Wisconsin Taxpayer Alliance Report: Property Tax Increase Was Smallest in a Decade

[from Gov. Doyle's press office...]

A new report by the Wisconsin Taxpayer Alliance shows the success of Governor Jim Doyle's property tax freeze, which he signed into law last year. According to the report, because of Governor Doyle's property tax limits, the increase in property tax collections was "the smallest in nearly a decade."
"This report confirms that the limits I signed into law delivered significant relief to Wisconsin families," Governor Doyle said. "We put tough limits on property taxes, while protecting our schools. Under my plan, the average homeowner saw only a small increase in their property tax bill, while many homeowners actually saw their bills go down."

According to WISTAX:

• "This year's property taxes were the first to be levied under the regulations of the property tax 'freeze' signed into law in 2005. WISTAX researchers found the 'freeze' had a large impact on some local governments; total school district property taxes fell, and the increase in county levies was the smallest in 20 years."
• Property tax rates declined significantly, from $19.64 in 2004-05 to $18.36 per $1,000 in property value in 2005-2006.
• 55 percent of school districts decreased their levies, and the total amount of property tax collections by schools statewide also declined.
• Despite an increase in property values of over 9 percent, property taxes increased by their smallest amount in a decade.

The property tax freeze law signed by Governor Doyle in July 2005 included tough limits on property taxes by local governments. Under the Governor's plan, the state once again met its commitment to fund two-thirds of the cost of education. Because the state was taking on a greater share of school funding, this helped relieve the burden on property taxpayers. The WISTAX report cites this as a major factor in limiting property tax increases.

"Property taxes are still too high in Wisconsin, but clearly we have made real progress," Governor Doyle said. "This report shows we are on the right track, and delivering real relief to hardworking, middle-class families in Wisconsin."

Under the property tax freeze signed by Governor Doyle, the average homeowner saw an increase of just $23 - compared to an average increase of $120 in the previous five years. Many homeowners actually saw their bills go down.

The Governor's property tax freeze remains in effect. Property taxes on the average home in Wisconsin are expected to not increase this December.

Read the WISTAX report here.