County Executive Paul Farrow breaks down the sales tax ordinance and how it benefits taxpayers and the County.
Sales Tax Column: "What were you thinking?"
Column from Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow:
A County Sales Tax: What Were You Thinking?
"What were you thinking?" This is the most common question I hear when people ask about the County’s proposed 0.5% sales tax. To be honest, if you had told me 11 years ago, when I first ran for County Executive, that I would one day support a new tax, I would have asked the same question. So, let’s be clear, I don’t know anyone, including myself, who wants a new tax, whether it’s a sales tax, a wheel tax, or anything else, but if we want a Sheriff’s Department that can patrol our roads, keep us safe, a court system to prosecute criminals, a well-staffed jail to hold offenders, and roads and bridges in good enough shape to drive on, then we need the funding to pay for it.
Since 2006, the County's ability to raise the necessary revenue has been restricted by state law, and it has not kept pace with the rising costs of providing essential services. Each year, Waukesha County residents contribute approximately $1.5 billion in sales and income taxes to the state government in Madison. In return, our County receives just $60 million back in state aid, ranking us second-to-last in per capita, state funding among Wisconsin's 72 counties.
County government functions as an extension of state government. The state passes laws and regulations, and the county implements and enforces them. In an ideal world, the state would fully fund these mandated services. Unfortunately, this has not been the case. In the proposed 2025 Waukesha County Budget, roughly 44% or about $51 million of the revenue collected from county property taxpayers will go toward covering the state's funding shortfall. That’s $51 million dedicated to the state’s priorities, not ours.
Waukesha County has long been recognized for its fiscal prudence and effective planning. We’ve maintained the highest attainable bond rating for decades, thanks to our data-driven decision-making and conservative budgeting. Despite this reputation, nearly 20 years of state-imposed property tax limits and unfunded mandates have left us with a persistent $5 million annual budget shortfall. This gap between revenues and expenses has forced us to make difficult cuts to balance budgets and preserve core services. In recent years, we've cut dozens of positions, including essential roles like Sheriff's deputies and highway patrol workers, positions that keep our roads safe year-round. Without a sustainable revenue solution, we will be forced to continue making deep cuts that negatively impact our own County’s residents.
This was the backdrop for the Budget Task Force I created this spring. Comprised of community and business leaders, along with members of the public, the Task Force dedicated many hours to studying the challenges we face and exploring potential solutions. Like you and I, they didn’t want any of the available options, but the majority of Task Force members recognized the seriousness of the situation and reached the same conclusion I did: the County needs a revenue solution that keeps our residents safe, our infrastructure intact, and our economy strong.
Among the revenue options available to a Wisconsin county, implementing a county sales tax like 69 other counties have already done, is the only solution that addresses our financial shortfall while also capturing revenue from the thousands of out-of-county residents who use our roads and services. Each day 37% of our workforce is made up of people who live outside of Waukesha County. That means they don’t pay our property taxes, but they use our services. Nearly 40% of our jail population is made up of Milwaukee County residents, but the only revenue used to pay for the jail and the corrections officers that staff the jail is from your pocket, not theirs. Sales tax dollars will come from everyone, not just County residents paying property taxes.
Of course, adopting a sales tax doesn’t mean abandoning the fiscally conservative principles that have served us so well. Our sales tax plan is unique. First, it will reduce property taxes. Twenty percent of the first full year’s sales tax revenue will go directly back to property taxpayers, an estimated $12 million tax cut. Second, another 20% will be allocated to lower local property taxes by providing direct aid to all municipalities in the county, based on population. For example, the City of Waukesha would receive over $2 million in aid. Third, the sales tax revenue will close the county’s budget shortfall for the next 8 to 10 years, reduce our debt, and minimize future borrowing.
So, what was I thinking? I was thinking that Waukesha County will remain Waukesha County, even with a sales tax. Our property taxes will decrease, thanks to the largest county property tax cut in our history. We will maintain the lowest tax rate of any county in Wisconsin. Our 5.5% sales tax rate will still be well below Milwaukee County’s 5.9% and the City of Milwaukee’s hefty 7.9%. Most importantly, we will continue to operate efficiently, form partnerships with other municipalities to deliver high-quality services, and uphold our reputation as a low-tax leader.
