The official downtown district of Menominee is growing after City Council approved an amendment of Downtown Development Authority boundaries their meeting this week. By expanding the district, the DDA will capture more tax revenue, allowing them to further their mission of fostering growth and activity in that part of the City. However, that broadening will also mean seven new private residences fall inside the boundaries, which will have those homeowners paying, on average $48 more annually in taxes. Mayor Jean Stegeman says that makes the decision on whether to amend the boundaries a difficult one, especially on the heels of an increase in water and sewer rates in the City.

Representatives of the DDA spoke to the Council following their 6 to 3 vote on the new boundaries and said they will consider the impact of the tax hike to the residents in question at their next meeting.