Muskego Tax Levy Approved, With Usual Division

Almost lost in the debate over Pioneer Drive and borrowing debates Tuesday night was the resolution for the 2012 budget, which at 0 percent increase for the $11.9 million levy might have been a unanimous decision.

However, Kert Harenda had asked if $76,000 in additional funds could be returned to the taxpayers from a contingency fund currently holding $146,000.  The required minimum on that fund is $70,000.

Mayor Kathy Chiaverotti expressed concern over reducing the fund, as the city is still looking to negotiate with the Police Department and may need about $160,000 to cover what had been offered to them in compensation from earlier agreements.

In addition, Chiaverotti warned that a negative levy could mean a much more difficult budget in the years to come, as spending would be extremely limited.

Alderman Noah Fiedler agreed, citing historical experience from previous budgets. "The last time we had a reduction - I believe about four years ago, I recall the budget process in the following year was the most painful one I had ever gone through.  This one has been painful, but not to that extent."

Harenda had also suggested that the $76,000 could be applied to retain two positions in the building inspection department.  Alderman Noah Fiedler argued that the positions would still be an ongoing expense, not just a one-time fix for this year, and that Jeff Muenkel, city planner, had even indicated that this was an area where the city could afford to cut.

The tax levy will represent $4.41 per $1,000 in assessed property value, or a decrease of $6 for an average-valued home of $293,100 in Muskego. The levy matches that from 2010.

With the amendment failing on a 4-3 vote (Harenda, Neil Borgman and Dan Soltysiak were in favor), the original resolution passed on the same lines.