The levy imposed on actual property positioned inside Wausau, Wisconsin, funds important municipal providers. These providers usually embody public schooling, highway upkeep, parks and recreation, police and hearth departments, and different essential group infrastructure. As an illustration, a portion of those funds is perhaps allotted to help the native library system or present emergency medical providers.
Secure and predictable income streams like this are important for a municipalitys monetary well being, enabling efficient planning and supply of providers that contribute to the general high quality of life for residents. The historic context of such levies displays a long-standing custom of citizen contribution to the frequent good, supporting the event and upkeep of thriving communities. Understanding how these funds are assessed, collected, and utilized gives worthwhile perception into the workings of native authorities and its impression on the group.
This exploration will additional study key points associated to actual property levies in Wausau, together with evaluation procedures, fee choices, potential exemptions, and the implications of present tax charges for property homeowners. Additional sections will delve into the specifics of those subjects to supply a complete understanding of this important facet of municipal finance.
1. Evaluation Course of
The evaluation course of types the muse of Wausau property tax calculations. A property’s assessed worth, decided by means of this course of, immediately impacts the tax legal responsibility of the proprietor. Understanding this course of is essential for property homeowners to make sure truthful and correct taxation.
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Property Valuation
Assessors consider properties based mostly on components equivalent to location, dimension, age, situation, and up to date gross sales of comparable properties. For instance, a not too long ago renovated dwelling in a fascinating neighborhood would possibly obtain a better evaluation than a similar-sized, older dwelling requiring repairs in a much less sought-after location. This valuation establishes the bottom for making use of the mill fee to calculate the tax owed.
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Information Assortment and Evaluation
Assessors collect information from varied sources, together with property information, constructing permits, and market evaluation experiences. This info helps them perceive market developments and precisely assess property values. As an illustration, a rise in property gross sales inside a selected space would possibly sign an increase in market worth, influencing subsequent assessments.
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Evaluation Cycle and Critiques
Wausau follows a daily evaluation cycle, sometimes yearly or biennially. This ensures property values stay present and replicate market fluctuations. Property homeowners have the chance to evaluation their assessments and, if crucial, provoke an enchantment throughout designated durations. This course of ensures accountability and permits for changes based mostly on verifiable information.
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Transparency and Public Entry
Evaluation info is usually accessible to the general public, offering transparency and permitting property homeowners to match assessments and perceive the premise for his or her tax legal responsibility. On-line databases and public information supply entry to this info, empowering property homeowners to have interaction in knowledgeable discussions relating to their assessments.
Correct and clear assessments contribute to a good and equitable property tax system in Wausau. Understanding the intricacies of the evaluation course of empowers property homeowners to navigate the system successfully and guarantee their tax legal responsibility precisely displays their property’s worth throughout the native market. This understanding additionally reinforces public belief within the integrity of the municipal tax system.
2. Fee Deadlines
Adhering to fee deadlines is essential for Wausau property homeowners to keep away from penalties and preserve good standing with town. These deadlines make sure the well timed assortment of income important for funding municipal providers and sustaining town’s monetary stability. Understanding the fee schedule and accessible choices is paramount for accountable property possession inside Wausau.
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Due Dates and Installment Choices
Wausau property taxes are sometimes due in two installments, offering property homeowners with flexibility in managing their funds. The primary installment is usually due in January, whereas the second installment is due in July. Particular due dates are printed yearly and available by means of town’s official channels. Lacking these deadlines may end up in late fee penalties, rising the general tax burden.
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Fee Strategies and Channels
Varied fee strategies can be found to accommodate various preferences and circumstances. These sometimes embody on-line funds, funds by mail, and in-person funds at designated places. On-line platforms supply handy entry and instant fee affirmation. Mailing funds requires cautious consideration to deadlines and correct postage. In-person funds present direct interplay with metropolis workers and permit for instant processing.
