Chapter 66

66.1105(9)(b) (b)

66.1105(9)(b)1. 1. For the purpose of paying project costs or of refunding municipal obligations issued under ch. 67 or this subsection for the purpose of paying project costs, the local legislative body may issue tax incremental bonds or notes payable out of positive tax increments. Each bond or note and accompanying interest coupon, if any, is a negotiable instrument. The bonds and notes shall not be included in the computation of the constitutional debt limitation of the city. Bonds and notes issued under this subsection, together with their interest and income, shall be taxed in the same manner as are municipal obligations issued under s. 67.04.

66.1105(9)(b)2. 2. Tax incremental bonds or notes shall be authorized by resolution of the local legislative body without the necessity of a referendum or any elector approval, but a referendum or election may be held, through the procedures provided in s. 66.1103 (10) (d). The resolution shall state the name of the tax incremental district, the amount of bonds or notes authorized, and the interest rate or rates to be borne by the bond or notes. The resolution may prescribe the terms, form and content of the bonds or notes and any other matters that the local legislative body deems useful.

66.1105(9)(b)3. 3. Tax incremental bonds or notes may not be issued in an amount exceeding the aggregate project costs. The bonds or notes shall mature over a period not exceeding 23 years from the date of issuance or a period terminating with the date of termination of the tax incremental district, whichever period terminates earlier. The bonds or notes may contain a provision authorizing the redemption of the bonds or notes, in whole or in part, at stipulated prices, at the option of the city, on any interest payment date and shall provide the method of selecting the bonds or notes to be redeemed. The principal and interest on the bonds and notes may be payable at any time and at any place. The bonds or notes may be payable to bearer or may be registered as to the principal or principal and interest. The bonds or notes may be in any denominations. The bonds or notes may be sold at public or private sale. To the extent consistent with this subsection, the provisions of ch. 67 relating to procedures for issuance, form, contents, execution, negotiation, and registration of municipal bonds and notes apply to bonds or notes issued under this subsection.

66.1105(9)(b)4. 4. Tax incremental bonds or notes are payable only out of the special fund created under sub. (6) (c). Each bond or note shall contain the recitals necessary to show that it is only so payable and that it does not constitute an indebtedness of the city or a charge against its general taxing power. The local legislative body shall irrevocably pledge all or a part of the special fund to the payment of the bonds or notes. The special fund or the designated part of the fund may then be used only for the payment of the bonds or notes and interest on the bonds or notes until the bonds or notes have been fully paid; and a holder of the bonds or notes or of any coupons appertaining to the bonds or notes has a lien against the special fund for payment of the bonds or notes and interest on the bonds or notes and may either at law or in equity protect and enforce the lien.

66.1105(9)(b)5. 5. To increase the security and marketability of tax incremental bonds or notes, the city may:

66.1105(9)(b)5.a. a. Create a lien for the benefit of the bondholders upon any public improvements or public works financed by the bonds or notes or the revenues from the bonds or notes; or

66.1105(9)(b)5.b. b. Make covenants and do any acts, not inconsistent with the Wisconsin constitution, necessary or convenient or desirable in order to additionally secure the bonds or notes or tend to make the bonds or notes more marketable according to the best judgment of the local legislative body.

66.1105(10) (10) Overlapping tax incremental districts.

66.1105(10)(a) (a) Subject to any agreement with bondholders, and except as provided in par. (d), a tax incremental district may be created, the boundaries of which overlap one or more existing districts, except that districts created as of the same date may not have overlapping boundaries.

66.1105(10)(b) (b) If the boundaries of 2 or more tax incremental districts overlap, in determining how positive tax increments generated by that area which is within 2 or more districts are allocated among the overlapping districts, but for no other purpose, the aggregate value of the taxable property in the area as equalized by the department of revenue in any year as to each earlier created district is that portion of the tax incremental base of the district next created which is attributable to the overlapped area.

66.1105(10)(c) (c) The department of revenue shall exclude any parcel in a newly created tax incremental district that is located in an existing district when determining compliance with the 12 percent limit described in sub. (4) (gm) 4. c.

