The Brookfield Scene

Apparently the city and town of Brookfield are feuding. Again. This time the feud centers on the annexation of a development near Capitol Drive.

Here's the issue. The town wisely considered and invested in additional sewage capacity for the potential development. In the meantime, these town property owners decided they’d rather be served by the City. Now there’s a battle over the town’s assessments for the infrastructure it provided.

I was oblivious to these feuds when I lived in Elm Grove.

Here’s an out-of-the box suggestion to resolve territorial squabbles: The city of Brookfield should annex the entire town of Brookfield.

Just consider the benefits:

The city would be well on its way toward a population of 50,000 by 2020.

As with corporate mergers and acquisitions, there would be some economies of scale. There would certainly be a reduction in legal fees, because the city and town would no longer be suing each other. There may be some downsizing. (A suggestion -- be sure to announce this to employees before the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.)

Short term, consulting fees may rise as the city determines how to assimilate town processes. Fees would mount as consultants review the future use of town assets (buildings, land and equipment).

The million-dollar plans to remodel city hall may have to be shelved while space requirements are calculated. Plans to build two new fire stations on Calhoun Road (to best serve city needs) would be reconsidered.

The city would expand its tax base. This may alleviate the frequency of property assessments.

Central Dispatch would no longer be confused about sending city or town personnel.

Town residents would no longer have to pay user fees to the city.

I’m sure readers hold other viewpoints. Please email me at www.JW-BLOG.com