Number
010850
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALDS. MURPHY, D'AMATO, RICHARDS, JOHNSON-ODOM AND GORDON
Title
Resolution directing the Department of Administration – Intergovernmental Relations Division to seek introduction and passage of legislation to return a portion of the property taxes levied against telecommunication firms to the municipalities in which they are located.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Department of Administration – Intergovernmental Relations Division to seek introduction and passage of legislation to return a portion of the property taxes levied against telecommunication firms to the municipalities in which they are located. At present, these companies pay their property taxes directly to the State of Wisconsin.
Body
Whereas, Telecommunication firms, unlike almost all other businesses, presently pay their property taxes directly to the State of Wisconsin; and
Whereas, Despite this, these firms continue to take advantage of their share of municipal services, and many use public ways to bury cables and erect utility poles, meaning the cost of these services must be borne by local tax-payers; and
Whereas, Among these costs may be numbered the permitting, inspection and re-inspection of cabling projects; the repair and maintenance of streets under which cable has been laid; the erection and maintenance of utility poles used for cable service; and the administration of all the foregoing; and
Whereas, According to one estimate for the year 2000, the City of Milwaukee lost $2.9 million in property taxes due to this highly inequitable situation; and
Whereas, These circumstances have caused some communities to go so far as to discourage large telecommunication firms from locating within their borders; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Department of Administration – Intergovernmental Relations Division, is directed to seek introduction an...
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