66.1105(10)(d) (d) A proposed tax incremental district, the boundaries of which would overlap an existing multijurisdictional tax incremental district, may be created only if all of the following apply:

66.1105(10)(d)1. 1. The creation is approved by a resolution adopted by the governing body of each of the multijurisdictional district’s participating cities.

66.1105(10)(d)2. 2. The creation is approved by a resolution adopted by the multijurisdictional district’s joint review board.

66.1105(11) (11) Equalized valuation for apportionment of property taxes. With respect to the county, school districts and any other local governmental body having the power to levy taxes on property located within a tax incremental district, if the allocation of positive tax increments has been authorized by the department of revenue under sub. (6) (a), the calculation of the equalized valuation of taxable property in a tax incremental district for the apportionment of property taxes may not exceed the tax incremental base of the district until the district is terminated.

66.1105(12) (12) Equalized valuation; the 12 percent limit. If the department of revenue notifies a local legislative body that is not in compliance with the 12 percent limit described in sub. (4) (gm) 4. c., the local legislative body shall do one of the following:

66.1105(12)(a) (a) Rescind its approval of the project plan resolution described under sub. (4) (g).

66.1105(12)(b) (b) Remove parcels from the district’s, or proposed district’s, boundaries so that the district, or proposed district, complies with the 12 percent limit. Such a removal of parcels may not substantially alter the project plan as approved under sub. (4) (g), or the resolution adopted under sub. (4) (gm) and approved by the joint review board under sub. (4m) (b) 2. Not later than 30 days after receiving the department’s notice of noncompliance under sub. (4) (gm) 4. c., the city clerk shall submit, or resubmit, to the department the application described under sub. (5) (b), and the application shall reflect the removal of parcels under this paragraph.

66.1105(14) (14) Use of tax incremental financing for inland lake protection and rehabilitation prohibited. Notwithstanding sub. (9), no tax incremental financing project plan may be approved and no payment of project costs may be made for an inland lake protection and rehabilitation district or a county acting under s. 59.70 (8).

66.1105(15) (15) Substantial compliance. Substantial compliance with subs. (3), (4) (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), and (h), (4m), and (5) (b) by a city that creates, or attempts to create, a tax incremental district is sufficient to give effect to any proceedings conducted under this section if, in the opinion of the department of revenue, any error, irregularity, or informality that exists in the city’s attempts to comply with subs. (3), (4) (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), and (h), (4m), and (5) (b) does not affect substantial justice. If the department of revenue determines that a city has substantially complied with subs. (3), (4) (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), and (h), (4m), and (5) (b), the department of revenue shall determine the tax incremental base of the district, allocate tax increments, and treat the district in all other respects as if the requirements under subs. (3), (4) (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), and (h), (4m), and (5) (b) had been strictly complied with based on the date that the resolution described under sub. (4) (gm) 2. is adopted.

66.1105(16) (16) Tax incremental districts in towns.

66.1105(16)(a) (a) A town may create a tax incremental district under this section if all of the following apply:

66.1105(16)(a)1. 1. The town enters into a cooperative plan with a city or village, under s. 66.0307, under which part or all of the town will be annexed or attached by the city or village in the future.

66.1105(16)(a)2. 2. The city or village into which the town territory will be annexed or attached adopts a resolution approving the creation of the tax incremental district.

66.1105(16)(a)3. 3. The tax incremental district is located solely within territory that is to be annexed or attached by a city or village as described under subd. 1.

66.1105(16)(b) (b) Along with the application that is filed under sub. (5) (b), a town shall include a copy of the cooperative plan to which it is a party.

66.1105(16)(c) (c) If a district created under this subsection is annexed or attached by a city or village it shall be administered by that city or village, and all of the following apply to the district as if it were created by that city or village:

66.1105(16)(c)1. 1. The lifespan of the district and the allocation of tax increments under sub. (6).

66.1105(16)(c)2. 2. Except as provided in par. (e), the date on which the district terminates under sub. (7).

66.1105(16)(c)3. 3. The creation date of the district by the town.

66.1105(16)(c)4. 4. The project plan of the district.

