Honorable James E. Doyle Jr.

Governor

Dear Governor Doyle:

Please veto any property tax levy limit that reaches your desk as part of the 2003-05 state budget bill, SB 44.

A state imposed property tax levy limit is an assault on home rule and our ability to properly manage our local affairs. It replaces local accountability with the state’s judgment about the appropriate level of local taxation and services. We alone are elected to make decisions about how best to meet the needs of our community.

We are particularly concerned that levy limits will stall our planned infrastructure improvements and our economic development initiatives. Impeding commercial and industrial growth in our community is no way to grow the state’s economy.

Those of us who are county officials believe levy limits on counties are especially onerous because counties are largely administering state programs with only partial funding. There is no language in this proposal to reduce or eliminate programs counties are mandated to provide on behalf of the state.

To absorb a cut in shared revenues, we need maximum flexibility to adjust our budget and downsize services. Arbitrary limits from state government would get in the way of local flexibility to do the job. You can count on us to continue to adopt responsible, prudent budgets while continuing to provide essential local services, even in the absence of levy limits.

For these reasons, we strongly urge you to veto any levy limits passed by the legislature as part of the biennial budget bill.

Thank you for considering our request on this important issue.

Sincerely,

(and many others)