Residents and council weigh responses to steep 2025 property tax increases; video FAQ and procedural review proposed

Several residents and council members addressed the recent 2025 property tax bills at the Jan. 14 Oshkosh Common Council meeting, prompting discussion about outreach, education and whether the council should hold a special public session.

Mary Callan, a Villa Lane condominium association treasurer, spoke during the public comment period and described a substantial increase in her property tax bill. “My property taxes went up $542 which was a 19.6% increase in my city taxes,” Callan said, adding that many condo owners are retired and on fixed incomes. She criticized certain 2025 budget and capital choices in published reporting and said the city’s “29% of the budget is for debt service” was troubling to taxpayers. Callan urged council members to reassess spending priorities and expressed concern that rising taxes are making housing unaffordable for seniors and younger families.

Council members took up the issue in a broad discussion. One council member proposed a special, in‑chambers meeting so residents could raise questions and staff could explain how tax calculations and levies produced the increases. That council member said the meeting would allow staff — including the acting city manager — to present information, then take citizen questions.

Several council members supported more outreach but differed on format. Council member Flom said educational outreach and additional explanation were appropriate and supported meeting with residents. Council member Larson and Council member Nichols both suggested producing an Oshkosh Media video or other multi‑format FAQ to explain the reassessment process and give residents a clear, local account of what happened and what remedies are available.

Acting City Manager James Fitzpatrick described staff work to review the issue and finalize materials; he said staff had drafted answers and were preparing background documents that could be released or used in a public session. Fitzpatrick and other staff noted that some questions about individual property assessments require one‑on‑one follow up with the assessor’s office and are not resolvable in a general session.

The council did not adopt a motion at the Jan. 14 meeting to hold a special meeting immediately. Several members said producing a clear, Oshkosh‑specific video or FAQ was a useful first step; others asked staff and the city attorney to prepare guidance on how council members may place items on future agendas and to return with recommended procedures. Council members also discussed pursuing state‑level changes to the tax/assessment system through legislative advocacy.