Expenditure Restraint Program - 2020 Budget Limit Notices - Available Online

October 31, 2019

To: Municipal Clerks and Treasurers


The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) posted the 2020 Expenditure Restraint Program (ERP) Budget Limit Notices on our website.

Based on 2018 municipal tax rates, there are 467 municipalities that may be eligible for a 2021 ERP payment. DOR sent notices to the eligible municipalities via email on Wednesday, October 30, 2019.

If your municipal-only property tax rate does not exceed five mills, your municipality is not eligible for ERP and will not receive a 2020 Budget Limit Notice.


To qualify for a 2021 ERP payment, both must apply:

  1. Your municipal‑only 2019 property tax rate must exceed five mills
    • According to DOR records, 467 municipalities have a 2018 tax rate above five mills
    • Note: This excludes TIF district value and tax increments
  2. Your municipality's non‑debt general fund budget expenditure percentage increase from 2019 to 2020 must be less than the sum of the 1.9 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index for the 12 months ending September 30, 2019, plus your net new construction percentage during 2018 (up to a maximum 2 percent)

Review the 2020 ERP Budget Limit Notices carefully to ensure your municipality qualifies for a 2021 ERP payment.

If you have questions, contact us at lgs@wisconsin.gov.