Assembly Bill 197 proposes an amendment to Wisconsin's property tax levy limits by introducing an exemption for costs associated with regional emergency medical services. Specifically, the bill allows cities, villages, towns, or counties to levy amounts for these services without being subject to the usual levy limits, provided that the regional service area is at least 232 square miles or includes at least eight municipalities. This exemption applies to costs incurred through participation in a joint emergency medical services district or intergovernmental agreements. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the amount levied for these services must not exceed a certain percentage increase relative to the previous year's levy, ensuring that it remains within reasonable bounds.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing law to exclude expenditures related to the regional emergency medical services levy from the calculations used to determine eligibility for the expenditure restraint incentive program. This means that municipalities can receive incentive payments without their emergency service levies affecting their eligibility. The bill aims to enhance the financial viability of regional emergency medical services while maintaining fiscal responsibility within local governments.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 79.05(2)(c), 79.05