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Waupaca County board asks state to restore 50/50 split on real estate transfer fees
Summary
The county unanimously adopted a resolution asking Wisconsin to let counties retain 50% of real estate transfer fees, saying Waupaca County forfeited about $1.13 million under the current 80/20 split over five years; copies will be sent to the governor and state lawmakers.
The Waupaca County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 21 unanimously adopted a resolution asking the State of Wisconsin to revise the real estate transfer fee revenue-sharing formula so counties may retain 50% of fees collected.
The resolution, introduced as Resolution No. 35 (2022-2023) and moved by Supervisor Bosquez with Supervisor Wengelski seconding, notes that over the past five years Waupaca County collected $3,764,376 in transfer fees, retained $752,875 and remitted $3,011,501 to the state under the current formula. The document states that a 50/50 split would have provided an additional $1,129,313 to local government over the same period.
Supporters told the board the county bears the costs of recording transfers through the Register of Deeds office and that increased local retention would help counties cover rising costs of services amid state-imposed levy limits. The resolution cites changes in state practice dating to 1969 and 1981 and notes the state reported an approximately $2.5 billion budget surplus at the end of the 2021 budget cycle.
The board approved the resolution 24-0 and directed the county clerk to send copies to Governor Tony Evers, members of the State Legislature representing Waupaca County, the Wisconsin Counties Association and other counties for consideration. No further action at the county level was required; the resolution requests the state legislature consider the change.
