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Brown County schedules readings for proposed gross receipts tax; petition rules and timeline discussed
Summary
Staff told commissioners the proposed county gross receipts (sales) tax would take effect in January 2027 if adopted; commissioners were advised the county cannot automatically refer the ordinance and that citizens could petition with signatures from at least 5% of voters (about 1,330). Readings were tentatively scheduled for July 28 (first reading) and Aug. 11 (second reading/possible adoption).
County staff told the Brown County Commission that if the proposed county gross receipts (sales) tax ordinance is approved it would be timed to take effect Jan. 1, 2027, and described the petition rules that apply to county referendums.
Staff said the county lacks explicit authority to "automatically refer" the ordinance to a vote and that a referendum route would require petitions from at least 5% of registered voters, which staff estimated would require roughly 1,330 valid signatures. Commissioners discussed timing so that, if petitions follow approval, there would be adequate opportunity for them to be filed and considered.
Officials proposed a first reading on July 28 and a second reading with possible adoption on Aug. 11; the commission authorized advertising and scheduling of those hearings.
A commissioner reiterated that current statutes enacted by the legislature limit automatic referral options at the county level and that some counties have tried similar measures and sought clarification from Department of Revenue webinars and other counties. Commissioners said they intend to let voters decide the measure if it survives the ordinance process and any subsequent petitions.
No final ordinance language was adopted at the meeting; the action taken was to set hearing dates and to authorize advertising for the ordinance.
