Number
060331
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. WITKOWSKI
Title
Substitute resolution directing the Election Commission to place an advisory referendum on the consolidation of certain City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County government functions on the November 7, 2006, ballot.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Election Commission to provide, on the November 7, 2006, general election ballot, an advisory referendum on whether the City of Milwaukee and other interested or relevant parties should study the feasibility and potential cost savings of the City assuming responsibility for government functions currently performed by Milwaukee County through dissolution of the County and creation of a consolidated city/county form of government.
Body
Whereas, In recent years, the City of Milwaukee has faced a number of fiscal challenges, including rising employee health care costs, a State Legislature-imposed tax levy “freeze” and declining inflation-adjusted state shared revenue payments; and
Whereas, Despite these fiscal restraints, the City has been able to maintain a high level of service to City residents without increasing the property tax rate; and
Whereas, While Milwaukee County faces a number of the same fiscal challenges as the City, it is experiencing an ongoing and worsening budget crisis caused in large part by escalating fringe benefit costs, particularly pensions and health care for retired County employees; and
Whereas, In order to balance its budgets, the County has chosen to underfund its pension system and to make substantial cuts in the services it provides to County residents; and
Whereas, According to the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute, Milwaukee County is on the verge of fiscal insolvency, with its budget deficit projected to grow from less than $10 million this year to $81 million in 2007 and approximately $250 million by 2011; and
Whereas, On June 29, 2006, Governor Jim Doyle announced the creation of a state task f...
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