The City of Brookfield will not raise property taxes this year after residents voted down a $6 million property tax levy referendum last Tuesday.
As reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 53.4% of voters opposed the measure, despite efforts by city leaders to educate the public on a looming budget gap that could force cuts to city services or staffing by 2026.
While Brookfield’s finances are stable for now, city officials warn that a $4 million shortfall is projected for the 2026 budget. “We’re fine for 2025,” Mayor Steve Ponto told the Journal Sentinel, “but now is the time to prepare for future years.”
The defeat leaves city leaders grappling with limited revenue options. Under state law, municipalities can only raise property taxes based on net new construction—a difficult path in Brookfield, where most growth is redevelopment.
Finance Director Robert Scott said 75% of the city’s budget goes toward employee salaries and benefits, meaning staffing cuts may be on the table. Aldermen have floated ideas like a local wheel tax or changes to services like Brookfield’s “up-the-drive” garbage pickup.
While some council members expressed disappointment in the referendum’s defeat, others acknowledged voters’ clear preference. “They would rather see cuts in services than pay increases in their taxes,” said Ald. Sara Monty.
Resident Amy Zimmerman, who supported the referendum, said the city missed an opportunity for clearer communication. “Even though the city has healthy finances and access to a large line of credit, we don’t have enough cash in the bank to pay for everything planned,” she told the *Journal Sentinel*.
As 2026 approaches, the Brookfield Common Council faces difficult decisions to balance the budget—without voter-approved tax increases.
