Property Tax Levies Rising At Historically Low Rates

The Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance says that for the first time since 1946, total property tax levies in Wisconsin rose by less than a percent for consecutive years.

The group, which tracks government spending, says total property tax levies in Wisconsin rose by 0.8 percent in 2013. That follows an increase of 0.2 percent the year before. Director Todd Berry says it was the result of multiple factors, some brought on by the global economy and some by the actions of Gov. Scott Walker and Republican lawmakers.

“It just so happens we’re in an era of low inflation, low interest rates and of course very tight limits on both schools and municipalities and counties and tech colleges, says Berry. “It’s rare that you’ve had all of that stuff coming together.”

Berry says there has been a tradeoff: With state-imposed property tax limits in place, counties and municipalities have borrowed more and increased fees to pay bills. Berry says those are a less transparent way of paying for government. “I think there’s something to be said for a municipal budget that funds municipal services largely to property that everybody can see and understand and can debate.”

Berry says the latest census data shows that compared to other states, Wisconsin’s property taxes remain above average.