Levy Limits - It's Time for a Change

March 18, 2019 | Number 11

Levy Limits: Time for a Change

City of Algoma - 0.847% | Village of Eden - 0.0% | City of Horicon - 0.162%

Village of Hortonville - 0.162% | City of Osseo - 0.350% | City of Waupaca - 0.46%

Years of levy limits that don’t come close to even the rate of inflation have left the majority of Wisconsin cities and villages with two poor choices: cut services or push today’s problems into the future by borrowing money or deferring maintenance. The League believes it time for a new way of looking at municipal finance; a way that is balanced and sustainable. To begin that conversation, we’re sharing stories from communities around the state.

The League is posting examples on its website of how Wisconsin cities and villages are impacted by levy limits. Read about the challenges communities face because of state imposed levy limits by clicking on the button below.

Tell us your community's story using our impact of levy limits form that you can access directly here. Note that we may also use your story in media releases, in social media and in The Municipality magazine. (We haven't had a chance to post everyone's submission. We will be posting more stories as we can.)

Levy Limits - Time for a Change

IN THE NEWS

High court upholds big property tax break for Lake Country home owner

Curt Witynski, deputy director of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, said after the Court of Appeals ruling that the group warned about just such consequences when the Legislature first considered the ag classification about 12 years ago.

"We opposed the law for the exact reasons the Town of Delafield was struggling with here," Witynski said. "Maybe this will put the spotlight back on the issue and force the Legislature to re-examine it." Read the full story here.

What do cities and villages do?

Jerry Deschane and Mark Freitag, City of Janesville City Manager in a "Know Your Wisconsin" segment. Watch it here.

Can We Build Smarter Cities?

When it comes to defining a so-called smart city, there isn’t a cut-and-dried definition, local experts say, but there are some characteristics that play into the equation.

The overarching concept was the focal point of a Wisconsin Technology Council talk Thursday about the possibilities on the horizon for Milwaukee, Madison and other communities across the state. Read the full story here.

#LocalGovMatters Podcast

Rob Henken, Wisconsin Policy Forum President and Gwyn talk about "Dollars & Sense: Is it time for a new municipal financing framework in Wisconsin?"

Listen to #LocalGovMatters on your PC or smartphone here.

Save the Date -

May 22 is the League's Municipal Government & Lobby Day

Learn more here .

RECENTLY INTRODUCED BILLS

SB-091 Water Pollution Credits Buying and selling water pollution credits through a central clearinghouse. By Senator Cowles. The League supports this bill. Comment to the League on this bill.

SB-092 City Manager Residency Authorizing limited residency requirements for a city or village operating under the city manager plan. Referred to Senate Committee on Local Government, Small Business, Tourism, & Workforce. By Senator Feyen. The League supports this bill. Comment to the League on this bill.

SB-094 Bond Requirements Changing the official bond requirements for town municipal judges. Referred to Senate Committee on Local Government, Small Business, Tourism, & Workforce. by Senator Stroebel. The League supports this bill. Comment to the League on this bill.

SB-095 Tax Assessment Cost-Sharing Cost-sharing assistance for property tax assessments. Referred to Senate Committee on Agriculture, Revenue, & Financial Institutions. By the Legislative Council. The League supports this bill. Comment to the League on this bill.

SB-096 Excessive Tax Assessment Actions Actions for excessive property tax assessments. Referred to Senate Committee on Agriculture, Revenue, & Financial Institutions. By the Legislative Council. The League supports this bill. Comment to the League on this bill.

SB-097 Property Tax Assessments The submission of information for commercial property tax assessments. Referred to Senate Committee on Agriculture, Revenue, & Financial Institutions. By the Legislative Council. The League supports this bill. Comment to the League on this bill.

SB-105 Fair Dealership Law The applicability of the Wisconsin Fair Dealership Law. Referred to Senate Committee on Government Operations, Technology, & Consumer Protection. By Senator LeMahieu. The League supports this bill. Comment to the League on this bill.

SB-108 Elective Office Vacancies Vacancies in elective offices in cities and villages. Referred to Senate Committee on Elections, Ethics, & Rural Issues. By Senator Stroebel. The League supports this bill. Comment to the League on this bill.

PUBLIC HEARINGS ON MUNICIPAL BILLS

SB-091 Water Pollution Credits (Cowles, Rob) Buying and selling water pollution credits through a central clearinghouse. By Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy. Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 11:00 AM in 201 Southeast. The League supports this bill.