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Candidates debate sales tax and fiscal shortfalls as county faces deferred capital needs
Summary
Candidates discussed Winnebago County’s structural deficits, deferred maintenance estimated by a candidate at roughly $200 million, and whether a local sales tax should be considered to address capital needs or property-tax relief.
Fiscal health and the option of a county sales tax were prominent at the forum as candidates described structural budget shortfalls and deferred capital needs.
Dan John Damel, the incumbent, said the county faces a large backlog of deferred maintenance and identified a roughly $200 million total over the next several years for capital repairs. He said a local sales tax could be considered if used to reduce the debt levy or fund capital projects that otherwise would be bonded. "I don't think we need it at this time, but it's definitely not off the table," Damel said, and added that counties that have adopted a local option…
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