Contact: Larry Abitz
Office of the County Executive
Office: (920) 832-4710
Cell: (920) 840-4377
Larry.abitz@outagamie.org
APPLETON, WI. – Property tax bills were issued today by the Office of the Outagamie County Treasurer, as a group of municipal officials called on state legislators to pass legislation to close a loophole that allows businesses to avoid paying their fair share.
Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson, Outagamie County Board Chairman Jeff Nooyen, Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna, Kaukauna Mayor Gene Rosin, Town of Grand Chute Chairman Dave Schowalter, Town of Buchanan Chairman Mark McAndrews and Village of Little Chute President Mike Vanden Berg issued a letter to state legislators calling for legislation to close a loophole in the tax code that allows so-called big-box stores to be assessed on par with shuttered facilities of similar size.
Such facilities are demanding tax rebates, a move that officials insist shifts the burden unfairly onto home owners and small businesses.
Senate President Roth is the sponsor of SB292, which would codify revenue department practice, without adding restrictions.
“We do not want to see that cost shift go to our residential property taxpayers,” Roth said. “That, fundamentally, is why I support this bill.”
The letter urged legislators to prioritize Roth’s bill when they return to session in January.
“We’re hopeful that when it reconvenes in 2018, the legislature will pass SB292.”
Officials also issued an open letter to Outagamie taxpayers, asking them to join the call for passage of SB 292.
