This WKTS story on the Thimmig Farm purchase paints a misleading picture—one that aligns more with the City of Sheboygan’s development agenda than with the long-term interests of Town of Wilson residents.
Let’s be clear: this land purchase is not some reckless or secretive move that will hike our taxes. It’s a strategic investment. Contrary to the story’s alarmist tone, this acquisition is far more likely to preserve surrounding property values, generate future tax revenue, and protect the character and independence of our town.
Unlike the City, the Town of Wilson has an up-to-date comprehensive plan—this parcel is already designated for residential development. The City of Sheboygan, meanwhile, is four years behind on updating its state-mandated comprehensive plan. That speaks volumes about which municipality is thinking ahead.
The Town can sell the land to local developers, bringing in new revenue and future residential tax base—revenue that we would permanently lose if the City were to annex or develop the land themselves. This move is fiscally sound and rooted in long-term planning—not tax increases.
Let’s not forget what happened across the road. The City acquired the Gartman property and now plans to drop in high-density, low-cost apartment complexes in a location with no schools, no public transportation, no grocery stores, and no nearby services. That project is also behind schedule, revealing a pattern of poor execution.
Additionally, the City’s development model relies heavily on Tax Incremental Districts (TIDs), which delay the collection of property tax revenue for years. This tactic often shifts the tax burden onto existing residents, creating revenue shortfalls in the meantime. By contrast, the Town’s approach is more balanced, sustainable, and beneficial to current and future taxpayers.
The WKTS report criticizes Town officials for a lack of communication, but it’s worth asking: why isn’t WKTS investigating the City’s failures to update its comprehensive plan or finish the Gartman project? Why isn’t it asking whether the City’s speculative push into rural neighborhoods is what really threatens local taxpayers?
This land purchase isn’t a risk—it’s a safeguard. It protects our town’s future, maintains our planning authority, and ensures development happens on our terms, with input from the residents who live here.
This WKTS story on the Thimmig Farm purchase paints a misleading picture—one that aligns more with the City of Sheboygan’s development agenda than with the long-term interests of Town of Wilson residents.
Let’s be clear: this land purchase is not some reckless or secretive move that will hike our taxes. It’s a strategic investment. Contrary to the story’s alarmist tone, this acquisition is far more likely to preserve surrounding property values, generate future tax revenue, and protect the character and independence of our town.
Unlike the City, the Town of Wilson has an up-to-date comprehensive plan—this parcel is already designated for residential development. The City of Sheboygan, meanwhile, is four years behind on updating its state-mandated comprehensive plan. That speaks volumes about which municipality is thinking ahead.
The Town can sell the land to local developers, bringing in new revenue and future residential tax base—revenue that we would permanently lose if the City were to annex or develop the land themselves. This move is fiscally sound and rooted in long-term planning—not tax increases.
Let’s not forget what happened across the road. The City acquired the Gartman property and now plans to drop in high-density, low-cost apartment complexes in a location with no schools, no public transportation, no grocery stores, and no nearby services. That project is also behind schedule, revealing a pattern of poor execution.
Additionally, the City’s development model relies heavily on Tax Incremental Districts (TIDs), which delay the collection of property tax revenue for years. This tactic often shifts the tax burden onto existing residents, creating revenue shortfalls in the meantime. By contrast, the Town’s approach is more balanced, sustainable, and beneficial to current and future taxpayers.
The WKTS report criticizes Town officials for a lack of communication, but it’s worth asking: why isn’t WKTS investigating the City’s failures to update its comprehensive plan or finish the Gartman project? Why isn’t it asking whether the City’s speculative push into rural neighborhoods is what really threatens local taxpayers?
This land purchase isn’t a risk—it’s a safeguard. It protects our town’s future, maintains our planning authority, and ensures development happens on our terms, with input from the residents who live here.