From an article by Tim Ryan from the Shawano Leader:
City officials Wednesday approved a resolution showing support for Gov. Jim Doyle’s goal of moving toward renewable energy, but not before several Common Council members expressed some reservations.
The resolution states the city is “committed to advancing the state of Wisconsin’s vision for energy independence by replacing 25 percent of the city of Shawano’s buildings and operations electricity use and 25 percent of its transportation fuels from renewable energy by 2025.”
Aldermen Brian Retzlaff and John Hoeffs voted against the resolution.
“Our governor took $45,000 away from us (in shared revenue) and increased our (landfill) tipping fees,” Retzlaff said. “I have a hard time supporting this when our governor actually is being two-faced with us.”
City Administrator Jim Stadler said the resolution was intended only as a show of support for the governor’s energy goals, not necessarily the governor, and could help the city in applying for renewable energy grants.
“This resolution will gain for the city some points in grantsmanship,” Stadler said.
The city previously voted to hire a consultant, at a cost of $5,000, to help apply for a potential $225,000 in renewable energy grant money.