Barron County wants to the ability to add another 0.25 percent, for a total sales tax of 5.75 percent. That money would help pay for a new justice center while meeting the county's current responsibilities. The Barron County Board adopted a resolution in February asking for the ability to add to the local sales tax. State Sen. Bob Jauch, D-Poplar, intends to take up the cause in the Legislature. It might be the only way to save counties from higher property taxes.
Nobody wants to raise taxes.
But if a county needs more money, it should have the ability to raise the money in the way it sees fit - either through property taxes, sales taxes or other revenue sources. Jauch said it appears that many legislators don't see it that way, however. Jauch said in detailing why his bill will face a great deal of opposition in the Legislature. One legislator opposing the Barron County plan is Rep. Larry Balow, D-Eau Claire, who said he couldn't support another tax increase because people already are stuggling because of such things as higher fuel costs. That's probably true, but it doesn't address the fact that all Barron County is asking for is permission from the state to raise its sales tax.