Green Bay, WI – As we see property taxes rise due to the lack of investment by the State Legislature, State Representative Amaad Rivera Wagner (D-Green Bay) voiced support for exploring fair sales tax sharing following a proposal circulated by Brown County Supervisor Patrick Evans.
Brown County collects a half percent sales tax, much of it generated by economic activity in the City of Green Bay. Yet those dollars do not consistently flow back to the communities bearing the greatest service and infrastructure costs.
“Supervisor Evans is raising an important and responsible question,” said Rep. Rivera Wagner. “If Green Bay is helping generate a large share of county sales tax revenue, it is reasonable and fair that our residents see some of that returned to relieve pressure on property taxes.”
Rivera Wagner pointed to Winnebago County, a more conservative county, which has proposed sharing 30 percent of its sales tax revenue with municipalities. If Brown County followed a similar approach, an estimated $11.4 million could be returned countywide, with approximately $4.4 million going back to the City of Green Bay alone.
Under that model, based on population, estimated annual distributions would include:
- City of Green Bay: approximately $4.44 million
- City of De Pere: approximately $1.06 million
- Village of Howard: approximately $903,000
- Village of Ashwaubenon: approximately $741,000
- Village of Bellevue: approximately $697,000
- Village of Allouez: approximately $579,000
“This is not about politics,” Rivera Wagner said. “It is about recognizing where revenue comes from and using it in a way that stabilizes local budgets and protects homeowners.”
Rivera Wagner said he looks forward to working with county and municipal leaders to evaluate options that are transparent, fiscally responsible, and focused on real property tax relief.
“People want solutions that lower costs and strengthen our communities,” he said. “This conversation is a step in the right direction.”
