County residents seek answers ahead of sales tax increase vote

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As the Milwaukee County Board prepares to vote on increasing the sales tax by .04% this Thursday, residents got a chance to have their questions answered.

"By 2027, 2028, we're back in the realm of an $80 million deficit or more? Are we just going to be back here three or four years from now even if we do get sales tax done?" asked one resident Tuesday night at a town hall at the Milwaukee Public Library East Branch.

"What this sales tax would do is take the stone of the pension from around our neck and give us a little more flexibility to move around here," explained Director of Milwaukee County Office of Strategy, Budget, and Performance Joe Lamers.

If the sales tax hike gets the two-thirds majority it needs to pass, Lamers said it would bring the projected $109 million deficit to something more manageable.

It would also change the way the county handles its retirements. County Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman said there is a provision in it that eliminates the Milwaukee Pension Fund and integrates new employees into the Wisconsin Retirement System.

"What if sheriffs start leaving because the city next door has a pension?" asked one person.

If approved, you can expect to see the increase starting in January.