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Penalties for Late Fee
Failure to fulfill fee deadlines ends in penalties, accruing as curiosity on the excellent stability. The penalty fee and accrual schedule are established by town and are clearly communicated to property homeowners. These penalties can considerably improve the general price of property possession and needs to be prevented by means of well timed funds. Understanding the implications of late fee underscores the significance of adhering to the established deadlines.
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Property Tax Help Applications
Varied packages could also be accessible to help eligible property homeowners going through monetary hardship. These packages can present momentary aid or fee plan choices to stop delinquency. Data relating to eligibility standards and utility procedures is often accessible by means of town’s treasury or tax assessor’s workplace. Exploring these choices can present essential help for property homeowners experiencing monetary difficulties.
Well timed fee of property taxes ensures the continued funding of important metropolis providers and contributes to Wausau’s total monetary well being. Understanding fee deadlines, accessible choices, and the implications of late fee are integral points of accountable property possession throughout the metropolis. By adhering to those pointers, property homeowners contribute to the well-being of the group and preserve their very own monetary stability.
3. Exemptions
Sure properties inside Wausau might qualify for partial or full exemptions from property taxes. These exemptions, established by state and native laws, usually serve particular social or financial functions. Understanding relevant exemptions can considerably impression a property proprietor’s tax legal responsibility. One frequent instance is the homestead exemption, which reduces the assessed worth of a major residence, thereby reducing the tax burden for owner-occupied properties. Different exemptions would possibly apply to properties owned by non secular organizations, instructional establishments, or non-profit entities. Agricultural land may qualify for particular exemptions designed to help native farming actions. The supply and particular necessities for every exemption range, necessitating cautious evaluation of native ordinances.
Making use of for an exemption sometimes includes submitting an utility to the suitable Wausau municipal workplace, together with supporting documentation to confirm eligibility. This course of would possibly require proof of possession, residency, or non-profit standing, relying on the particular exemption sought. Lacking utility deadlines may end up in forfeiture of the exemption for the given tax yr. As an illustration, a veteran failing to file the mandatory paperwork by the desired date might lose eligibility for a veterans’ exemption, leading to a better tax invoice. Conversely, a non secular group efficiently demonstrating its unique use of a property for non secular functions may safe a full exemption, eliminating its property tax legal responsibility altogether. Understanding these nuances can considerably impression a property proprietor’s monetary planning.
Navigating the panorama of property tax exemptions requires diligent analysis and a focus to element. Entry to correct and up-to-date info relating to eligibility standards, utility procedures, and deadlines is crucial. Consulting with native tax professionals or the Wausau assessor’s workplace can present worthwhile steering on this course of. Understanding and using relevant exemptions contributes to a fairer and extra equitable tax system whereas additionally supporting particular group aims. Property homeowners in Wausau should proactively examine potential exemptions to make sure they aren’t overpaying property taxes and are profiting from accessible advantages. This understanding can result in important price financial savings and contribute to accountable monetary administration.
4. Mill Fee Calculation
The mill fee calculation types the core of Wausau property tax dedication. Expressed as {dollars} per $1,000 of assessed worth, the mill fee interprets a property’s assessed worth into its annual tax legal responsibility. This fee, decided yearly by the municipality, displays the budgetary wants of town and the general tax base. For instance, a mill fee of $10 per $1,000 utilized to a property assessed at $200,000 ends in an annual property tax of $2,000. Fluctuations within the mill fee immediately impression property tax payments. A rise within the mill fee, maybe as a consequence of elevated municipal expenditures or a decline within the total tax base, will lead to greater tax liabilities for property homeowners. Conversely, a lower within the mill fee, probably as a consequence of budgetary surpluses or development within the tax base, can result in decrease tax payments.
Understanding the mill fee calculation gives worthwhile perception into municipal funds. By analyzing the elements of the mill fee, residents can acquire a deeper understanding of how their tax {dollars} are allotted to varied metropolis providers. As an illustration, a breakdown of the mill fee would possibly reveal the proportion allotted to schooling, public security, infrastructure, and different important providers. This transparency fosters knowledgeable civic engagement. Moreover, monitoring the mill fee over time permits for evaluation of budgetary developments and their impression on property homeowners. A constantly rising mill fee would possibly sign long-term monetary challenges for the municipality, warranting nearer examination of spending patterns and income streams. This info empowers residents to take part in knowledgeable discussions relating to fiscal duty and the allocation of public sources.
