An Act to amend 79.037 (3) and 79.05 (2) (c); to create 15.437, 25.491 (9) (c), 79.03, 79.037 (3m) and 79.05 (1) (cm) of the statutes; Relating to: providing certain municipalities with additional supplemental county and municipal aid and establishing a Shared Revenue Advisory Council. (FE)
Impact
The bill establishes a Shared Revenue Advisory Council designed to review and assess revenue distribution formulas for counties and municipalities. This body will evaluate existing aid systems and ensure they are equitable, taking into account the population and property value changes across municipalities. Furthermore, it mandates that recommendations must not reduce total aid received by any county or municipality, thereby safeguarding current funding levels while improving the distribution methods going forward.
Summary
Senate Bill 694 aims to enhance financial support for municipalities in Wisconsin by providing additional supplemental county and municipal aid payments to cities, villages, and towns with populations exceeding 50,000 as of 2022. Starting in 2026, an allocation of $16,257,500 will be distributed proportionally among eligible municipalities and will increase annually based on the state's sales and use tax revenue changes. This initiative seeks to address financial disparities and support larger communities more effectively.
Contention
Discussions around SB694 may evoke debate regarding local versus state control over revenue decisions. Advocates for the bill argue that it is essential for providing necessary financial resources to growing communities, thus promoting local economic stability. However, opponents might express concerns regarding the allocation of state funds and whether growth in aid could lead to increased taxation or budgetary constraints elsewhere, potentially impacting smaller municipalities not covered under this bill.
Crossfiled
An Act to amend 79.037 (3) and 79.05 (2) (c); to create 15.437, 25.491 (9) (c), 79.03, 79.037 (3m) and 79.05 (1) (cm) of the statutes; Relating to: providing certain municipalities with additional supplemental county and municipal aid and establishing a Shared Revenue Advisory Council. (FE)
Relating to the ability of certain municipalities and counties to elect not to participate in certain event reimbursement programs and to the allocation of a portion of the state hotel occupancy tax revenue collected in those municipalities and counties.