Number
191925
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
180898
Sponsor
ALD. COGGS, JOHNSON, LEWIS AND DODD
Title
Substitute resolution directing the Department of Administration - Intergovernmental Relations Division to seek introduction and passage of legislation permitting municipal treasurers to slow the collection of property taxes in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Analysis
This substitute resolution directs the Department of Administration - Intergovernmental Relations Division to seek introduction and passage of legislation permitting municipal treasurers to slow the collection of property taxes in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Body
Whereas, On March 23, 2020, the Commissioner of Health issued an Order imposing a city-wide “Stay-at-Home” requirement to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 under the authority of s. 252.03, Wis. Stats.; and
Whereas, On March 24, 2020, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, under the authority of s. 252.02(3) and (6) and at the direction of Governor Tony Evers, issued “Emergency Order #12 Safer at Home Order”; and
Whereas, In compliance with the emergency orders in response to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, the City Treasurer’s Office is closed until further notice to prevent the spread of the virus; and
Whereas, Taxpayers can pay their property taxes online, by mail, or in the drop box adjacent to the Treasurer’s Office during this period; and
Whereas, US Bank is suspending the pay-at-the-bank option for property tax payments until further notice; and
Whereas, State Statute governs the billing and collection of property taxes as well as delinquent tax interest and penalties; and
Whereas, The Statutes currently recognize no exceptions for assessment and municipal treasurers have no authority on their own to delay property tax billing nor to waive tax account interest and penalties; and
Whereas, No payment extensions or waiving of interest and penalties are permitted at this time by State Statute; and
Whereas, It is anticipated residents will experience economic hardship as a result of the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and emergency orders including, but not limited to, increased healthcare costs, reduced work hours, reduced pay, or job loss; and
Whereas, It is anticipated the pandemic and pandemic response will result in an increase in tax delinquencies, which will not only burden the local economy but also City government resources in pursuing those delinquencies; and
Whereas, Hard-pressed small businesses deeply impacted by this pandemic as well as individual property taxpayers would benefit from the relief of not having to pay interest and penalties on property tax accounts when many are facing the loss of income due to businesses being temporarily closed and employees being furloughed; 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 and passage of State legislation that permits municipal treasurers to slow the collection of property taxes in light of the COVID-19 pandemic; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City Clerk shall send copies of this resolution to the City’s delegation in the State Legislature and, be it
Further Resolved, That File Number 180898 is amended by inserting the following item in the document attached to the file and identified as “AMENDED 2019-2020 State Legislative Detailed Proposals and Key Issues”:
Judiciary & Legislation |
Common Council |
Permit municipal treasurers to slow the collection of property taxes in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. |
.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB 175971-2
Tea B. Norfolk
3/27/2020