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THE TOP TEN FRANKLIN STORIES OF 2012: #5

Posted by Kevin Fischer on Dec. 27, 2012

THE TOP TEN FRANKLIN STORIES OF 2012

Imagine receiving a reassessment notice in the mail from the city assessor indicating the value of your home went up 25%. You’re astounded, so you call the office to inquire why. You’re informed that the increase is due to the new backyard swimming pool you’ve installed. The problem is…you don’t have a swimming pool.

That kind of describes the kick in the stomach many Franklin property owners are feeling having learned that with the completion of a sanitary sewer system, all of Franklin is now under the jurisdiction of those Lake Michigan poop dumpers at the Metropolitan Milwaukee Sewerage District (MMSD). MMSD, an unelected, unaccountable body, now has the authority to tax all Franklin properties, even those that do not use the sewer system.

The city of Franklin reported in its December 2012 newsletter to residents “some properties will see charges for the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) for the first time on these property tax bills. MMSD is a separate, independent taxing body from the City. In 2011, after a public hearing, the MMSD Commission approved an action requiring all properties in Franklin to be included in the MMSD district and subject to the MMSD tax. Properties not previously in the MMSD district will now see this added line and cost on their property tax bill. For additional information on this action, please contact MMSD directly at 414-272-5100.”

People are ticked.

FranklinNOW reports that the Common Council was admonished at its December 18 meeting by some residents including Pat Shawgo ("We resent paying for something that we are not using”) and Judy Napientek (“Our taxes are up and your credibility is very impacted”).

Franklin mayor Tom Taylor responded with a Pontius Pilate impersonation:

"MMSD's action and decision directly expanded the district and applied the new property tax levy to these parcels. This action was outside the direct control of the city and was not approved by the city."

You can read more details from FranklinNOW.

Franklin bloggers Fred Keller and former alderman Basil Ryan want to start a class action lawsuit on behalf of residents that use septic tanks who are now subject to the MMSD tax.

What a mess.

But remember, folks, Franklin is not a tax hell.


THE TOP 10 FRANKLIN STORIES OF 2012

1) ?
2) ?
3) ?
4) ?
5) WELCOME TO THE MMSD
6) PUTTING FRANKLIN ON THE MAP
7) A GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY
8) THE RISE OF THE CYBER BULLIES
9) FRANKLIN DEPARTURES
10) A BROCHURE? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?