Holly Gilvary , Scott Williams
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John Dahms of Union Grove was one of the residents who attended a listening session Sept. 23 seeking public input about a Racine County sales tax proposal. |
RACINE — Racine County residents have expressed mixed opinions about the 0.5% county sales tax proposal during listening sessions.
If approved by the Board of Supervisors, the sales tax would go into effect on April 1, 2025, according to the county.
In Caledonia, members of the public questioned the sales tax but did not outwardly oppose it during a listening session Sept. 19. Some even supported the idea.
Bill Streeter of Caledonia said he wants the board to approve the sales tax in order to continue providing resources to county residents.
“Why has Racine County dragged its feet adopting this common sense measure?” Streeter asked.
During a listening session at the Racine County Courthouse on Sept. 26, most residents who spoke supported the sales tax but expressed concern about the benefit to non-property owners, who would not directly receive property tax relief.
However, Colin McKenna of Racine said he does not support the sales tax, claiming it could negatively impact small business owners.
“People are on a tight budget,” McKenna said.
About 20 people turned out at the Union Grove Municipal Center to discuss the tax idea with County Corporation Counsel Michael Lanzdorf and Supervisor Scott Maier.
Members of the public said the county should cut needless services, if necessary, to avoid the sale taxes, or set a sunset date to ensure the sales tax does not become permanent.
Darren Slotty of the Town of Norway said the sales tax would place an added burden on Racine County residents at a time when consumers already face rising prices, school referendums and other tax increases.
“It all adds up,” Slotty said. “And it sucks.”
John Dahms of Union Grove said the public should have more information about the financial situation that county officials are citing as justification for the sales tax.
Dahms said Union Grove taxpayers already are facing possible tax increases in a school referendum and a firehouse referendum.
“Where are we going with this?” he said. “It’s a bottomless pit.”
Jim Fox of Yorkville said that if the county imposes a sales tax, it should be temporary — until any current financial crisis has passed.
But he also asked how the county would respond the next time finances are in a pinch.
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