A Foxconn-Induced Local Sales Tax Could be in Racine County's Future

Over the years, the Racine County Board has steadfastly refused to implement a county-wide sales tax. A state senator from Racine was even recalled from office after he voted to support a tenth of a percent sales tax to help finance the construction of Miller Park.

Now there's word that a county-wide sales tax could be part of the local Foxconn funding package. 

The Milwaukee Business Journal reports that tucked away in the state incentives bill that was signed into law this week by Gov. Walker is a provision that would allow Racine County to borrow money which could only be paid back by either a sales or use tax. A site in Mt. Pleasant is believed to be the top choice for the Foxconn plant, although the company has yet to make an announcement. 

When asked to comment on the sales tax possibility, a spokesperson for Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave would only say that all funding options are being looked at. 

Racine County is one of the few counties in the state that hasn't already piggy-backed a half-percent local tax on the 5% state tax. 

-0-