There will be a half-cent sales tax in Outagamie County starting next year.
County Board members voted overwhelmingly last night to override a veto of the tax by County Executive Tom Nelson. The 32-3 total was well above the two-thirds margin that supporters needed.
Supervisor Mike Thomas of Appleton is a former CEO, and a conservative board member. He says he voted for the tax because the county is running out of options for funding. He can’t figure out any way to continue to balance the budget without cutting major services.
A county study shows the tax would bring in about $20 million in the first year. Supporters want to use that money to lower property taxes, reduce debt, and send money to communities and schools.
Property owners would save about $50 overall.