In conclusion, the mill fee calculation acts as a important hyperlink between property values and municipal funds in Wausau. Comprehending this calculation permits property homeowners to know their tax legal responsibility and have interaction in knowledgeable discussions relating to town’s finances. This data facilitates accountable monetary planning for particular person property homeowners and contributes to better transparency and accountability throughout the native authorities. By understanding how the mill fee is set and its implications, Wausau residents can actively take part in shaping their group’s monetary future.
5. Appeals Process
The appeals process gives a proper mechanism for property homeowners in Wausau to problem their property tax assessments. This course of ensures equity and accuracy throughout the evaluation system, permitting for changes based mostly on verifiable proof. Initiating an enchantment requires adherence to particular procedures and deadlines, underscoring the significance of understanding the method and its implications for property tax liabilities.
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Grounds for Enchantment
Legitimate grounds for enchantment sometimes embody demonstrable errors in property valuation, equivalent to incorrect property dimensions, inaccurate classification, or failure to contemplate related components impacting market worth. For instance, if a property’s evaluation displays a bigger lot dimension than its precise dimension, this discrepancy constitutes legitimate grounds for enchantment. Equally, classifying a residential property as business would justify an enchantment because of the differing tax charges utilized to every class. Substantiating claims with documented proof, equivalent to surveys, value determinations, or comparable gross sales information, strengthens the enchantment.
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Submitting Procedures and Deadlines
Appeals should be filed inside specified deadlines following the discharge of property assessments. Lacking these deadlines sometimes forfeits the proper to enchantment for the given tax yr. Procedures usually contain submitting a proper utility to the designated municipal board or workplace, together with supporting documentation. Adhering to those necessities ensures the enchantment receives correct consideration throughout the established timeframe.
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Proof and Documentation
Supporting an enchantment requires compelling proof demonstrating the inaccuracy of the prevailing evaluation. This would possibly embody skilled value determinations, current gross sales information of comparable properties, or documentation of property injury impacting worth. Robust proof will increase the probability of a profitable enchantment, highlighting the significance of thorough preparation and documentation.
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Listening to and Resolution Course of
The appeals course of usually includes a listening to earlier than a evaluation board, offering a possibility for the property proprietor to current their case. The board opinions the proof offered and points a call, which can uphold the unique evaluation, cut back the evaluation, or improve the evaluation in some circumstances. Understanding the listening to procedures and successfully presenting proof contributes to a profitable consequence.
The appeals process performs an important function in sustaining a good and equitable property tax system in Wausau. By offering a mechanism for difficult assessments, the method ensures accuracy and accountability. Using this process successfully requires cautious consideration to deadlines, meticulous documentation, and a transparent understanding of the grounds for enchantment. A profitable enchantment may end up in important tax financial savings for property homeowners, underscoring the significance of this course of throughout the broader context of Wausau property tax administration.
6. Tax Invoice Data
Wausau property tax payments present detailed info relating to particular person property tax liabilities. These payments function essential monetary paperwork, outlining the assessed worth of a property, the relevant mill fee, the calculated tax quantity, fee deadlines, and related contact info for the municipal treasury or tax assessor’s workplace. Tax invoice info allows property homeowners to know the premise for his or her tax legal responsibility and handle their funds successfully. As an illustration, a discrepancy between the assessed worth on the tax invoice and the proprietor’s understanding of the property’s worth would possibly immediate additional investigation or initiation of the appeals course of. Equally, the tax invoice’s breakdown of fee installments facilitates budgeting and well timed funds.
