ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) – Area municipal leaders gathered in Ashwaubenon Monday to voice support for a bill that could end the ‘Dark Store Strategy.’
That practice involves commercial property owners arguing for the same lower tax assessment that vacant stores are given.
Village of Howard President Burt McIntyre was among those on hand for the ‘Dark Store Day’ news conference.
“I would hate to see local communities get into a conflict with developers and big box stores because they are important to communities, but they’re not going to be important if they’re going to be doing this, if they’re going to expect us to pay their bill.”
Governor Scott Walker says he hears what the municipalities are saying.
“I think they’re legitimate concerns that local governments have, and we’re trying to find the best way to help them deal with it.”
Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce says the bill is merely a way of raising taxes on employers.
