Last Tuesday, thousands of Wisconsinites went to the ballot box to decide whether to increase their own property taxes. While most of the coverage of the April election was focused on the Supreme Court race between Maria Lazar and Chris Taylor, ballots across the state included important local questions as well.
Many communities had school district and local government referendum questions on the ballot.
Voters were faced with a very basic question: “Do you want to vote to increase your own property taxes?” While this question seems basic, the actual questions on the ballots were much more complicated.
Referendum questions, especially controversial ones, can ignite a firestorm of emotions in communities. Neighbors often disagree about how much funding is needed and who should pay. When communities go to referendums, there are often informational meetings, mailers and other communications sent out to voters explaining the need.
Communities are increasingly going to referendums multiple times for both local government services and school districts. Many voters are experiencing "referendum fatigue," feeling like they are constantly being asked to provide more money without the guarantee of improved services.
After all the votes were tallied last Tuesday, many referendums passed — more than 60%, actually — but that also meant that many failed.
Voters are becoming more aware that the decisions they are making at the ballot box are directly impacting their property tax bill at home.
As of today, Wisconsin has $2.5 billion in surplus sitting at the Capitol, and legislators and Gov. Tony Evers are working to find a compromise to provide tax relief and return some of that surplus money to Wisconsin.
The voters have clearly indicated that they want relief. Hopefully, we will see some in 2026.