Entry to correct and available tax invoice info is crucial for accountable property possession. On-line portals usually enable property homeowners to entry historic tax invoice information, facilitating development evaluation and monetary planning. This accessibility promotes transparency and accountability throughout the property tax system. Moreover, understanding the elements of a tax invoice empowers property homeowners to determine potential errors or discrepancies and handle them promptly. For instance, noticing an incorrect utility of an exemption on a tax invoice may result in a correction and important price financial savings. Conversely, overlooking a fee deadline indicated on the tax invoice may end up in penalties and elevated monetary burden. Using the data offered on tax payments contributes to knowledgeable monetary decision-making and proactive administration of property tax obligations.
Tax invoice info serves as a cornerstone of the Wausau property tax system. It gives a tangible document of particular person tax liabilities and facilitates knowledgeable monetary administration for property homeowners. Entry to clear, correct, and available tax invoice info promotes transparency and accountability, fostering belief within the municipal tax system. Understanding the elements of a tax invoice and using the data successfully is paramount for accountable property possession in Wausau. This understanding empowers property homeowners to handle their tax obligations effectively and contribute to the general monetary well being of the group.
7. Influence on Metropolis Companies
Wausau property tax income immediately fuels important metropolis providers, forming a vital hyperlink between particular person property homeowners and the general well-being of the group. These funds help a variety of providers impacting each day life, from public security and infrastructure upkeep to schooling and leisure packages. Understanding this connection underscores the significance of property taxes in sustaining a thriving and practical metropolis.
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Public Security
A good portion of property tax income funds police and hearth departments, making certain public security inside Wausau. These funds cowl personnel salaries, gear acquisition and upkeep, coaching packages, and operational bills. Satisfactory funding permits for efficient emergency response, crime prevention initiatives, and hearth safety providers, contributing to a safe atmosphere for residents and companies. As an illustration, property taxes would possibly fund the acquisition of latest hearth vehicles or the implementation of group policing packages.
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Infrastructure Upkeep
Property taxes contribute to the maintenance and enchancment of important infrastructure, together with roads, bridges, water and sewer techniques, and public parks. These funds help upkeep actions, repairs, and upgrades, making certain the continued performance and longevity of those important property. For instance, property tax income would possibly finance highway resurfacing initiatives, bridge repairs, or upgrades to wastewater therapy services, immediately impacting the standard of life for residents.
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Training
A considerable portion of property taxes usually helps native public colleges. These funds contribute to instructor salaries, instructional sources, facility upkeep, and program improvement. Satisfactory funding for schooling ensures high quality instruction, entry to important sources, and a conducive studying atmosphere, impacting the way forward for Wausau’s youngsters and the group as an entire. Property taxes would possibly fund particular initiatives like expertise upgrades in school rooms or the implementation of after-school packages.
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Parks and Recreation
Property taxes additionally help the upkeep and improvement of parks, leisure services, and group packages. These areas present alternatives for leisure, bodily exercise, and group engagement, contributing to the general high quality of life in Wausau. Funding from property taxes would possibly help park upkeep, the development of latest playgrounds, or the group of group occasions, enriching the lives of residents and fostering a way of group.
The extent of property tax income immediately impacts the standard and scope of those providers. A sturdy tax base permits for complete service provision and investments in future enhancements, contributing to a thriving group. Conversely, inadequate property tax income can result in service reductions, delayed upkeep, and a decline within the total high quality of life. Understanding the direct connection between property taxes and the providers they fund underscores the significance of accountable fiscal administration and citizen engagement in shaping Wausau’s future. By investing in important metropolis providers by means of property taxes, residents contribute to a stronger, extra vibrant group for all.
8. Present Tax Charges
Present tax charges are a important element of Wausau property tax calculations, immediately impacting the annual tax legal responsibility of property homeowners. Understanding present charges and their underlying components is crucial for monetary planning and knowledgeable decision-making relating to property possession inside Wausau. These charges, topic to annual changes, replicate town’s budgetary wants and the general assessed worth of properties inside its jurisdiction. Fluctuations in tax charges can considerably impression house owner budgets and affect actual property market dynamics.
