❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Wisconsin imposes strict levy limits on municipalities, which cap how much property tax revenue the City can raise each year, typically based on the net new construction rate. This makes it difficult for growing communities like New Berlin to fund expanding service needs without exploring other tools permitted by state law.

The Common Council discussed the option of a wheel tax during the Special Committee of the Whole meeting on July 29, 2025, but there was consensus not to pursue it. That discussion has since concluded.

It was considered because state-imposed levy limits restrict how much revenue the City can generate through property taxes, even as service demands and costs continue to rise. Under Wisconsin law, a local vehicle registration fee (wheel tax) is one of the few tools available to fund transportation and infrastructure needs. Including it in the discussion was part of the City’s responsibility to evaluate all legally available funding options as we plan for the future.

No public safety referendum has been approved. Like the wheel tax, it was included on the agenda to allow for open discussion and transparency, but no formal action has been taken.

It is being considered because the City is facing increasing demands on its fire, EMS, and police services. To maintain current response levels and ensure adequate staffing in the years ahead, additional funding may be needed. Under Wisconsin law, the only way to exceed the state-imposed levy limit to fund these services is through a voter-approved referendum. Evaluating whether this tool is right for New Berlin is part of the City’s commitment to proactive and responsible planning.

The City cannot raise the levy limit on its own. Under Wisconsin law, municipalities must seek voter approval through a referendum in order to exceed the state-imposed levy cap. That’s why a referendum is one of the few legal tools available to fund growing service demands.

No. The City remains in strong financial health. Moody’s Investors Service reaffirmed New Berlin’s Aaa bond rating, the highest possible rating, awarded to only five cities in Wisconsin. Discussions about funding options are part of responsible long-term planning, not an indication of financial distress.

While the City of New Berlin is currently in a strong financial position, with a Aaa bond rating and well-managed reserves, financial stability today does not guarantee sustainability tomorrow, especially under Wisconsin’s restrictive levy limits.

Even with responsible fiscal management, the City’s ability to maintain core services is challenged by:

• Annual increases in service delivery costs (e.g., fuel, equipment, insurance, utilities)

• Rising labor costs due to inflation and competitive hiring markets

• Increased demand for public safety and emergency services as the population grows

• Limited revenue flexibility under state law, which does not allow the City to raise property taxes beyond a small percentage tied to new construction

New funding options are being explored, not out of immediate financial need, but because the City is committed to long-term planning. By considering all legal tools now — including referenda or fees — the City can ensure it continues to meet service expectations without waiting for a crisis to force reactive decisions.

The City is planning ahead to ensure it can continue delivering high-quality services as New Berlin grows. Several key factors are contributing to the need for long-term budget planning:

• Rising costs due to inflation, supply chain challenges, and higher contract and material prices

• Increased demand for services as the City’s population grows and residents expect timely, efficient delivery of essential services

• Workforce retention and recruitment challenges, especially in a competitive labor market

One of the most pressing concerns is the need to maintain and expand public safety services, including fire, EMS, and police. The City must ensure that staffing levels keep pace with call volumes, population density, and emergency response expectations.

Whether it’s having enough firefighters on each shift, paramedics to respond to medical emergencies, or police officers available for patrols and investigations, public safety is central to the City’s responsibility — and it represents a significant portion of the City’s operating budget. Planning now helps avoid service shortfalls in the future.

No. Municipalities across Wisconsin — both large and small — are facing similar financial pressures due to state-imposed levy limits and revenue restrictions that have not kept pace with inflation or growing service demands.

These constraints mean that, even as costs rise and communities expand, cities and villages have limited ability to increase their revenues to maintain service levels. As a result, many municipalities are exploring or implementing:

• Operational referenda to support fire, police, EMS, or general operations

• Local vehicle registration fees (wheel taxes) to fund road maintenance and transportation needs

• Special assessments or service fees to cover items like stormwater, garbage collection, or facility upgrades

The growing use of these tools is not a sign of poor financial management, but rather a reflection of the limited financial flexibility allowed under state law. New Berlin is not alone in facing these decisions — we are part of a statewide trend of communities trying to balance responsible budgeting with resident expectations for safety, service quality, and infrastructure maintenance.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged by following upcoming Committee of the Whole and Common Council meetings, where these topics may continue to be discussed.

