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Georgetown officials warn state proposals to eliminate property taxes would force new local funding choices
Summary
Council discussed potential statewide moves to eliminate property taxes and how the village would replace revenue, noting the village’s single fire levy (9.5 mills) raises roughly $1.5 million and that elimination would shift control and require alternative revenue sources or state redistribution.
Council members spent substantial time discussing how proposed state-level changes to property-tax policy could affect Georgetown’s ability to fund local services. Travis explained that the village has one property-tax levy dedicated to the fire department — described in the meeting as a 9.5-mill levy that produces roughly $1.5 million in revenue annually — and that elimination of property taxes at the state level would remove that locally controlled funding source.
Councilors and staff reviewed replacement options and trade-offs. Locally controlled levies give voters direct say over funding for services; moving the revenue stream to the state level could require a statewide pool that the village might not control. Possible replacement sources discussed included increasing the municipal income tax, adopting local sales taxes if allowed, or relying on state-allocated funds; council noted that sales tax revenue in the village is limited and unlikely to replace property-tax revenue on its own.
Members raised timing and procedural questions: whether a measure would appear on the November general-election ballot and the deadline to place measures on the ballot (discussion indicated a July deadline). Several councilors urged monitoring state developments closely and preparing potential local policy responses if a statewide change advances.
No formal action was taken; the council asked staff to stay informed and report back as the state process develops.