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Municipal Budgetary Wants
Present tax charges replicate the monetary necessities of Wausau’s municipal finances. Elevated budgetary calls for, maybe as a consequence of rising prices of service provision or new infrastructure initiatives, can result in greater tax charges. Conversely, efficient price administration and budgetary surpluses would possibly enable for steady and even reducing tax charges. Analyzing town’s finances gives worthwhile context for understanding fluctuations in tax charges. For instance, elevated spending on public security initiatives would possibly necessitate a better tax fee to cowl related prices.
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Property Worth Assessments
The general assessed worth of properties inside Wausau performs a big function in figuring out the tax fee. A considerable improve in property values can probably result in a decrease tax fee, because the elevated tax base can generate ample income at a decrease fee. Conversely, declining property values would possibly necessitate a better tax fee to fulfill budgetary necessities. Understanding the connection between property values and tax charges gives perception into the dynamics of the native actual property market. As an illustration, a interval of fast property worth appreciation would possibly enable for a decrease tax fee whereas nonetheless producing ample income for town.
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Comparability with Surrounding Areas
Evaluating Wausau’s present tax charges with these of surrounding municipalities gives worthwhile context for assessing the relative tax burden. Important variations in tax charges would possibly affect selections relating to property funding and relocation. Analyzing these regional disparities gives insights into the monetary well being and budgetary priorities of various municipalities. For instance, a considerably greater tax fee in Wausau in comparison with neighboring communities would possibly replicate totally different ranges of service provision or various budgetary pressures.
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Lengthy-Time period Traits
Analyzing long-term developments in Wausau’s tax charges presents worthwhile perspective on town’s fiscal administration and its potential impression on future property taxes. A constantly rising tax fee would possibly point out underlying monetary challenges, whereas steady or reducing charges counsel efficient budgetary management. This historic perspective informs projections of future tax liabilities and facilitates knowledgeable monetary planning. Analyzing historic tax fee information permits property homeowners to anticipate potential modifications and alter their budgets accordingly.
Present tax charges are a dynamic component throughout the Wausau property tax panorama, reflecting varied financial and budgetary components. Understanding these charges, their underlying drivers, and their potential impression on particular person property homeowners is essential for accountable monetary planning and knowledgeable decision-making throughout the Wausau actual property market. By staying knowledgeable about present tax charges and their implications, property homeowners can successfully navigate the monetary points of property possession in Wausau and contribute to knowledgeable discussions relating to town’s fiscal insurance policies.
Often Requested Questions on Wausau Property Tax
This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to property taxes throughout the metropolis of Wausau, offering clear and concise solutions to facilitate understanding and knowledgeable decision-making.
Query 1: How is the assessed worth of a property decided in Wausau?
Property assessments are performed by town assessor’s workplace, contemplating components equivalent to property dimension, location, age, situation, and up to date gross sales of comparable properties throughout the native market. This course of goals to determine a good market worth for every property, forming the premise for calculating property tax legal responsibility.
Query 2: When are Wausau property taxes due?
Property taxes are sometimes due in two installments, with the primary installment due in January and the second in July. Particular due dates are printed yearly and accessible by means of town’s official channels. Failure to fulfill these deadlines ends in penalties.
Query 3: What occurs if property taxes usually are not paid on time?
Late funds incur penalties, sometimes accruing as curiosity on the excellent stability. Continued non-payment can result in liens on the property and potential foreclosures proceedings. It’s essential to stick to fee deadlines to keep away from these penalties.
Query 4: What exemptions can be found for Wausau property homeowners?
A number of exemptions would possibly apply, together with homestead exemptions for major residences, exemptions for veterans, and exemptions for properties owned by non secular or non-profit organizations. Eligibility standards and utility procedures range relying on the particular exemption. Contacting town assessor’s workplace gives detailed info relating to accessible exemptions.
Query 5: How can one enchantment a property tax evaluation in Wausau?
The appeals course of includes submitting a proper utility to the designated municipal board or workplace inside specified deadlines. Supporting the enchantment with documentation equivalent to skilled value determinations or comparable gross sales information strengthens the case. Understanding the grounds for enchantment and adhering to established procedures is crucial for a profitable enchantment.
