Eliminating and modifying certain provisions enacted under 2023 Act 12 regarding the city of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County. (FE)
Impact
The ramifications of SB849 are multifaceted. By removing the reporting obligation for Milwaukee County regarding the use of sales tax revenues, the bill could lead to less transparency in financial dealings related to the retirement system. Supporters argue this will encourage operational efficiency by reducing bureaucratic oversight, whereas critics highlight the importance of accountability in public finances. Furthermore, it modifies restrictions on fiscal management, particularly concerning cultural or entertainment-related expenditures, which some believe could enhance the counties' flexibility to allocate funds in a way that better serves their communities.
Summary
Senate Bill 849 aims to modify and eliminate certain provisions enacted under 2023 Act 12, particularly concerning the city of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County. The bill suggests the repeal of several provisions related to financial oversight and requirements for reporting on sales tax revenues that are intended to address unfunded liabilities in the counties' retirement systems. Under the current setup, both Milwaukee County and the city of Milwaukee have specific obligations to report on their financial activities tied to sales taxes and retirement liabilities, and SB849 seeks to alleviate these requirements, thus providing more straightforward financial management for local governments.
Contention
Notably, the bill introduces changes in governance regarding the fire and police departments within the city. It empowers the fire and police commission of Milwaukee to establish policies for these departments, a shift from current law that centers authority in the hands of the chiefs of the departments themselves. This alteration raises concerns among some community members about potential influences on policing and emergency services. Critics worry that cutting back on local governance provisions undermines the ability to respond effectively to public safety needs, reflecting broader anxieties about urban management and community engagement.
County and municipal aid; imposing a city sales tax and an additional county sales tax to pay the unfunded actuarial accrued liability of city and county retirement systems; requiring newly hired city and county employees of certain city agencies and counties to be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System; fire and police commissions of first class cities; eliminating the personal property tax; reporting certain crimes and other incidents that occur on school property or school transportation; advisory referenda; local health officers; local public protection services; exceptions to local levy limits; local regulation of certain quarry operations; emergency services; local approval of projects and activities under the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship 2000 Program; requiring a referendum; and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
County and municipal aid; imposing a city sales tax and an additional county sales tax to pay the unfunded actuarial accrued liability of city and county retirement systems; requiring newly hired city and county employees of certain city agencies and counties to be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System; fire and police commissions of first class cities; eliminating the personal property tax; reporting certain crimes and other incidents that occur on school property or school transportation; advisory referenda; local health officers; local public protection services; exceptions to local levy limits; local regulation of certain quarry operations; emergency services; local approval of projects and activities under the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship 2000 Program; requiring a referendum; and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
Reaffirming Wisconsin’s commitment to the strengthening and deepening of the sister ties between the State of Wisconsin and Taiwan; reaffirming Wisconsin’s support for the Taiwan Relations Act; supporting Taiwan’s signing of a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States; and continuing support for increasing Taiwan’s international profile.
Reaffirming Wisconsin’s commitment to the strengthening and deepening of the sister ties between the State of Wisconsin and Taiwan; reaffirming Wisconsin’s support for the Taiwan Relations Act; supporting Taiwan’s signing of a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States; and continuing support for increasing Taiwan’s international profile.