WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and SportsChippewa County to adopt budget tonight

Chippewa County to adopt budget tonight

Chippewa Falls (WQOW) - There are still some questions about the budget in Chippewa County, including how much if any the tax levy will go up.  

"Because of the economy the way it is, this is the roughest year by far in my 6 years on the board and I'm sure some of the old-timers would also support me on that because money is tight and there are a lot of people screaming that their department is important or their service is important," says Allan Schlaugat, a board supervisor.

The county board will adopt its budget tonight after giving the public a chance to weigh in. The budget calls for a number of positions to be eliminated through early retirement, lay-offs or positions going unfilled. They'll also be discussing the tax levy. 

The budget calls for raising it 3 percent but there is some talk of going even higher, possibly up to 5.7 percent. That's because board members say extra money will be needed for union negiotiations and to cover those who can't afford their taxes.  

One county board member is pushing for no increase to the levy saying taxpayers are already being hit as area school districts raise taxes.    

"Here in Chippewa Falls we're going to be smacked with such an increase, it wouldn't surprise me one bit that we're going to see homes put up for sale, foreclosures, businesses on the brink going over the brink and close. Here at the county we have to be part of the solution and not the problem," adds Schlaugat.

A 3 percent tax levy would create an additional $428,000 for the county.  Tonight's public hearing is at 7 p.m. at the courthouse.