RACINE COUNTY — It’s time to talk about a sales tax in Racine County. It’s one of the few counties in Wisconsin without one. But that could soon change.
County leaders on Wednesday night took up a proposal that would increase the state’s 5% sales tax by half a percent. That may sound small, but it could result in a significant overall budget increase.
TMJ4’s Megan Lee asked Racine County resident Malina Janakat-Karle if she would notice a sales tax increase. She said, “Honestly, I wouldn’t notice. It wouldn’t even be on my radar.”
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Janakat-Karle said it would not be a big change in her lifestyle.
“I’ve never noticed it before. I don’t pay much attention to it. I get taxed and I didn’t know that it only applies at the state level and not at the district level,” Janakat-Karle explained.
Racine County is only one of three counties in the state without a sales tax.
The district tax office proposed the sales tax to the district’s supervisory and administrative officials on Wednesday evening.
Watch: Racine County residents react to sales tax proposal
Neighbors comment on the new sales tax in Racine County
“We did it with no sales tax … no other revenue,” said acting County Executive Tom Roanhouse during the meeting.
Roanhouse said the county has been working successfully for years. However, he supports a sales tax.
“We are creating more government, more services with fewer people and lower costs,” Roanhouse said.
County leaders say things can’t go on like this. Many essential services like the sheriff’s office, district attorney’s office and community health facilities say they don’t have enough staff. Money is also tight.
“All these services cost money. If we want these kinds of services and this protection, someone has to pay for it,” Janakat-Karle said.
County leaders compared potential sales tax revenue with neighboring counties. If approved by county supervisors, it could generate $22 million per year.
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“They should think about asking the voters, and by that I mean a simple referendum,” said Yorkville resident Bill Jaeck.
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Jaeck even made this suggestion during the public hearing before the proposal was brought up.
The county said it wants to hear citizens’ opinions on the proposal, with two public hearings scheduled this month.
12 AUGUST 2024, 18:30
21 AUGUST 2024, 5 PM
Both hearings will take place here:
Auditorium of the IVES Grove office complex
14200 WASHINGTON AVENUE STURTEVANT, WISCONSIN 53177
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