Editor’s note: John Weidl, Interim City Manager of the city of Whitewater, issued the following statement to the Whitewater Banner on October 18. The references to “net property tax reductions” are inclusive of the projected taxes for all entities: city, school district, county, and technical district.

“On the November 8, 2022 ballot, City of Whitewater residents will be asked whether they support two
separate referendums, one being the Whitewater Unified School District’s referendum and the other
being the City’s ask for a $1.1M property tax increase to fund EMS staffing and equipment investments.
If the referendums pass, most taxpayers will see a net reduction in tax bills thanks in large part to $75
million of growth in the City’s tax base.

If the referendums pass, the majority of Walworth County property owners can expect to see an
estimated $202 reduction in net annual property taxes per $100,000 assessed value and the majority of
Jefferson County property owners can expect to see a $242 reduction in net annual property taxes per
$100,000 assessed value. In addition to these net property tax reductions, residents will have access to
a sustainable, fully staffed, in-station EMS response and an equipment reserve for fire and EMS capital
investments.

While it is true that the net property tax decrease would be higher for residents if the City’s referendum
does not pass, but the school district’s does – $372 per $100,000 assessed value for Walworth County
and $411 per $100,000 assessed value for Jefferson County – it would not be without cost in terms of
significant reduction in services.

Without the sustainable funding source made available through additional property taxes, EMS
response times would dramatically increase as EMS would be reduced to one ambulance. Additionally,
the City would have to continue borrowing – at high interest rates – to purchase necessary fire and EMS
equipment. It is likely a waste / recycling fee would be enacted to increase the general fund’s ability to
cover the costs of base-level on-site EMS staffing. It is important to note that even with a waste /
recycling fee enacted, to maintain even a base level of EMS services, cuts to the City’s general
operating budget would be necessary, which would impact things like road maintenance and
improvements.

A yes vote does not mean an increase in net property taxes; in fact, most City homeowners will still see
a net decrease even with an approved property tax increase. However, more than the dollars and
cents, residents will see the level of service they need and deserve from Whitewater Fire and EMS, and
the City as a whole.”

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