66.1105(16)(c)5. 5. The procedures to amend the district’s project plan under sub. (4) (h).

66.1105(16)(c)6. 6. The procedures to extend the life of the district under sub. (7) (am).

66.1105(16)(d) (d) The department of revenue may not include the equalized value of taxable property of a district created under this subsection when applying the 12 percent limit findings requirement under sub. (4) (gm) 4. c. to a city or village which annexes or attaches such a district.

66.1105(16)(e) (e) If a city or village annexes or attaches a district created under this subsection before the last day on which the cooperative plan entered into under s. 66.0307 allows a boundary change, the district shall remain in existence at least through December 31 of the last calendar year of the period during which a boundary change could have occurred, notwithstanding sub. (7). The annexing or attaching city or village is responsible for all contracts, agreements, and obligations of the town related to the district.

66.1105(16)(f) (f)

66.1105(16)(f)1. 1. Except as provided in subd. 2., if a city or village is in the process of annexing or attaching a district created under this subsection, but has not completed the process, the city or village may enter into a contract or agreement related to the district, with any person, or may assume an obligation of the district, and the town would continue to receive any tax increments for which it is eligible until the annexation or attachment process is complete.

66.1105(16)(f)2. 2. A contract, agreement, or obligation, as described under subd. 1., does not apply and may not be enforced until the annexation or attachment process is complete and the city or village begins to receive tax increments associated with the district.

66.1105(17) (17) Exceptions to the 12 percent limit.

66.1105(17)(a) (a) Subtraction of territory, creation of new district. Subject to par. (b), a city may simultaneously create a tax incremental district under this section and adopt an amendment to a project plan to subtract territory from an existing district without adopting a resolution containing the 12 percent limit findings specified in sub. (4) (gm) 4. c. if all of the following occur:

66.1105(17)(a)1. 1. The city includes with its application described under sub. (5) (b) a copy of its amendment to a project plan that subtracts territory from an existing district, as described in sub. (4) (h) 2.

66.1105(17)(a)2. 2. The city provides the department of revenue with 2 appraisals from certified appraisers, as defined in s. 458.01 (7), which demonstrate all of the following:

66.1105(17)(a)2.a. a. The current fair market value of the taxable property within the district that the city proposes to create.

66.1105(17)(a)2.b. b. The current fair market value of the taxable property that the city proposes to subtract from an existing district.

66.1105(17)(a)3. 3. Both appraisals under subd. 2. demonstrate that the value of the taxable property that is subtracted from an existing district equals or exceeds the amount that the department of revenue believes is necessary to ensure that, when the proposed district is created, the 12 percent limit specified in sub. (4) (gm) 4. c. is met.

66.1105(17)(a)4. 4. The city certifies to the department of revenue that no other district created under this paragraph currently exists in the city.

66.1105(17)(b) (b) Limits on creation of new district. A city may not act under par. (a) if a tax incremental district that has been created under par. (a) currently exists in the city.

66.1105(17)(d) (d) First class city exception. If a 1st class city creates a tax incremental district and approves a project plan after July 1, 2015, with project costs that include those described under sub. (2) (f) 1. p., the 12 percent limit specified in sub. (4) (gm) 4. c. does not apply to that district.

66.1105(17)(e) (e) Village of Weston exception. The 12 percent limit described under sub. (4) (gm) 4. c. does not apply to an amendment to a project plan for Tax Incremental District Number 1 in the village of Weston that is adopted by the planning commission of the village of Weston. The exception in this paragraph may not be used for more than one amendment of that project plan.

66.1105(17)(f) (f) Village of Oostburg exception. The 12 percent limit described under sub. (4) (gm) 4. c. shall be 15 percent with regard to Tax Incremental District Number 3 that is created by the village board of the village of Oostburg, except that this paragraph does not apply upon the termination of that Tax Incremental District Number 3.

66.1105(17)(g) (g) City of Stevens Point exception. The 12 percent limit described under sub. (4) (gm) 4. c. does not apply to the creation of Tax Incremental District Number 14 by the common council of the city of Stevens Point if the district is created before October 1, 2024.

