Figuring out how to operate a town that goes from 700 people to attracting 300,000 people year-round is part of the reason Washington Island town chairperson Richard Tobey decided to run for office. The town recently instituted garbage fees to help fund the landfill’s over $140,000 in annual operating costs.  It is also trying to figure out ways like donation boxes to fund the $80,000 it takes to care for parks on the island.  Tobey says the fee structures being put in place are to more evenly split the costs between everyone who works, lives, and plays on the island.

With a little help, Tobey believes progress in those two areas could help relieve some of the infrastructure pressure on Washington Island. The town board meets on Wednesday at 6 p.m. where they will discuss what is next for its park committee which had four of its members resign.