GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – After three hours of debate, the Brown County Board strongly approved a temporary half percent sales tax for the county to be implemented for 72 months.
The proposal passed on a 23-3 vote Wednesday night.
The plan cuts property taxes, provides debt relief and invests in infrastructure improvements.
The tax, which is estimated at generating $147 million in new taxes, will pay for 9 infrastructure projects including a new expo hall that would replace the aging Brown County Arena.
The meeting kicked off with comments from the public some speaking out against the proposal.
“Once again, the half percent sales tax has reared its ugly head,” said resident Joel Diny.
Other residents supported the measure.
“I do believe that this is a time for bold action and decisive leadership. You have before you a combination of issues, opportunities, and a solution. And because it’s a package, I believe it has purity,” said Rick Beverstein of Green Bay.
But it ultimately came down to the vote of 26 board members. That vote became clear around 10 p.m. with the majority speaking in favor of the proposal.
Supervisor Mark Becker was proud of the decision and believes it was in the best interest of the county and its future.
“It’s the largest decrease in debt in the history of Brown County. The biggest property tax cut in decades. So, that’s an important thing that people need to understand.”
County Supervisor Guy Zima says the board has shoved this proposal through without asking the public their thoughts.
“It’s open the flood gates to spending without vetting really. As long as they stay, they have a big pool of money and I don’t think much will exempted anymore.”
The plan was proposed on May 2 and the County Executive held 9 listening sessions to address the concerns of constituents.
The sales tax will begin January 1st, 2018.Each project proposed in the plan will go back before the county board before moving forward.
