Fiscal Note
Fiscal note pending.
Title
Authorizing the Scheduling of a Referendum Relating to Exceeding the Municipal Property Tax Limits in the City of Madison
Body
WHEREAS, since enactment of section 66.0602, Wisconsin Statutes, and its amendment in 2011, local governments are prohibited from increasing the municipal property tax levy by more than the equalized value increase due to new construction or 0%, which ever is greater with limited exceptions; and,
WHEREAS, despite the population of Madison increasing from 237,198 to 286,725 between 2011 and 2024, an increase of 21%, the City has not previously scheduled a referendum to increase its levy limits; and,
WHEREAS, Madison receives among the lowest amount of state aid per resident, according to the Wisconsin Policy Forum, received the lowest amount of increase in state aid from the State Legislature in the most recent State Budget, and state aid per resident has declined 5% between 2011 and 2024, while inflation has increased 66%; and,
WHEREAS, cities in other states with a similar size as Madison have alternative general revenue sources other than property taxes, including sales, income and motor fuel taxes; and
WHEREAS, income, sales and motor fuel taxes are collected by the State Legislature, with less than 20 cents of every dollar sent by Madison residents to the State Legislature returned to the City to support local services; and
WHEREAS, Madison is facing a $22 million budget deficit for fiscal year 2025 to simply maintain current service levels to residents, including law enforcement, fire prevention and response, emergency medical services, public health, refuse and recycling, snow plowing, traffic, bicycle and pedestrian safety, parks, libraries, community services, transportation and other basic needs; and,
WHEREAS, the Madison Common Council established values and priorities for addressing the budget deficit, including maintaining services to residents, preventing layoffs or furloughs of city ...
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