With 2 property tax hikes on Madison ballots, city leaders add another

[RandySF]

Madison residents will be asked on the November ballot if they approve a $22 million property tax hike to fund city services after the measure cleared a City Council vote Tuesday night.

After months of weighing options to fill an anticipated budget gap next year — such as cutting to city staff and services or adopting Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway’s plan to raise taxes — alders voted in favor of the latter in a 17-2 vote.

Approving the $22 million referendum would raise property taxes on the average Madison home by about $230 annually, according to city officials.

“Madison has never been afraid to tackle difficult problems, debate the best possible solution and stand up for what's right. That spirit was on display tonight when the Madison Common Council adopted the referendum resolution by a vote of 17 to 2,” Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said in a statement after the meeting.




https://captimes.com/news/government/with-2-property-tax-hikes-on-madison-ballots-city-leaders-add-another/article_649a8c38-5fb9-11ef-8c2b-8ba6b755460e.html

[oldfart73]

1. While the goal may be laudable, I disagree with these taxing authorities set by referendums.

A lack of accountability by city leaders.

(from a similar article about another taxing referendum/authority.)

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10555357

from the article::::: An operational referendum provides school districts additional, voter approved, tax levy authority.

https://www.bangor.k12.wi.us/page/operational-referendum-information-2024

While the goal may be laudable, I disagree with these taxing authorities set by referendums. Every taxing authority should be set by one entity, City council/commission or whatever. If you have 3 extra taxing authorities and each one increases your taxes by 3%, each one can say: well we did not increase your taxes by 9%. It is a matter of accountability. I would prefer one taxing authority that is accountable.

The schools and other purposes should go to the one entity.
(for approval, not pass-through)