Fee Hikes Presage More Taxpayer Pain

First it was rising water rates. Now it's parking meter fees and other Milwaukee charges.

Later in the year, it will be mill rate.

This is what happens when property values fall, but city expenses are relatively fixed, including in-place salaries and benefits for people we want on the job, like firefighters, police officers, health officials and others.

Without much taxing authority granted by the state, cities have to nickel-and-dime their residents.

Layoffs will be a reality this year, so get ready for that, too.