The City of Sturgeon Bay will contract with a public relations firm to provide information for voters on the value of enacting a “Premier Resort Area Tax” to help pay for street and infrastructure improvements. The council Tuesday, in taking its action, indicated that the cost of the service, provided by Hillstrom PR of Green Bay, would not exceed $12,000. Once approved, the funding vehicle, referred to as “PRAT,” would impose a half a cent sales tax on tourism related goods and services sold in the city. If the voters say “yes” during the spring election, the matter will move to the state legislative process. During discussion, alderman David Ward said it was important to get the word out to city electors as quickly as possible…
Council-member Kelly Catarozoli wondered if a study outlining the city’s specific needs shouldn’t be part of the PR package. Ward said the work of his ad hoc committee lays the ground work for the effort, but there will be time to add to the materials developed, if need be…
The other options for generating revenue dedicated to streets and sidewalks includes collecting a wheel tax or borrowing.