Query 6: How does the mill fee impression property tax calculations?
The mill fee, expressed as {dollars} per $1,000 of assessed worth, immediately interprets a property’s assessed worth into its annual tax legal responsibility. This fee, decided yearly, displays the budgetary wants of town and the general tax base. Fluctuations within the mill fee immediately have an effect on property tax payments.
Understanding these key points of Wausau property taxes allows knowledgeable monetary planning and accountable property possession. Consulting town’s official sources gives additional particulars and particular info related to particular person circumstances.
For additional info and particular particulars relating to particular person circumstances, please seek the advice of town of Wausau’s official web site or contact the suitable municipal places of work immediately. The following part gives extra sources for property homeowners searching for additional help.
Ideas for Navigating Wausau Property Taxes
These sensible ideas supply steering for Wausau property homeowners, selling knowledgeable monetary administration and a proactive method to property taxation.
Tip 1: Perceive Evaluation Schedules: Familiarization with Wausau’s evaluation cycle permits property homeowners to anticipate reassessments and put together accordingly. This consciousness facilitates well timed evaluation of assessments and preparation for potential appeals, if crucial.
Tip 2: Leverage On-line Sources: Wausau’s official web site usually gives worthwhile sources, together with entry to property tax info, evaluation information, fee choices, and make contact with info for related municipal places of work. Using these sources streamlines entry to essential info.
Tip 3: Discover Potential Exemptions: Completely analysis accessible exemptions to make sure all relevant exemptions are utilized. Overlooking potential exemptions may end up in pointless tax burdens. Diligent investigation maximizes potential tax financial savings.
Tip 4: Preserve Correct Data: Sustaining organized information of property-related bills, enhancements, and assessments facilitates correct and environment friendly tax administration. These information show invaluable throughout appeals or when searching for clarification relating to tax liabilities.
Tip 5: Monitor Mill Fee Adjustments: Monitoring annual mill fee changes permits for proactive budgeting and monetary planning. Understanding the components influencing mill fee fluctuations gives worthwhile insights into town’s fiscal insurance policies and their potential impression on property taxes.
Tip 6: Contemplate Skilled Session: Consulting with certified tax professionals or actual property advisors can present personalised steering tailor-made to particular person circumstances. Skilled experience can show significantly worthwhile throughout complicated evaluation appeals or when navigating intricate tax laws.
Tip 7: Have interaction in Native Authorities: Collaborating in native authorities conferences and public boards associated to budgetary discussions gives alternatives for knowledgeable engagement and advocacy relating to property tax insurance policies. Energetic participation contributes to a clear and accountable tax system.
By implementing these methods, property homeowners can successfully handle their tax obligations, decrease potential liabilities, and contribute to a well-informed and fiscally accountable group. These practices empower property homeowners to navigate the complexities of property taxation proactively.
The next conclusion summarizes the important thing takeaways relating to Wausau property taxes and reinforces their significance throughout the broader context of municipal finance and group well-being.
Wausau Property Tax
This exploration of Wausau property tax has offered a complete overview of its multifaceted nature. From the evaluation course of and fee deadlines to exemptions, mill fee calculations, and the appeals process, understanding these elements is essential for property homeowners and residents alike. The impression of those levies on metropolis providers, funding important infrastructure, public security, schooling, and leisure packages, underscores their significance throughout the group. Present tax charges, reflecting municipal budgetary wants and property worth assessments, immediately affect particular person tax liabilities and the general monetary well being of Wausau. Information of those components empowers knowledgeable decision-making relating to property possession and fosters engaged citizenship.
Wausau property tax serves as an important mechanism for funding important providers and shaping the group’s future. Continued engagement, knowledgeable decision-making, and proactive participation in native authorities contribute to a clear, equitable, and sustainable system of property taxation in Wausau. The monetary well-being of the group rests upon a shared understanding and accountable administration of this important funding supply.
