Austin rebuts PBc's position
"Campgrounds hurt property values."
AUSTIN: Testimony from University of Wisconsin expert in campground studies stated that in her many years of research she has never found evidence of a campground negatively impacting adjacent property values. This lack of impact was also included by Bob Pardun, a property tax assessor that operates in Burnett County.
PBC: Lynn Markham, Shoreland & Land Use Specialist with UW Extension, commented that she had not been able to find studies (04/30/21). White papers are available, it is a matter of searching under relevant terms.
"Campgrounds put tremendous stress on the county emergency services."
AUSTIN: Sheriff Finch gave testimony that the Sheriff department has responded to only 2 calls to all the campgrounds for past couple of years - those were medical emergency calls.
PBC: There is documented & verifiable information to the contrary.
"The campers are hard on the roads."
AUSTIN: Our County Road Commissioner stated to the committee that the level county roads are built that campers cause no additional wear and tear to the roads
PBC: Mr. Hoefs is not responsible for township roads, which are built to a lower specification than state & county roadways. Talk to our township personnel, we have issues.
"Campers do not pay enough taxes."
AUSTIN: By State law, the campers pay 5.5% sales tax on their rent. Also, the campgrounds are paying higher property taxes than undeveloped land
PBC: As Mr. Pardun stated at the 05/07/21 Work Group meeting, campground parcels are only assessed for improvements, i.e., water & electric hookups for the campers.
"Campers create stress on "our" lakes and natural resources."
AUSTIN: Campers were the typically the first people to enjoy the Burnett County lakes until the wealthy out of area folks purchased the campgrounds and converted the land to expensive homes. The Burnett County lakes and natural resources should be shared equally by everyone.
PBC: The first resort in Burnett County opened in 1912. People arrived on the train to enjoy the many resorts in the county. This led to the building of many seasonal cabins. Resorts & cabins supported the County's economy.
His closing argument
AUSTIN: Campers are the tourists and economic engine that many shop owners and small business owners in Burnett County depend on. I consider campers to be guests of the county. Each camper typically spends thousands of dollars locally every year. Campers are generally the ones improving housing values as they transition from campgrounds to permanent homes. Instead of looking down upon campers, we should be welcoming them to Burnett County with open arms. Campers have a long history in Burnett County, in fact, longer than most of the expensive lake homes that have recently been built. As we look at our history, campers have been a cornerstone in the past and I believe should be given the consideration and respect that they deserve.
Please join me in stopping the discriminatory practice of limiting campgrounds as well as stop limiting people's access to our natural resources. The wealthy people who can afford the expensive lake homes do not own the lakes or our natural resources.
PBC: Per Julie Fox, Regional Tourism Specialist, campgrounds are not captured in the tourism revenue number provided by the State. We have no way of knowing if campgrounds provide a net positive or negative to the County. There is no evidence that campers improve housing values. In the past, Mr. Austin has stated that we need campgrounds since these are the people that cannot afford homes in the County. But, he has also boosted that they arrive with an $80K camper, $60K truck, and $20K of trailer & toys.