on Tuesday, a resolution was passed increasing the fees by $15. City Administrator Josh VanLieshout said each year they try to revisit the fees for city services to make sure they are covering the actual cost of providing the services. VanLieshout added that the city is trying to get out of snow removal and lawn mowing for private owners, as those can detract from other necessary services.
He said he finds it reasonable to increase those rates by $15 across the board. The new price for snow removal will be $125 plus tax initially and then raised by $25 with each subsequent occurrence. The lawn mowing fee will be $250 plus tax initially before the price goes up to $25 with each additional occurrence. The park shelter rental price also increased for residents and non-residents, and that price varies based on the size of each crowd.
Public Works Director Mike Barker explains that the lawn mowing presents more issues than the snow removal, and the subsequent $25 fee isn’t because the city is trying to make a profit.
Alderperson Spencer Gustafson shared concern for some residents who may have limitations in their ability to mow or remove snow and also paying for the services. Mayor David Ward says they’ve often been observant of hardship cases and that’s something they’ll try to continue doing.
