04/02/2026
Property Tax Reform: A Call for Change in Wisconsin!
As a Common Council Member in the City of Franklin, I hear regularly from residents about the burden of rising property taxes. While local governments work hard to control costs, the root of the problem lies in State's outdated financial structure...one that places nearly 100% of the cost of local services, including schools, counties, and municipalities, on the backs of property owners.
Unlike many other states, Wisconsin relies disproportionately on property taxes to fund essential services. This system creates an unsustainable strain on homeowners, especially seniors and fixed-income families, while discouraging economic growth. Other states balance these costs through income or sales taxes, shared revenue, or state-funded education systems—models we should explore.
The consequences are clear: overburdened taxpayers, stagnant property values, and communities forced to cut services or defer investments. It’s time for Wisconsin to modernize its approach. We need bipartisan solutions that diversify revenue streams, reduce reliance on property taxes, and ensure fair funding for schools and local governments.
I urge residents to join me in advocating for reform. Contact your state legislators, attend town halls, and demand change. Our city—and our state—deserves a system that works for everyone.
Together, we can build a brighter, more equitable future for Franklin and Wisconsin.
By Nabil Salous, Franklin Common Council Member
