The City of River Falls is proud to announce that after almost a year of work with its partners, the legislature, and the governor, Governor Evers signed the Shared Revenue Bill, AB245, on Tuesday, June 20.
The Mayor and City Council would like to thank Governor Evers, Representative Zimmerman, Representative Petryk, and Senator Smith for their support of the Shared Revenue Bill. Additionally, they would like to recognize Speaker Vos, Senate Majority Leader LeMahieu, and the bill’s authors, Senator Felzkowski and Representative Kurtz, for their initiative and guidance throughout the process.
Supporting the League of Wisconsin Municipalities in their effort to increase shared revenue from the State to municipalities became an official legislative priority by a resolution of the City of River Falls Common Council on April 11, 2023. Over the past two years, City of River Falls staff have been involved in this process by serving on advisory committees, meeting with legislators, and attending the 2023 Joint Finance Committee hearing. The historic shared revenue funding change is the result of a coordinated effort of local and state partners who worked across political party lines to bring this modification to the people of Wisconsin and the City of River Falls.
The outcome of the Shared Revenue Bill will have a profound effect on the state and local government funding structure and will result in increased sustainability of police, fire, EMS, public works, and the other essential services provided by local governments.
The bill dedicates one full penny of the state sales tax, amounting to more than $1.5 billion annually, to local governments. It includes a real increase of 27% in shared revenue payments to the City to support public safety and street improvements. Future county and municipal aid increases will be based on estimated increases in sales tax revenue.
“I am encouraged that the state has committed to using locally generated tax dollars in ways that will directly benefit our community,” said River Falls Mayor Dan Toland. “This will help ensure that residents have access to high quality vital services, including fire, police, and street maintenance.”