Despite growing property values, the Village/Town’s property tax revenue is unable to keep pace with the rising cost of inflation.
In the State of Wisconsin, increased property values must accompany new development and new growth in order to raise sufficient revenues for local governments. This upcoming year, net new construction, or the annual budget growth ceiling, is down from nearly 2.5% to 0.8% in the Village, while inflation is up between 3.5 – 4%. Adding to the challenge is declining tax revenue from Town properties due to annexations into the City of Kenosha. Under the agreement with the City, all Town properties will be annexed into the City by 2035.
Most of the expenses and services that the Village/Town provides are mandated by State law (public safety, transportation maintenance, elections), or necessary for local governments to operate (payroll, insurance, buildings & facilities maintenance). Additionally, costs for labor, fuel, and contracts continue to rise. The gap between the cost to provide government mandated services and the ability to raise revenue necessary to operate continues to grow.
Given the financial strain of providing Village/Town services without sufficient property tax revenue, the Village/Town’s options are to consider alternative revenue sources, including shifting some expenses covered by property tax revenue to direct charges.
Effective this year, the Village/Town is charging a fee for recycling collection services. This fee will be charged to residential properties, condominiums, and apartment complexes consisting of four or fewer dwelling units.
The recycling fee amount for the upcoming year will be $62.64 per recycling cart.
If you have obtained additional carts directly from John’s Disposal or another recycling collection services provider, those are not considered Village/Town-issued carts, and no additional fee will be charged for them. All residential properties that are five or more units, or commercial properties pay for their own recycling services.
As required by Wis. Stat. 66.0627(3)(a), the Village/Town is required to notify of the charge and allow payment in advance of issuing property tax bills. You have the option to pay to the Village/Town Treasurer’s Office by November 2, 2026, or the fee will be added to your tax bill. You will not be penalized unless you fail to pay by the first tax installment deadline on January 31, 2027.
The Village/Town recognizes the cost burdens to Village/Town residents who are also facing the same challenges with the rising costs of inflation. After reviewing for potential service cuts and new revenue alternatives, however, the Village/Town determined these options to be the most equitable for residents.
If you have any questions, please contact either Administrator Jim Hurley at jhurley@somerswi.gov, or Assistant Administrator Kevin Poirier at kpoirier@somerswi.gov, or 262-859-2822.
