Mayor Kabat defends revenue-sharing and fee structure ideas

Surrounding communities not
happy with La Crosse mayor

Clearly, La Crosse mayor Tim Kabat has been taking some heat over his ideas regarding revenue sharing and a fee structure with surrounding communities. 

The mayor, however, is sticking to his guns on the ideas of revenue sharing with other local governments and charging fees for city services as appropriate. 

Kabat thinks the conversation can involve some give and take with places like Shelby, Campbell, and Onalaska.

This week, the city council this votes on spending $50,000 in cash reserves to fund the study for the fee plan. 

Kabat does have has a response for his critics, as well.

“I understand why there are folks in communities that are going to be upset by those questions being raised,” Kabat said Monday in the WIZM studio. “Because, in some cases, they’re getting a pretty good deal being able to utilize services without having to pay for them.”

Kabat says it make sense that there would be criticism on his plans from those outside the city, if they’re getting city services for free now. He’s also not surprised if some communities don’t buy in.

“Then everybody can kind of walk away from the table,” Kabat said. “And we are, where we are, and I accept that.”