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Chippewa County board forwards advisory resolution asking state to allow optional half‑percent sales tax for roads
Summary
After extended public comment and debate, the Chippewa County Board voted 10–6 to forward an advisory resolution to the Wisconsin Counties Association asking the Legislature to permit counties to adopt an additional half‑percent sales tax restricted to roads and bridges; the resolution also urges a local referendum before implementation.
The Chippewa County Board of Supervisors voted 10–6 to forward an advisory resolution to the Wisconsin Counties Association seeking state authority for an optional additional half‑percent county sales tax dedicated to road and bridge maintenance.
The resolution asks the Legislature to allow counties to adopt an additional 0.5% sales and use tax by county ordinance, requires that the new revenue be used exclusively for road and bridge work, and recommends that up to one‑half of revenues be distributed to municipalities. The text also states the board’s view that final adoption should be subject to a local referendum.
Supporters said the ask is a tool to reopen a statewide discussion about funding shortfalls for county highways. “I would really like to see this come back to the counties where it’s our decision,” Supervisor Ericson said, arguing that a county option and local referendum would give residents the final say. Board members who favor the measure also said the county’s unusually large network of road miles and relatively low property‑tax levy make new local revenue attractive to protect public safety and economic access.
Several residents who spoke during the public‑comment period urged the opposite: increased oversight, full audits and guaranteed municipal shares before any new taxing authority is sought. “There must be more fiscal responsibility in all levels of government,” Terry Lambert told the board, asking supervisors to require full audits before advancing tax plans.
Opponents on the board cited constituent opposition and worries about burdening residents and small businesses. Supervisor Henick summarized outreach in his district, saying he had contacted dozens of constituents and found little support for adding a sales tax. Several supervisors asked staff to clarify how revenue sharing would work and whether a referendum requirement could be assured by legislation or left to local choice.
The board’s action is advisory: it does not impose a tax. If accepted for consideration by the Wisconsin Counties Association, the item could be incorporated in a statewide legislative agenda; any enabling statute would still be required before a county could impose the tax. The board’s vote to forward the resolution was 10 yes, 6 no; the resolution will be transmitted to WCA and local legislators for consideration.
