WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — As state lawmakers continue to sit on a multi-billion dollar budget surplus, many local leaders are hopeful that some of that money will come back to them.
Wausau Mayor Katie Rosenberg says the shared revenue formula was a big topic at a recent League of Wisconsin Municipalities meeting, and she’s cautiously optimistic that there could be some positive changes coming soon. “I feel good about the discussions that are happening,” said Rosenberg. “We’re all talking together, which is really the key here.”
Rosenberg says even a small amount of added revenue from the state will make a difference for the city. For example, an extra $500,000 would help cover the salary and benefits for five of the new firefighter and paramedic positions that the city is looking to add over the next three years thanks to grant funding, meaning those expenses wouldn’t fall on the tax levy.
She especially feels optimistic about the direction of the conversation, which seems to have shifted from what can’t be done to what can be done. She adds it’ll also be important for lawmakers to get a handle on how municipal budgets are crafted because each area does it differently.
“There’s a desire to be really simple. Like, just make it an easy formula. But its really hard [because] every city and county has different ways of doing things,” said Rosenberg.
She’s also encouraged by the amount of discussion that’s happening at all levels on shared revenue, saying even the state Superintendent of Schools has been bringing the topic up during recent media appearances. “I think we are getting somewhere.”
Increasing shared revenue is expected to be a centerpiece of Governor Tony Evers’ next budget proposal. Though it remains unclear how much compromise can be reached with Republicans in Madison, who would like to use the surplus for a tax cut.
Other topics Mayor Rosenberg discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video- Preview of Tuesday’s Water Works Commission meeting
7:20- Optmisim for increasing shared revenue
13:00- Recap of 2022 and look ahead to 2023
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