Becky Beissel

This week, residents will receive their 2025 property tax bills. And for many households, the number will feel heavy. I want to take a moment to explain clearly what the increase includes, what the village controls, and what we did (and did not) contribute to your bill.

Your tax bill includes four jurisdictions: the Village, Pierce County, Ellsworth Community School District, and Chippewa Valley Technical College. This year, the village portion increased by about $34 per $100,000 of assessed value. The total increase across all jurisdictions is about $110 per $100,000. For many households, that adds up to several hundred dollars, and I understand the frustration. My own family feels it too.

As residents start comparing numbers, it’s important to understand why the village’s portion increased and how village taxation works.

How can a village’s taxes increase?

There are essentially two ways:

• Changes in the tax base. If a large property decreases in assessed value, or a home or building is torn down, the tax burden is spread across fewer properties. That means the same levy results in slightly higher taxes for everyone else.
• Borrowing for capital projects. When a village borrows for streets, infrastructure, equipment, or facilities, the levy can increase to make the required principal and interest payments. Borrowing is not used for day-to-day operations; it is reserved for long-term improvements.

What drove the village’s increase this year?

In June 2025, the Village Board approved targeted borrowing to refinance older debt and to fund several needed infrastructure and capital projects including North Grant/South Piety reconstruction, East End street and utility work, resurfacing, sidewalk and crosswalk improvements, a public works tractor, Village Shop paving, curb and gutter projects, and a future Library HVAC system. These improvements were long overdue, and the board pursued the most cost-effective financing options available.

As a result of this borrowing, the village’s debt payments increased, which accounts for the ~$34 per $100,000 change on this year’s bill. It is also important to note that the Village Board has committed to not borrowing in 2026, recognizing the financial pressure residents are feeling.

We also need to talk about the bigger picture.

Even though the village portion of the increase is modest, the overall rise in property taxes is noticeable. Many households will see bills increase by several hundred dollars.

I encourage everyone to take a close look at the full breakdown on their tax bill. Three other jurisdictions also contribute to the increase, and understanding each piece helps paint a more accurate picture of where our dollars are going.

Where we go from here.

The village has been working hard to lessen the burden on existing taxpayers by growing the tax base rather than growing the tax rate. That is the most effective long-term strategy for affordability.

Over the past several years, we have focused heavily on:

• Smart, strategic development
• Strengthening our downtown commercial districts
• Improving infrastructure to attract investment
• Aggressively pursuing grants

In fact, we’ve brought in nearly $2 million in grant funding over the last three years, directly reducing what would otherwise fall to taxpayers.

The goal is simple, but not easy: grow our tax base faster than our costs.

Development is not just about growth, it’s about stability. Every new home, renovated building, and commercial investment spreads the cost of services across more taxpayers. That is how we keep Ellsworth strong and affordable.

A final thought.

I know property tax bills are difficult. But I also want you to know this: we are paying attention, we are being responsible, and we are committed to transparency every step of the way.

Our efforts are focused on building a community that is vibrant, financially stable, and a place where families can continue to afford to live and thrive.

Thank you for your continued engagement and for caring about the future of Ellsworth.