BROWN COUNTY, Wisconsin (WFRV) – The Wisconsin Appeals Court District III is calling on the Wisconsin State Supreme Court to address Brown County’s sales tax issue.
According to a press release, the appeals court issued the certification on Wednesday.
In January 2018 half a percent more Brown County’s sales tax went into effect and was 5.5 percent.
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According to the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL), Wisconsin law clearly states that “county sales and use taxes may only be levied for the purpose of directly reducing property taxes.”
On May 20, 2020, WILL appealed the decision to District III of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals on behalf of the Brown County Taxpayers Association (BCTA) and Brown County Taxpayer Frank Bennett.
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When the appeal was filed, BCTA President Richard Heidel stated, “It is clear why citizens are frustrated and cynical about their government. The law states that tax proceeds “may only be used for the purpose of directly reducing the property tax”. But Brown County is still allowed to spend well over $ 100 million on new spending. That needs a different perspective. “
However, there are business leaders who do agree the increased sales tax is beneficial and ask BCTA to end the lawsuit.
Leaders note that the county-approved six-year tax will allocate $ 147 million towards improvements to roads, libraries, the county jail and the construction of a new exhibition hall.
Local 5 will continue to update you with the latest information as it becomes available.