Residents have chosen the wrong time to express their displeasure over tax increases which the city approved months ago. Where were people when council members were discussing approval of a utility and storm water fee?

Public hearings, which the city is required to conduct to collect public input, were held and yet few people exercised their civic duty to this community to provide that input.

Now, as the council prepares to implement the new fees, and people see the reality of the increases, they come out of the woodwork to complain.

We do not disagree, necessarily, that residents should be upset. The fee will undoubtedly cause hardship for some of our residents, many with lower incomes. But the time for complaining has come and gone &045; people should have done their homework last fall when the concept was proposed. Not now.

This delayed response is not uncommon &045; cities across Minnesota &045; we’ll even venture to say it happens on a global scale &045; experience such a phenomenon. Albert Lea residents frequently pass on attending public hearings &045; we admit they are dry affairs &045; which is their responsibility as citizens of this community, only to scream &uot;foul&uot; later.

We sympathize with council members who expressed a similar frustration at Monday’s meeting.

The solution to the problem is residents must take a more active role at the appropriate forums established to allow them a voice &045; attend public meetings, provide your input which will allow the council make decisions based on the best interests of the community.