The Wisconsin Counties Association is urging state lawmakers to grant counties authority to impose an additional 0.5% sales tax, a move that would expand local taxing power beyond the current optional 0.5% county levy already in place in some areas.
The proposal, outlined in a document circulated by the association, seeks changes to Chapter 77 of Wisconsin Statutes to allow counties to adopt a second 0.5% sales tax option. County boards could implement it via resolution, with revenue directed primarily toward infrastructure needs such as road resurfacing, bridge repairs, snow and ice control, equipment replacement and maintenance of county facilities.
The Wisconsin Counties Association, which represents county governments and receives taxpayer funding for its operations, argues that rising costs for road maintenance, public safety, human services and other mandated programs have outpaced existing revenue sources like property taxes and shared revenue. Without new tools, counties face deferred maintenance, program cuts or heavier reliance on property taxpayers, according to the group’s summary.
The request comes after many Wisconsin property owners received significant tax bill increases. It also coincides with ongoing uncertainty over state education funding following potential Wisconsin Supreme Court rulings that could alter the school aid formula, affect school choice programs and impact Act 10, the 2011 law limiting public sector collective bargaining.
Some counties already levy the existing 0.5% sales tax, and Milwaukee County has gone further with increases in recent years to address budget gaps. State law currently caps the standard county option at 0.5%, though variations exist. The association’s push would make a second half-percent optional and locally controlled, with requirements for annual spending plans to promote transparency.
The proposal would require legislative approval. Republican lawmakers, who control the Legislature, have historically emphasized property tax relief and limits on government expansion. Any bill would face scrutiny over its impact on consumers, businesses and overall competitiveness on taxation at the state level.
