Rusk County Residents - We must let the Rusk County WI Government know that we cannot afford this. 

Only a handful of people testified  against this at the board meetings. We must have our voices heard!!

The stark reality is that Rusk County, Wisconsin, has been facing stagnant demographic trends for decades. With a population persistently under 15,000 and official projections predicting a 10% decrease by 2040, the trajectory is alarmingly clear. These figures, sourced from the Wisconsin demographic study https://wisc.pb.unizin.org/app/uploads/sites/253/2018/05/M1.L3.WIFuturePop-1024x774.jpg illustrate a future where fewer residents will shoulder increased financial burdens.

Against this backdrop, the prospect of funding a new jail and shop with a multi-million dollar bond is both unrealistic and unsustainable for Rusk County taxpayers. Our community simply cannot afford this financial weight when there are pressing economic concerns and essential services that demand our limited resources. Allocating funds towards this project is irresponsible when weighed against the needs of our current population.

Many of us are already struggling under the weight of existing property taxes and record inflation. Imposing additional taxes to finance this large-scale project risks pushing local families further into financial insecurity. Instead of incurring debt that will latch onto our children's future, we need to reassess and prioritize our financial commitments towards the most urgent and beneficial community services.

In Wisconsin, property tax foreclosure occurs when a county takes ownership of a property due to unpaid taxes, following a legal process outlined in state statutes. The property is then typically sold at a public auction.

Wisconsin Statute on Tax Liens

Such list of tax liens shall be verified by the affidavit of the county treasurer and shall be posted in the treasurer’s office. The filing of such list of tax liens in the office of the clerk of the circuit court shall constitute and have the same effect as the filing and recording in the office of the register of deeds of such county of a separate and individual notice of the pendency of such proceeding as to each parcel described in such list, and likewise, not withstanding any other provision of law, shall constitute the commencement of a special proceeding by the county against each parcel of real estate therein described and have the same effect as the filing or recording of an individual and separate petition or complaint by the county against each parcel of real estate therein described to enforce the payment of the tax liens against such property.

Rusk Statement of Explanation Authorizing Proceeding with Design Development for Jail Facility and Highway Facility Replacement Projects

It is crucial for Rusk County officials to carefully consider the long-term economic impact of this decision. We urge them to explore alternative solutions that do not add to the financial strain on already burdened taxpayers. 

Please join us in urging Rusk County officials to reconsider this proposal and find a more feasible and cost-effective solution. Sign this petition today and help protect the economic future of Rusk County and its residents.