Alliance Opposes Waukesha County’s Proposed Sales Tax Increase

County Executive Paul Farrow recently introduced an ordinance to authorize a 0.5% county sales tax, which would begin on July 1, 2025. The revenue from this sales tax would be allocated as follows: 60% to the County, up to 20% to local governments, and up to 20% for property tax reduction.

As an organization, we have already opposed a 0.5% county sales tax in 2025 and have shared that position publicly. While the position is already set, the Alliance’s Policy Board and Executive Committee voted unanimously again this week to strongly oppose this proposed sales tax over the next two weeks, as the County Board is scheduled to vote on the proposal on October 22.

The timeline is rushed, and our members have voiced concerns, questions and opposition to what is being proposed. We have listened to your concerns and are acting on behalf of our members in telling the County that this is too much, too fast.

With costs already soaring, now is not the time to put additional burden on Waukesha County families and job creators, and we firmly oppose overtaxing Waukesha County residents with a projected $50-$60 million increase. Businesses and consumers are facing the same pressures of rising costs and inflation. The County’s practice of fiscal conservatism – only taxing for what is needed – has made Waukesha County the envy of most counties; not only in Wisconsin, but nationally. Adopting a 0.5% sales tax generates tens of millions more in tax revenue than what is needed to solve the fiscal gap that the County is projecting.

The Alliance is calling on the County to work collaboratively with state legislators, business leaders, and community members to find ways to address budgetary challenges while protecting the business environment that has made Waukesha County a wonderful place to raise families and a leader in economic growth. The Alliance has consistently indicated that we would work with the County and our state legislators on the best path going forward.

Those opposing the tax increase can utilize this website: NoWaukeshaSalesTax.com to contact their county board supervisors directly.