MILWAUKEE, Wis. — For the seventh year in a row, County Executive David Crowley proposed a balanced budget that lowers the county property tax rate and delivers financial relief for working families in Milwaukee County. Under David’s proposed budget, the county property tax bill on an average $250,000 home would drop by $30. That’s what it looks like when someone actually does the job.
While David delivers for families, Tom Tiffany works for his billionaire donors and Donald Trump. Tiffany voted for the Big Ugly Bill, which the CBO estimates will add $3.4 trillion to federal deficits through 2034. The majority of that cost comes from tax cuts that put more money in millionaires’ and billionaires’ pockets. 

What they’re saying:

@DanRShafer: “The tax *rate* does not increase in Crowley’s proposed budget. It is projected to decrease because of rising property values because the County is growing. Republicans just lie about Milwaukee, part infinity”

@DanRShafer: “It’s really been an astonishing budget turnaround in Milwaukee County since David Crowley was elected. He delivered on solutions that eluded his predecessors — and did so in his first term. Need a refresher? This is how experts were talking about the County’s position in 2019.”

@DanRShafer: “Milwaukee County has the lowest unsheltered homeless population in the country, overdose deaths are down >40% in four years, it is more financially stable than at any point this century, opportunities are popping up everywhere. This is a great time to be in Milwaukee.”

@drake_bentley: “Fact check: Tiffany’s campaign is lying or they don’t understand tax law.”

Milwaukee Courier: Tiffany says Crowley increased property taxes five times; he’s lying, property taxes have fallen for five straight years in Milwaukee County
Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor Tom Tiffany is either lying about Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley raising property taxes, or his campaign doesn’t understand the difference between the tax levy and the tax rate.
A new ad from Tiffany hits Democrat Crowley on raising taxes. “Crowley raised property taxes five times,” a narrator says. But that is just flat out incorrect. The property tax rate, what each Milwaukee County homeowner pays, has fallen every year Crowley has been in office. Next year’s property tax bill drops $30 for an average $250,000 home.
The property tax levy, which is the county’s total revenue, and can only be increased from net new construction by state law, has increased the previous two years. But that doesn’t mean any homeowner is paying more, it means there are more taxpayers sharing the bill because new property, homes were built.

Milwaukee Courier: Crowley proposes Milwaukee County 2027 budget with property tax cut, no Flock funding, a new courthouse, and paid parking at beaches
Including in this year’s budget, the property tax rate for Milwaukee County homeowners has decreased every year the 40-year-old has been in office, despite what his Republican opponent Tom Tiffany says.
The budget prioritizes public transit, which Crowley said can open up commerce and job opportunities for workers. Other proposals include moving forward on a new Milwaukee County Courthouse complex and rehabilitation of the Mitchell Park Domes.
The budget also cuts all funding for Flock cameras on county property.

Urban Milwaukee: MKE County: Crowley Avoids Transit Cuts In 2027 Budget Proposal
[…] The county’s overall property tax rate will decline, as the rate of increasing property values. Crowley’s budget also proposes a 2% salary increase for county employees.

Journal Sentinel: David Crowley proposes Milwaukee County budget with 2.6% tax levy rise
The budget includes a 2.6% property tax levy increase, though the tax rate is projected to decrease due to rising property values.

WISN: Milwaukee County executive proposes budget with 2.55% tax levy increase, drop in tax rate
[…] With rising property values the county’s property tax rate for individual homeowners drops roughly 4% from $2.92 to $2.80 per $1,000 of assessed value. Crowley says that will give homeowners with a $250,000 property a $30 break next year, if passed.