It could be some time yet whether Manitowoc County sees a half-percent-sales tax. The Finance Committee unanimously recommended a resolution to the full County Board asking Corporation Counsel Peter Conrad to formally ask Attorney General Brad Schimel’s opinion on the legality of the County’s proposed model. County Board Chair Jim Brey says the main point of the resolution is whether they could distribute funds to municipalities, but exclude school districts. Conrad states that according to the law the county can’t dictate where the money goes and school districts must be included in the distribution of those funds. Brey says neighboring Sheboygan County has used this model for nearly two years. SeehaferNews.com recently asked Brey if he knows of any legal recourse that’s been taken against them.
The County Board Chair adds that he’d be in favor of it only for road projects and property tax relief, calling the sales tax a “better viable option” than bonding (or borrowing). Manitowoc County Executive Bob Ziegelbauer has gone on record stating he’s against the tax adding he’d veto any resolution of a sales tax approved by the Board.
A county sales tax would raise $6 million annually. The Full Board is expected to take up the resolution at its regular monthly meeting next Tuesday night.