During a recent council meeting in Saint Charles, tensions flared as residents expressed frustration over local governance and rising property taxes. Mark Westlock, a long-time resident, criticized the council for its management, highlighting that property taxes in Saint Charles are 54% higher than in nearby Frankenmuth, which he attributed to poor decision-making by the council. He presented a \"report card\" from residents, giving the council a grade of D-minus for its performance over the past year.

Westlock's comments sparked a heated exchange, with council members defending their actions and accomplishments, including recent community projects like a new playscape and a kayak launch. Council member Cathy defended the village manager, Hart, praising his efforts in securing grants and improving community services, while also urging residents to focus on the positive developments in the village.

The meeting also saw discussions about the potential for a lawsuit filed by council member Freed against the village, which raised concerns about the use of taxpayer money for legal actions without community consent. This led to further debate about the council's responsibilities and the need for accountability.

As the meeting progressed, personal grievances surfaced, with accusations of unprofessional behavior among council members and calls for more constructive dialogue. The atmosphere was charged, reflecting deep divisions within the council and the community regarding governance and future direction.

The meeting concluded with a motion to enter a closed session, but not before residents were reminded of the importance of participating in local elections and holding elected officials accountable for their actions.