Racine County Hosts Listening Sessions as Residents Weigh In on Proposed Sales Tax

RACINE, Wis. (WRJN) — Racine County, one of only three Wisconsin counties without a sales tax, is considering implementing one of 0.5%. The proposal comes as officials in neighboring Waukesha County discuss the same possibility, and those in Manitowoc County recently passing a similar measure

The sales tax is estimated to generate an estimated $22 million annually. If approved, the average resident would pay about $126 per year, with 20-25% of revenue expected from visitors.

The proposed ordinance allocates 51% of revenue for property tax relief, potentially offering homeowners a $150-200 tax credit starting in 2026. The remaining 49% would fund essential services and capital projects.

Officials warn that without the tax, significant cuts to law enforcement may be necessary. The sheriff’s department could face the elimination of 53 deputies and 36 corrections officers.

The county board is scheduled to vote on the proposal in November. Meanwhile, a series of public listening sessions are planned throughout September in various locations, including Norway, Burlington, Caledonia, Union Grove, and Racine.

If passed, the sales tax would take effect by April 2025, bringing Racine County in line with most of Wisconsin’s 72 counties.

SCHEDULED LISTENING SESSIONS:

TOWN OF NORWAY

Date: September 9, 2024

Time: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Location: Norway Town Hall, 6419 Heg Park Rd., Wind Lake, WI 53185

CITY OF BURLINGTON 

Date: September 17, 2024

Time: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Location: Council Chambers, 224 E Jefferson St., Burlington, WI 53105

VILLAGE OF CALEDONIA 

Date: September 19, 2024

Time: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Location: Village Hall Board Room, 5043 Chester Ln., Racine, WI 53402

VILLAGE OF UNION GROVE

Date: September 23, 2024

Time: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Location: Union Grove Municipal Center, 925 15th Ave., Union Grove, WI 53182

RACINE COUNTY COURTHOUSE 

Date: September 26, 2024

Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Location: Courthouse, 1st Floor Conference Room, 730 Wisconsin Ave., Racine, WI 53403