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On the ballot, residents will be asked asked whether they support two separate referendums. One is the Whitewater Unified School District‘s referendum. The other is the city asking for a $1.1 million 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,” City Manager John Weidl said.

He added that even 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 of assessed value; the majority of Jefferson County property owners can expect to see a $242 reduction in net annual property taxes per $100,000 of assessed value.

However, that does not factor in any increases in property value in 2022. The average Jefferson County property value increased by 16% in 2022.

“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,” Weidl said. “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.”

Weidl said without a sustainable funding source made available through additional property taxes, EMS response times could dramatically increase as EMS resources would be reduced.

“Additionally, the city would have to continue borrowing, at high interest rates, to purchase necessary fire and EMS equipment,” he said. “It is likely that 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.”

Weidl said 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,” he said. “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.”