In the upcoming election, voters across Wisconsin will face various school referendums, many of which propose to either issue debt for specific projects or exceed the annual revenue limits set by state law. These proposals often have direct implications on local property taxes. Before casting your ballot, it’s essential to understand how these measures could impact your personal finances.
The Wisconsin Institute of Law and Liberty has developed a new property tax calculator to assist voters in making informed decisions. The calculator compiles data from local school districts obtained through online information and open records requests. This tool allows residents to estimate the cost of proposed referendums on their property taxes. WILL’s goal is to enhance transparency by providing a clear view of what these proposals mean for homeowners’ wallets.
Example of the calculator. Click here to check your school district.
The need for this tool stems from gaps in accountability and transparency in local ballot referendums. As voters, it can be challenging to access detailed information about the financial implications of these measures, as they are often buried in complex language or dispersed across different sources. WILL’s effort to aggregate this data in a user-friendly format aims to address these shortfalls.
Property tax increases tied to referendums are not new to Wisconsin. Many districts across the state rely on these measures to fund school renovations, new construction, safety improvements, and technology upgrades. While proponents argue that these investments are essential for student success and community growth, critics warn that they often come with significant financial burdens for homeowners, especially those on fixed incomes.
It’s crucial for voters to review the details of each referendum, consider its necessity, and evaluate the projected costs. The new property tax calculator by WILL empowers citizens to make more informed choices by showing the estimated impact on their property tax bill based on their local school district’s proposal.
As absentee voting is happening (click here to vote early before Nov 3), Wisconsin residents are encouraged to explore the potential financial effects of these referendums. WILL’s tool can help voters decide whether they believe the benefits of increased school funding outweigh the additional tax costs.
The upcoming election presents an opportunity to shape local education funding, but it’s also a chance to hold school districts accountable for how they manage resources. Before voting, be sure to use WILL’s calculator to understand how these decisions could affect your budget.
