Marathon County has always had one of the better budget processes of local governments I’ve covered.
The administrator brings the budget to various committees and presents all the highlights of things that have changed — the good, the bad and everything in between that’s noteworthy.
Last year, Wausau finally took steps toward something similar. Credit where credit is due.
A breakdown of the major changes from one year to the next helps outlets like The Wausonian break them down for readers.
At this stage, the administrator is presenting the budget to the county board and county committees. Much can and does change as the county board gets its hands on it, argues over changes, and eventually approves the final version.
But this is where it starts.
Here is what you need to know so far in the current version of Marathon County’s 2027 budget:
Property tax rates drop a penny, but…: The proposed property tax rate drops all of one cent, to $3.48 per $1,000 of equalized property value. But County Administrator Lance Leonhard warns that property owners shouldn’t necessarily expect a decrease in their bills, because countywide equalized property value rose 6.25%. The county’s example shows an increase in the average homeowner’s county tax bill, though individual bills will depend on how home values change relative to other properties. (And that’s of course just one piece of the tax pie, with the municipality, school district, etc. taking their share, which could increase or decrease.)
Net new construction dropped a little: The net new construction percentage dropped ever so slightly compared to last year. In fact, it’s fallen for three straight years since a jump in 2023. In 2019 the number was 2.16%. This year it was 1.545%. Why does that matter? Because Wisconsin generally limits increases in county and municipal operating property-tax levies based on net new construction, with some exceptions and adjustments. A lower number means the county has less wiggle room to match inflation.
