August 26, 2019

To: Municipal Clerks and Treasurers, County Clerks and Treasurers

If your county or municipality plans to have a referendum to exceed its levy limit, you must ensure the language on your ballot complies with sec. 66.0602(4)(c), Wis. Stats.

The question shall be submitted as follows: “Under state law, the increase in the levy of the .... (name of political subdivision) for the tax to be imposed for the next fiscal year, .... (year), is limited to ....%, which results in a levy of $.... Shall the .... (name of political subdivision) be allowed to exceed this limit and increase the levy for the next fiscal year, .... (year), for .... (purpose for which the increase will be used), by a total of ....%, which results in a levy of $....?"

An example of this is below:
“Under state law, the increase in the levy of the Village of Bucky for the tax to be imposed for the next fiscal year, 2020, is limited to 2%, which results in a levy of $150,000. Shall the Village of Bucky be allowed to exceed this limit and increase the levy for the next fiscal year, 2020, and an ongoing basis, for the purpose of additional police protection services, by a total of 6%, which results in a levy of $450,000?"

If you have any questions or would like us to review your proposed ballot language, contact us at lgs@wisconsin.gov.