After years of stagnant state support to local government, recent municipal referendums signal a need to change how local governments are funded. On election day funding for public safety was on the ballot in twenty communities, large and small across Wisconsin with unofficial results showing 17 communities approving these public safety referendums. A staggering 37 public safety referendums were on the ballot in 2022 including eight in the spring election and nine during the August primary election.
“Public safety is a top priority in Wisconsin, and our local communities cannot rely on temporary Band-Aids and referendums to fund critical local services any longer,” said Jerry Deschane, Executive Director of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities. “Municipalities are turning to the ballot for short-term relief due to long-term, flatlining state support for public safety services.”
“We remain committed to working with the legislative and executive branch to address the broken system of funding local governments and providing a sustainable solution,” Deschane added.
Municipalities that held public safety referendum on Tuesday included: City of Chippewa Falls, City of Eau Claire, City of Middleton, City of Whitewater, Town of Grand Chute, Town of Lafayette, Town of Mukwonago, Town of Holland, Village of Aniwa, Village of Arena, Village of Boyd, Village of Holmen, Village of Mukwonago, Village of Orfordville, Village of Redgranite, Village of River Hills, Village of Shorewood Hills, Village of Williams Bay, Village of Fontana, and Washington County.
