Residents of Bartlett Township voiced their frustrations during a recent public hearing regarding the proposed 2025 property tax budget for the county. Many expressed concerns over rising taxes without corresponding improvements in local services, particularly road maintenance and snow removal.

One resident highlighted the disparity in road conditions between different areas of the county, lamenting that while some roads are well-maintained, others remain in poor condition, leading to increased vehicle repairs and safety hazards. \"If I'm going to pay more in taxes, I should start receiving some services,\" the resident stated, emphasizing the need for better road upkeep and snow removal, which they have often had to manage themselves.

The discussion also touched on the significant increases in property taxes over the years. One business owner reported their tax bill for a racetrack property skyrocketing from $1,200 to over $3,600, while residential taxes have similarly surged. Residents expressed frustration that despite these increases, they have seen little to no improvement in essential services, such as graveling roads or timely snow removal.

Concerns were raised about the township's limited budget for road maintenance, with residents noting that only a small portion of roads can be serviced each year. \"Somebody's going to get killed if we don't fix it,\" one resident warned, highlighting the urgent need for action.

The meeting concluded with a call for reassessment of property values, as many residents felt their properties were unfairly evaluated, particularly those with portions of land submerged in lakes. The community's desire for growth and prosperity was clear, but residents stressed that continued tax increases without adequate services could hinder their ability to thrive.