Update on Waukesha County’s Proposed Sales Tax Increase

Last week, the Alliance announced that we were publicly opposing a proposed 0.5% Waukesha County sales tax, which would begin on July 1, 2025.

The Alliance listened to feedback from our members, who are concerned about the rushed proposal to implement a county sales tax. Members believe this proposal increases taxes by too much, too fast, when families and job creators are already struggling under inflation and increased costs. In addition, our members have raised real concerns about the mere 19 days between introduction of the ordinance and a vote, and feel the process is rushed. 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 for future budgets.

If you feel strongly about this issue, we encourage you to reach out to your County Board Supervisor before October 22. To send a note, visit https://nowaukeshasalestax.com/. You can find your County Board Supervisor here and contact information for all County Board Supervisors here.

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.

Please feel free to contact Amanda Payne directly with questions or feedback (apayne@waukesha.org). 

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Media Coverage:

Listen to Mark Belling’s Monday segment here, starting at 1:41:40.

Listen to Dan O’Donnell’s Friday segment here.

Listen to Dan O’Donnell’s Tuesday segment here.

“It would be shameful for any member of the County Board to vote for a higher tax than they need.” – Mark Belling, 10/14

“What these business leaders are saying is look why don’t we go to legislature, ask them to pass a bill to allow Counties to pass sales tax that is smaller than 0.5. The people that are pushing for the sales tax, I think are trying to nip that in the bud by getting the entire 0.5 now.” – Mark Belling, 10/14

“There is no budget deficit right now, the upcoming county budget will not have a deficit. This is a solution quite literally searching for a problem that no longer exists.”  – Dan O’Donnell, 10/11

“The final vote is apparently set in the county board for October 22, so 19 days from introduction to final passage. This strikes me like an attempt to rush this through while the general public is distracted, most likely by the presidential election. I don’t believe for a second that the timing is accidental.”  – Dan O’Donnell, 10/11

Waukesha Freeman: Waukesha County Business Alliance Voices Opposition to Sales Tax Proposal
The Waukesha Freeman provided in-depth coverage of the Alliance’s position, highlighting key quotes from our leadership on the economic risks associated with raising the sales tax. The article also featured testimonials from local business owners who share our concerns. Waukesha Freeman

BizTimes: Waukesha County Business Alliance Opposes County Exec’s Sales Tax Proposal
BizTimes highlighted our formal opposition to the sales tax proposal, underscoring our concerns about the potential economic impact on businesses and residents. BizTimes Milwaukee

Fox 6: Waukesha County Sales Tax Proposal, Business Group Opposes
Fox 6 reported on the growing opposition to the sales tax, with a feature story that included interviews from local business leaders and Alliance members who voiced their concerns about how the tax increase could affect both small businesses and larger corporations in the area. Fox 6

Dan O’Donnell Show: Opposition Grows to Possible Waukesha County Sales Tax
On his popular radio show, Dan O’Donnell covered the increasing resistance to the tax proposal, including a segment featuring the Waukesha County Business Alliance’s perspective. The show highlighted the Alliance’s role in leading the charge against the tax increase and called attention to the broader business community’s response. Dan O’Donnell Show

MacIver Institute: Opposition Grows to Possible Waukesha County Sales Tax
This piece consolidated various viewpoints from the business community, including the WCBA’s, focusing on how this proposed tax could stifle growth, deter investment, and ultimately hurt local consumers. Opposition Grows to Possible Waukesha County Sales Tax