Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Glad to Hear Madison Lawmakers are Working Towards an Increase in Shared Revenue

Monday, January 9th, 2023 -- 9:00 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Shane Blaser says he's glad to hear that lawmakers in Madison are working towards an increase in shared revenue for counties and cities.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, he says even a small amount of cash can make a difference especially in the area of roads and infrastructure. "So, it's really about, for me, putting in some more road projects. Trying to improve those because we know infrastructure is always going to be a struggle."

He says it is hard to say what could be done since details on when the extra funding could come and how much it will be are unknown, but if he were in control the city would invest in road projects. "Doing pavement replacement or overlay projects. Something to improve ride quality and the quality of our infrastructure would be the priority."

He says it's also unclear if the money will be a one-time windfall or ongoing addition, which also makes a difference. He says if the money is a one-time payment, it might be best to complete a laundry list of projects that would otherwise require borrowing.

"Those are the types of projects that I think is important to put that money in there because we'll have to pay for it eventually. So, if we can not borrow to do that, that's better for the tax payers in the long run."

Governor Evers told reporters during a stop in Stevens Point last week that counties and municipalities can expect to see increased shared revenue as part of the current multi-billion dollar state surplus.

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