Budget puts justice and public safety at forefront, cuts tax rate, invests in infrastructure to maintain high levels of service.
County Executive Introduces 2025 County Budget
On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow introduced his 2025 Executive Budget to the Waukesha County Board of Supervisors. The nearly $400 million dollar budget follows a years-long trend of making justice and public safety Waukesha County’s top funding priority. Notably, the 2025 budget reflects a decrease of $2.9 million from the prior year.
“Our residents expect a safe community with low crime rates and high-quality services. Their standards are high, and they count on us to meet those expectations. This budget is both balanced and firmly aligns with our longstanding principles of fiscal conservatism. It reflects the cumulative effects of years of budget cuts, staffing reductions, and service limitations,” County Executive Paul Farrow said.
Taxes:The proposed budget would cut the County tax rate for the 11th consecutive year, including every year County Executive Farrow has been in office. The 2025 budget drops the tax rate from $1.39 per thousand dollars of home value to $1.35, a 3% decrease and the lowest tax rate in more than three decades. That means Waukesha County will likely continue to have the second lowest effective tax rate among the 72 counties statewide.
Justice and Law Enforcement Program:The 2025 Executive Budget allocates its greatest portion of new County tax levy, of $3.5 million, and Shared Revenue, of $2.1 million, to support law enforcement.
Sheriff’s Department, $2.8 million in new tax levy and $1.5 million in Shared Revenue to support operations, provide relief for jail inmate capacity, and cover an increase of over $1 million in jail medical services to inmates.
Emergency Preparedness, which includes emergency dispatch operations for the Sheriff’s Department and 34 municipalities, receives $450,000 of additional levy to cover personnel cost increases and the loss of grant dollars.
Circuit Courts and the District Attorney’s Office, $200,000.
The Medical Examiner’s Office, $65,000 to support rising costs of operations.
Health and Human Services: The County would invest $97,000 in HHS. The County’s largest department delivers essential services to our community by providing mental health services, protecting at-risk children and adults, ensuring veterans receive the benefits they’re entitled to, combating the opioid crisis, and serving clients in many other essential areas.
Infrastructure:The 2025 Capital Budget totals $43.7 million, a $9.2 million decrease from the 2024 budget.
$5 million toward the rehabilitation of CTH O (Moorland Road), between CTH ES (National Avenue) and CTH D (Cleveland Avenue) in the City of New Berlin as part of a multi-year effort to improve multiple segments along one of the County’s busiest highways.
$1.5 million to replace a salt dome which collapsed earlier this year.
$20.4 million for the Courthouse Project Step II, which will renovate the 1959 Courthouse to enhance security, refurbish the East/West wing on the 2nd floor and the existing County Board space.
The County continues to evaluate the future sale of two key County-owned properties, Huber Facility on Northview and UW-Waukesha Campus closer to being on the tax rolls.
“This budget reflects the hard work and dedication of our exceptional team in Waukesha County. This collaborative approach, combined with our commitment to conservative financial practices, has resulted in a thoughtfully planned and balanced budget,” Paul Farrow concluded.
The Board of Supervisors is expected to pass the final budget in November.
About the 2025 Waukesha County Budget: The 2025 Waukesha County Executive Budget is online at www.waukeshacounty.gov/Budget.
Final passage and full board vote on projects plan to take place in October.
County Board Committees Complete Review of Latest Capital Projects Plan
As of Wednesday, September 18, 2024, all Waukesha County Board committees have completed their review of Waukesha County’s 2025-2029 Capital Projects Plan. The comprehensive plan focuses on enhancing County infrastructure and community services. County Executive Paul Farrow submitted the Plan to the County Board of Supervisors August 30th. Final passage from committees will take place on October 14th. The full Board is anticipated to vote on it during their October 22nd meeting.
The 2025-2029 Capital Plan dedicates funding for the next construction phase for the courthouse renovation project, repaving, rehabilitation of County Trunk Highways, improvements to park infrastructure and County facilities.
“It’s our duty to exercise prudent financial management to safeguard taxpayer dollars. However, it is equally important to invest in key infrastructure and community improvements that will drive long-term growth and enhance the quality of life for our residents. Balancing fiscal responsibility with strategic investments ensures a prosperous future for Waukesha County,” County Executive Paul Farrow said.
