MONROE - Sam Messerli is out of a job as a personal trainer at the Fitness Connection in Monroe.
Messerli, Monroe, confirmed Wednesday that the fitness facility on 6th Street is closed.
"I loved to be at the facility and with the people there," Messerli said.
Members of the Fitness Connection found the doors locked April 4, and signs on the door gave cell phone numbers for owner Shane Smith and Messerli.
Smith, who lives in Platteville, did not answer his phone and did not respond to a message.
Messerli has no ownership in the facility, but he had hoped to buy the business.
"I wanted to gain ownership, but the process is too long and the bank wants more than it's worth," he said.
According to the Green County Treasury office, Smith is delinquent in 2006-2009 property taxes for the property. As of Wednesday, taxes, interest and penalty fees on the property totaled $23,854.
The property, land and building, is assessed at $266,900, according to the treasurer's office.
For now, Messerli said he is working out at the YMCA, continuing his Advocare health and wellness business selling nutritional and skincare products, and taking things one day at a time.
"I don't know what options will be available to me," he said. "I just hope for the best."
Messerli understood that some memberships at the Fitness Connection were repaid and others were partially refunded.
"But some (people) said they got gypped," he said.
Messerli also said some members who spoke to him were concerned about their membership fee automatic withdrawals through their banks.
Three banks in Monroe, Woodford State Bank, Wisconsin Community Bank and First National Bank, said customers can stop automatic payments by submitting a stop payment. The service costs about $25-31, depending upon the bank, and stays in effect for six months.
According to a spokesman at First National Bank, the stop payment process allows both parties time to clear up a dispute.
First National Bank recommends banking customers contact their banks about stopping pre-authorized payments, because the process between direct payments and debit card payments differs.
Customers may also opt to fill out an ACH (automatic clearing house) or electronic fund transfer dispute form. Banks' customer service personnel can help with that form.
Messerli, Monroe, confirmed Wednesday that the fitness facility on 6th Street is closed.
"I loved to be at the facility and with the people there," Messerli said.
Members of the Fitness Connection found the doors locked April 4, and signs on the door gave cell phone numbers for owner Shane Smith and Messerli.
Smith, who lives in Platteville, did not answer his phone and did not respond to a message.
Messerli has no ownership in the facility, but he had hoped to buy the business.
"I wanted to gain ownership, but the process is too long and the bank wants more than it's worth," he said.
According to the Green County Treasury office, Smith is delinquent in 2006-2009 property taxes for the property. As of Wednesday, taxes, interest and penalty fees on the property totaled $23,854.
The property, land and building, is assessed at $266,900, according to the treasurer's office.
For now, Messerli said he is working out at the YMCA, continuing his Advocare health and wellness business selling nutritional and skincare products, and taking things one day at a time.
"I don't know what options will be available to me," he said. "I just hope for the best."
Messerli understood that some memberships at the Fitness Connection were repaid and others were partially refunded.
"But some (people) said they got gypped," he said.
Messerli also said some members who spoke to him were concerned about their membership fee automatic withdrawals through their banks.
Three banks in Monroe, Woodford State Bank, Wisconsin Community Bank and First National Bank, said customers can stop automatic payments by submitting a stop payment. The service costs about $25-31, depending upon the bank, and stays in effect for six months.
According to a spokesman at First National Bank, the stop payment process allows both parties time to clear up a dispute.
First National Bank recommends banking customers contact their banks about stopping pre-authorized payments, because the process between direct payments and debit card payments differs.
Customers may also opt to fill out an ACH (automatic clearing house) or electronic fund transfer dispute form. Banks' customer service personnel can help with that form.