Let’s work together! Except I oppose what you want to do. I’m not sure I have a strong opinion on this one . . . but its interesting to watch. But also, I’m confused by this communication, it sounds real nice . . . but its real odd.
From: Parisi, Joseph [Parisi@countyofdane.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 11:49 AM
To: All Alders
Cc: #County Board Recipients; Mayor; Gallagher, Adam
Subject: Four Installment Tax CollectionTo: Madison City Council
From: Dane County Executive Joe Parisi
Re: Opportunities for Collaboration, Four Installment Tax CollectionToo often in the fine art of public policy making focus is placed on what divides us, and opportunities for collaboration are foregone.
This week the City Council is considering an effort to dramatically alter the manner in which property tax collections are made. This issue has generated plenty of debate between the City of Madison and Dane County – – conversations that pre-date my service as County Executive.
While both sides offer compelling reasons both for and against pursuing such a change, it is hard to ignore the reality that this issue – – regardless of the intent – – has clear public policy ramifications both operationally and fiscally.
I have shared with both the Mayor on multiple occasions and with Council leadership my intention to address shared challenges in the spirit of seeking – – whenever possible – – mutually beneficial solutions.
The City of Madison has approached my administration on several significant issues in the past two years and in collaboration with the Dane County Board of Supervisors we have worked to address these matters cooperatively.
Whether pursuing expansion of the County landfill or partnering on extensive road projects directly resulting from city land use decisions, county government has shown a willingness to make significant investments in county tax dollars and staff resources to work on projects of interest to the City.
If successful, the county’s landfill expansion I have proposed will save city taxpayers an estimated $1.5 million a year in operating budget expenses that would otherwise be needed to cover the cost of transporting waste and refuse for disposal. Our partnership to reconstruct Mineral Point Road and Highway M will cost county taxpayers more than $15-million in the coming years.
The annual budget for Dane County’s Department of Human Services is comparable to the total budget for the City of Madison with many of those dollars directed to improving the quality of life for city residents and addressing some of our most pressing challenges including homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse, and mental health treatment.
I raise these points to exemplify the county’s commitment to working with – – not against its largest municipal partner.
Whether it’s cleaning our lakes, ensuring all of our kids have an opportunity to succeed at school and in our community or enhancing the quality of life for families, we have more shared challenges to address.
We accomplish more when we do it together. I ask that you oppose the proposed change in property tax collections.
Thank you.
Cc: Mayor Paul Soglin
Dane County Board of Supervisors
Dane County Treasurer Adam GallagherJoseph T. Parisi
Joseph T. Parisi
Dane County Executive
Room 421, City-County Building
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
(608) 266-4114
(608) 266-9138 TDD
(608) 266-2643 Fax
parisi@countyofdane.com
www.countyofdane.com
Did he say why they should oppose it? Did he say anything relevant to the conversation . . . or topic of tax collection? Why should they oppose it? I’m am genuinely confused by the lack of content in this email to the alders.