Courthouse Renovation:
$20.4 million is allocated for the 2025 Courthouse Project Step II. This phase will renovate the 1959 Courthouse to enhance security, refurbish the East/West wing on the 2nd floor and the existing County Board space. Additionally, it will update aging and outdated facility systems to support the County's growth for the next fifty years. Final funding is planned for 2026, with completion anticipated in 2027.
Transportation/Infrastructure:
The 2025 Capital Projects Budget provides about $5.2 million toward the rehabilitation of CTH O (Moorland Road), between CTH ES (National Avenue) and CTH D (Cleveland Avenue) in the City of New Berlin as part of a multi-year effort to improve multiple segments along one of the County’busiest highways. $1.5 million will go towards replacing a salt dome which collapsed earlier this year.
Justice and Law Enforcement Program:
Sheriff’s Department- The budget also initiates efforts to address increasing inmate population at the Jail with $250,000 toward a study to evaluate construction options.
Emergency Preparedness- There is a total of $470,000 budgeted to replace the roof and uninterruptible power supply at the Communication Center in 2025.
Parks and Land Use:
Design is underway for phase V of the Lake Country Trail, a 2.25-mile trail that would combine an off-road trail facility with on-road accommodations to link the Lake Country Trail at Roosevelt Park in the City of Oconomowoc with the proposed Jefferson County Interurban Trail at the Waukesha/Jefferson County line. This $2.0 million project is largely funded through federal, state, and local partnerships, with the County’s share at $74,000. Construction is planned for 2026. Naga-Waukee War Memorial and Moor Downs golf courses, Eble and Naga-Waukee ice arenas, and the Expo Center will also undergo infrastructure upgrades.
“In the past few years, we have seen costs increase faster than our revenue sources or tax levy limit can keep up with. This reality makes the need to shift things into the five-year capital plan a necessity for us to maintain the quality of services our county expects,” Farrow added.
About the 2025 Waukesha County Capital Projects Plan
The 2025-2029 Capital Projects Plan dedicates funding for all major projects in the County budgets over the next five years. It focuses on essential infrastructure projects that supports safety and economic development in the community.
Wednesday, September 11, 2024, Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow announced that he has been diagnosed with mucinous adenocarcinoma, a rare type of cancer.
Farrow who is serving his third term as County Executive, received the diagnosis a few weeks ago after undergoing multiple medical examinations. Farrow has already started chemotherapy treatment.
"As I begin my treatment, I am fully committed to continuing my work on behalf of the people of Waukesha County, Farrow said in a personal statement. I have a great team of medical professionals by my side and the unwavering support of my family, friends, and colleagues,” Farrow added.
Paul Farrow has a distinguished history in public service. Elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 2010 and the State Senate in 2012, he became Assistant Majority Leader in 2014. He also served as State Chairman of Wisconsin's Republican Party (2021-2022). Farrow has been Waukesha County Executive since 2015, winning re-elections in 2019 and 2023.
Farrow released a video message to County staff informing them of his diagnosis. A video was also released to the public on social media.
"Despite this diagnosis, the work remains the same. I’m committed to delivering another balanced 2025 budget later this fall. I have never backed down from a fight and I won’t this time either. I ask for your continued prayers and understanding,” Farrow concluded.
The office of the County Executive will provide updates on his health and any potential changes to his official schedule as necessary.
The Wisconsin Court System has designated September as a time to recognize the importance of jurors to the American justice system.
Juror Appreciation Month
September is "Juror Appreciation Month"
September has been designated by the Wisconsin Court System as a time to recognize the importance of jurors to the American justice system. Judges, clerks and attorneys who work in the system year-round have created this opportunity to acknowledge the participation of individuals who are summoned to serve in Wisconsin each year. These are people who have set aside their work and personal lives to ensure this cornerstone of American justice perseveres. Whether a juror serves in September or on another date, this is the legal system's chance to call attention to every prospective and sworn jurors' contribution and to say, "thank you!"
To show our appreciation, a banner will be displayed in the lobby of the courthouse and court staff will wear "We Appreciate Jurors" pins throughout the month. Jurors who appear for service will be offered an assortment of treats. Jurors will also be given a token of appreciation.
