South Milwaukee’s 2013 budget is a reality, and I’m proud of it.
The South Milwaukee City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve the budget, which contains a 1% increase in the levy and an approximately 0.7 percent increase in the tax rate.
What will it mean on your upcoming tax bill? The tax rate is increasing from $8.82 per $1,000 of assessed valuation to $8.89 per $1,000. So, for the owner of a home assessed at $150,000, the city portion of their tax bill will be approximately $1,333.50 in 2013 vs. $1,323 in 2012.
I am comfortable with this responsible increase. Being a responsible steward of city taxpayer dollars is job one as an alderman, and I think this budget — and the others the council has passed while I’ve been on the council — reflects that.
Check out my previous post here … and post your comments below!
South Milwaukee Blog 
The city of South Milwaukee employees and its elected representatives have done an exceptional job holding costs in check and keeping our fiscal house in order. To have such a modest increase in the levy with the ever shrinking amount of shared revenue from the state is commendable.
thank you
When will we receive our property tax bills?
Joe: I am told residents should expect their tax bills in the mail by the second week of December. They should be available even earlier than that on the city’s website (but they’re not up yet).
Glad to hear it. Cities that budgeted and operated in a relatively lean and efficient manner prior to the “changes” are being hit extra hard now, as there is less fat to trim without affecting services.
For SM, with minimal potential for development growth and increased tax base, and with departments that have already been pared back over the years, the new shared revenue and expenditure restraint rules are going to force tough decisions on what to keep every budget year. The rules don’t allow for increases to the cost of doing business (fuel prices, repair and maintenance prices, etc).
I hope the city doesn’t soon have to decide between putting gas in vehicles or reducing services provided somewhere. Kudos on a responsible budget this year. Let’s maintain the services we have come to expect and rely on, now and going forward!