Village Proposes Modest Tax Increase in 2012 Budget

Menomonee Falls residents over the past few months watched the school district as final figures poured in from the state. However, the same isn’t true for the village property tax portion of the bill, which is expected to increase slightly.

The village is proposing a $21.7 million tax levy in 2012, which breaks down to a tax rate of $5.21 per $1,000 of assessed value, which is up from $5.17 a year ago. The garbage and recycling fee also increases in 2012 to $100.12, which includes an additional $9.48 state generator fee.

An owner of a $250,000 house can expect their bill to jump $15 to roughly $1,400 with the solid waste fee included.

“The state of the economy presents direct challenges for developing all budgets,” stated Village Manager Mark Fitzgerald in a memo to the Village Board. “We predict little developmental growth , resulting in stagnant building and development permit revenue.”

When Gov. Scott Walker signed Act 10 into law it effectively froze a municipality’s ability to raise the tax levy unless there is growth. By law, the village was allowed to increase the levy by 1.23 percent due to new construction, but only expanded the levy 0.91 percent, or $196,025.

Overall, expenditures from the village’s general fund will decrease 0.57 percent to $25.6 million.

“We continue to reorganize departments and streamline operations,” Fitzgerald said. “Expenditures other than normal salary increases were maintained at last year’s level.”

The village reduced its staff by four full-time employees. Three full-time employees were eliminated in the Public Works Department, and one full-time position was removed from the Public Safety Department.

The village posted the budget summary online, and the public hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at . If needed, a second public hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. the following day.