WITI-TV, MILWAUKEE -
The food and beverage tax in Milwaukee County will be going up next summer. The increase is the result of a vote by an appointed board. That action has some crying foul.
The board that made the move is the Wisconsin Center District. It was set up by the state legislature in the 1990s to help manage facilities in downtown Milwaukee such as the US Cellular Arena, the Milwaukee Theatre and the Midwest Airlines convention center.
The food and beverage tax will increase by one quarter of one percent to restaurant receipts. That means you'll pay 25 cents extra for a $100 dinner.
The Wisconsin Center District says the tax increase is necessary for the downtown facilities to remain viable. So far this year, tax receipts from the existing food and beverage tax are down 19%. That's leaving a $4 million budget gap. Officials say a new source of revenue is the best way to shore up the budget.
But opponents say taxpayers should not be "nickel and dimed" -- especially during a time when everyone's dealing with the recession.
There will be a sunset provision on the new tax. But at this time, that date has yet to be determined.
The board that made the move is the Wisconsin Center District. It was set up by the state legislature in the 1990s to help manage facilities in downtown Milwaukee such as the US Cellular Arena, the Milwaukee Theatre and the Midwest Airlines convention center.
The food and beverage tax will increase by one quarter of one percent to restaurant receipts. That means you'll pay 25 cents extra for a $100 dinner.
The Wisconsin Center District says the tax increase is necessary for the downtown facilities to remain viable. So far this year, tax receipts from the existing food and beverage tax are down 19%. That's leaving a $4 million budget gap. Officials say a new source of revenue is the best way to shore up the budget.
But opponents say taxpayers should not be "nickel and dimed" -- especially during a time when everyone's dealing with the recession.
There will be a sunset provision on the new tax. But at this time, that date has yet to be determined.
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