More than 40 acres of the Town of Nasewaupee could become part of the City of Sturgeon Bay if Common Council members approve a new ordinance for the second time on Tuesday. The Sturgeon Bay Common Council heard the first reading of an ordinance annexing 42.76 acres of the Town of Nasewaupee at its last meeting on November 4th. The oddly shaped group of parcels uses portions of Sawyer Drive, Duluth Avenue, and Oak Street as part of its boundary. As part of the agreement, the city would have to pay the town an amount equal to approximately five years of property taxes for the land annexed.
Some residents spoke against the annexation, citing the likelihood of higher taxes and unnecessary services that could result from the agreement. City officials say establishing a “town island” would lead to more confusion when it comes to delivery and public services. Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward says much of that area is already under pre-annexation agreements and that the council wants to settle the boundary now.
The city organized a meeting Monday afternoon (4 p.m.–5 p.m.) in the Community Room at Sturgeon Bay City Hall) to meet with residents about what annexation could mean for them. Ward says the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting is relatively light after a series of long meetings related to the budget and other issues. The Sturgeon Bay Common Council will also discuss a new public stormwater utility ordinance when it meets Tuesday at 6 p.m. inside the council chambers at Sturgeon Bay City Hall.
