NO TAX LEVY INCREASE PROPOSED FOR 2013
During an October 15 meeting, Village staff presented the proposed 2013 budget to the Village Board. The budget, as presented, maintains the 2013 municipal tax levy at $9,191,482, with no increase over the 2012 levy. With no increase in the 2013 levy, the Village portion of the property tax bill for a median assessed home in Pleasant Prairie is expected to decrease by 4.71% or $40.
Pleasant Prairie has historically received about 20% of a Pleasant Prairie resident's property tax payment in order to pay for municipal services like police, fire and rescue, roads, voting, snow plowing, parks and more. For a median valued home in the Village, this will equate to approximately $810 during 2013. The median assessed value for a home in Pleasant Prairie has declined to $188,000 in 2013 from $211,900 in 2012.
STRONG COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT WILL BENEFIT RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TAX PAYERS
"A strong commercial and industrial base in Pleasant Prairie is helping our residential taxpayers," explained Mike Pollocoff, Village Administrator in Pleasant Prairie. During 2013, commercial and industrial property taxpayers in Pleasant Prairie will pay for a larger portion of the tax levy, about 43%, while residential property taxpayers will support approximately 57% of the levy. "Not only will commercial and industrial taxpayers support a larger percentage of the tax base in 2013, the Village anticipates that building permits for new commercial and industrial construction will generate additional revenue to help cover expenses during 2013."
BUDGETING FOR THE MUNICIPAL TAX LEVY
The municipal tax levy is the dollar amount to be collected through the property tax in order to cover expenses for providing municipal services in the community. A home's assessed value is then used to calculate a homeowner's share of responsibility for the tax levy. "The Village has a history of providing high quality services with a lean budget through efficient and innovative processes,” explained Pollocoff. "We're doing our best to continue this tradition for our residents in the most efficient and sustainable way possible."
Village Department Heads began working on their 2013 proposed general fund budgets this past summer. As department heads review their costs related to providing services, they look for additions, reductions, or changes to improve efficiency and reduce costs when possible. Proposed budgets are then presented to the Village Administrator and Finance Director who review the proposals and makes modifications. The Village Administrator then presents the proposed general fund budgets to the Village Board. The Village Board holds the ultimate responsibility for approving or rejecting the Village Budget.
SOME SERVICES ARE FEE BASED
Some services that the Village provides are not included in the general fund budget and are not paid for with the property tax. Those receiving the service instead pay a fee based on whether or not they use the service. Examples of this would be RecPlex or municipal water. The Village does not include fees for these types of services on the tax bill, so that residential taxpayers who may not use the service will not pay for it, and those who do only pay for their fair share.
BUDGET HEARING
A hearing related to the 2013 budget has been planned for Monday, November 19 at 6:00 p.m. at Pleasant Prairie Village Hall (9915 39th Avenue). Information related to the 2013 proposed budget is available by clicking here.