To the editor:
My heart goes out to my fellow residents that are struggling in this beautiful Rivertown, especially after the recent Truth in Taxation Hearing. After heart-wrenching remarks during the hearing and comments like, “it’s getting very tough to stay in this town,” while we see increase after increase on fees and taxes. I submitted a petition to the City back on November 6th to, “petition to pause all increases on fees and taxes pursuant to the City of Hastings Minnesota from January 1st 2026 to January 1st 2028, to ease economic burden upon the local residents” and I submitted 127 signatures to the City. I had hoped the City would comment on the petition, but it was openly few and far between.
Yet when we hear this is a “keep the lights on budget” but yet HEDRA’s proposed budget was over seven hundred thousand dollars, is that really necessary? Could the City do without? I love swimming as much as the next person, but if we really are in dire straits, it’s within reason that the private sector could handle the Aquatic Center or even the Civic Arena. Private pools and ice rinks already exist and are enjoyed by numerous people. The water appears to be set to increase another 10% in January, but what if people are willing to use their own wells again? Would the City not allow that? It’s within living memory of people having access to the water right under their own property. If someone wants to take their water into their own hands and be responsible for it, why not?
Clinton Toughill
Hastings