The Town Elector Resolution to be considered at the 10/7 Special Town Meeting is posted at the Fire/EMS Town of Linn and City of Lake Geneva Partnership page: https://townoflinn.wi.gov/town-of-linn-city-of-lake-geneva-fire-ems-partnership/

After reading the Elector Resolution, please review question and answer #16 on the Fire/EMS partnership page: if contractual Fire/EMS staffing will result in an average of an 18% tax increase, why does the Elector Resolution and the Elector Meeting notices say 40%?

In summary, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue requires that the Elector Resolution and meeting notices only include the percentage levy increase between $0 and the proposed dollar amount for the upcoming year, which does not consider the year-over-year reduction in borrowing costs.

For the 2024 calendar year, the Town borrowed, levied and repaid $1,500,000 for contractual Fire/EMS staffing. For the upcoming year, the Town is requesting to include $1,900,000 in the Town tax levy to reduce borrowing costs and support a long-term agreement with the City of Lake Geneva for Fire/EMS staffing. If you compare the overall Town tax levy between calendar years 2024 and 2025, including borrowing, the average percentage levy increase is approximately 18%.

Therefore, the accurate average percentage tax increase for property owners is approximately 18%.

A full explanation is available at the Fire/EMS Town of Linn and City of Lake Geneva Partnership page, question and answer #16.

Questions? Please contact Administrator Jim Hurley at 262-275-6300 ext. 12, or admin@townoflinn.wi.gov.