Racine County supervisors approve the 2027 budget 15–4 with a 3.8% levy increase

If you pay Racine County property taxes, the 2027 budget is set. The County Board approved it 15–4 Monday, and County Executive Ralph Malicki says it raises the levy by 3.8%. Supervisors Taylor Wishau, Valena Lena Coleman, Ernie Rossi and Troy McReynolds voted no.

Rossi, who backs more road investment, questioned whether the county can sustain its spending and new positions. Lake Geneva News reports spending outpaces revenue by about 4% in 2027, and Rossi worries about a "fiscal cliff." Supervisor Tom Preusker said the sales tax helped prevent cuts to sheriff's deputies and roads.

• Proposed levy: $62.7 million to $65.1 million
• Proposed rate: $2.483 to $2.470 per $1,000 of equalized value
• Sales tax: 0.5%, in effect since April 2025
• Your bill: depends on property value, municipality and school district

Malicki's proposal splits $24 million in projected 2027 sales-tax revenue, mostly between operations and debt service. He told the board the county raised the amount committed to property-tax relief by roughly $1 million.