There are several ways to share your feedback:

• Email your comments to: citizencomments@newberlin.org
  (Messages are shared with both the Mayor and all members of the Common Council)

• Contact your alderperson or the Mayor directly to share concerns or ask questions

• Attend the public budget hearing, where residents will have the opportunity to speak on the record

Public involvement is a vital part of the City’s decision-making process, and your voice matters.

• Visit the City's Budget Transparency Hub
• Subscribe to updates through the Meeting & Agenda Portal
• Subscribe to the Notify Me to be alerted to future Press Releases

Each year, departments submit budget requests to the Finance Department, which are reviewed by the Mayor and Finance Director. The proposed budget is then presented to the Common Council for review, public input is gathered, and the Council adopts a final version.

The Common Council adopts the final City budget, typically in the fall. A public hearing is held before adoption to allow for resident input.

The operating budget covers day-to-day expenses (staffing, utilities, supplies), while the capital budget funds larger projects and infrastructure (roads, vehicles, buildings, etc.).

A significant portion of the City’s budget is dedicated to delivering essential services such as public safety (Police and Fire), infrastructure maintenance (like roads and snow removal), and other citywide operations that keep New Berlin running smoothly.

To provide these services, the City invests in a skilled and dedicated workforce, and as such, personnel costs (salaries, benefits, and retirement) represent one of the largest areas of spending across all departments.

The majority of funding comes from property taxes, with additional revenue from state aids, fees, permits, and grants.

Residents may share comments by emailing CitizenComments@newberlin.org, attending budget meetings, or speaking during the Privilege of the Floor at Common Council meetings. Public input is especially encouraged during the annual budget hearing.

Privilege of the Floor is a public comment period at every Common Council meeting. Residents can speak directly to the Council on any topic. Click here to view the rules and guidelines. 

Visit our Meeting & Agenda Portal to create an account. You can subscribe to receive email notifications when agendas are posted for meetings you’re interested in, including Common Council and Committee of the Whole.

The portal provides access to meeting agendas, packets, videos (if recorded), and action minutes. You can also sign up for meeting alerts and submit public comments through the portal. Click here to access the portal.

Property tax rates are determined each year based on the City’s adopted budget, assessed property values, and state-imposed levy limits. Any proposed increase is discussed during public budget meetings and hearings, and residents are encouraged to provide input.

Please note: The City of New Berlin is only one part of your total property tax bill. Other taxing jurisdictions — including your local school district (School District of New Berlin, Elmbrook, West Allis–West Milwaukee, or Muskego–Norway), Waukesha County, and area technical colleges — each set their own tax levies annually.

Property taxes are calculated using the mill rate, which represents the amount of tax per $1,000 of assessed property value. Each taxing entity sets its own mill rate based on its budget needs and the total value of taxable property in its district.

Your property taxes help fund essential services like Police, Fire, EMS, snow removal, street maintenance, park facilities, and administrative services.

The City of New Berlin is committed to being a responsible steward of public funds. Each department regularly reviews its operations to identify cost-saving opportunities and ensure services are delivered as efficiently and effectively as possible.

We actively pursue grants, state and federal funding, and cost-sharing partnerships to offset expenses wherever possible. We also explore new technologies, contract efficiencies, and alternative service models to stretch taxpayer dollars further.

Despite these efforts, the City operates under strict state-imposed levy limits, which cap how much property tax revenue we can collect each year, even as inflation, service demands, and infrastructure needs grow.

Recognizing this challenge, we are also exploring long-term solutions, such as referendums or other sustainable funding options, to ensure we can continue to provide the level of service our residents expect and deserve.

Departments submit budget requests based on service needs and priorities. These are reviewed and balanced against available revenues and long-term planning goals before being presented to the Common Council for approval.

Each department director is responsible for managing their department’s budget and ensuring that expenditures align with the goals and limits set during the annual budget process. The Finance Department and the Mayor provide ongoing oversight and review throughout the year.

Spending is monitored regularly, and financial updates are provided to the Common Council on a monthly basis to ensure transparency and accountability.

If unexpected expenses or changes arise mid-year, budget amendments may be proposed. These amendments must be reviewed and approved by the Common Council before any adjustments are made to the adopted budget.

.The Finance Department, in coordination with the Mayor, monitors expenses and revenues throughout the year to ensure alignment with the adopted budget. Regular financial reports are shared with department directors and the Common Council to promote transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making.

You can access past and current adopted budgets and related materials on the City’s Budget Transparency Hub.