66.1105(18) (18) Multijurisdictional districts.

66.1105(18)(a) (a) Requirements. Two or more cities may enter into an intergovernmental cooperation agreement under s. 66.0301 to jointly create a multijurisdictional tax incremental district under this section if all of the following apply:

66.1105(18)(a)1. 1. The district’s borders contain territory in all of the cities that are a party to the agreement.

66.1105(18)(a)2. 2. The district is contiguous.

66.1105(18)(a)3. 3. At least one parcel in each participating city touches at least one parcel in at least one of the other cities.

66.1105(18)(b) (b) Contents of an agreement. The agreement described under par. (a) shall contain provisions that specify at least all of the following with regard to the proposed multijurisdictional tax incremental district:

66.1105(18)(b)1. 1. A detailed description of how all of the participating cities will be able to exercise the powers authorized under sub. (3) and meet the requirements under sub. (4).

66.1105(18)(b)2. 2. A detailed description of how determinations will be made that relate to incurring debt, expending funds for project costs, and distributing positive tax increments allocated by the department of revenue.

66.1105(18)(b)3. 3. The extent to which one of the cities will be authorized by all of the other participating cities to act on behalf of all of the participating cities on some or all matters relating to the district.

66.1105(18)(b)4. 4. A binding dispute resolution procedure to be used by the cities to resolve in a timely fashion any disputes between the participating cities related to the agreement or to the district. The dispute resolution procedure shall include a dissolution provision that allows all of the participating cities to agree to jointly dissolve the district at any time before a dispute is settled by the binding dispute resolution procedure and before the district would otherwise terminate under sub. (7). The dissolution provision shall describe in detail how and under what circumstances the district may be dissolved before it would otherwise terminate under sub. (7) and shall specify how the district’s assets, liabilities, and any other outstanding obligations will be distributed among the participating cities.

66.1105(18)(b)5. 5. A detailed description of the proposed membership of the joint review board.

66.1105(18)(b)6. 6. A detailed description of the responsibilities of each city’s planning commission, the membership and authority of the planning commission for the district, and the operating procedures to be followed by the district’s planning commission.

66.1105(18)(b)7. 7. A detailed description of the responsibilities of each city’s clerk, treasurer, assessor, and any other officer or official to carry out the requirements of this section, and a detailed description of which clerk, treasurer, assessor, officer, or official will be responsible for each task specified in this section.

66.1105(18)(b)8. 8. Which city will be the lead city for purposes of completing any documents or tasks that this section or the department of revenue require to be completed, which city will be responsible for submitting the district’s creation documents, and which city will be responsible for submitting the district’s project plan amendment documents.

66.1105(18)(b)9. 9. That all of the participating cities agree that the district’s application will be submitted in its entirety as one complete application by the lead city, as determined by the department of revenue.

66.1105(18)(b)10. 10. Consistent with the requirements of sub. (7), a statement that the entire district will terminate at one time as a single entity and that the lead city shall submit to the department of revenue all necessary notices and reports relating to the termination of the district.

66.1105(18)(b)11. 11. A detailed description of the procedures the participating cities will follow to determine all of the following:

66.1105(18)(b)11.a. a. Whether the district’s life may be extended under sub. (6) (g) 1. or (7) (am) 2. or 3.

66.1105(18)(b)11.b. b. How the project plan or boundaries of the district may be amended under sub. (4) (h) 1. or 2.

66.1105(18)(b)12. 12. A description of how any annexation costs incurred by a participating city under s. 66.0219 (10) (a) 1. will be shared among all of the participating cities if the annexed territory is part of the district.

66.1105(18)(c) (c) Limitations.

66.1105(18)(c)1. 1. Notwithstanding the provisions under sub. (6) (d), (dm), (e), or (f), a multijurisdictional tax incremental district may not become a donor district, or receive tax increments from a donor district.

66.1105(18)(c)2. 2. Notwithstanding the provisions under sub. (2) (f) 1. k. and n., a multijurisdictional tax incremental district may not incur project costs for any area that is outside of the district’s boundaries.

Effective date note NOTE: Subd. 2. is shown as amended eff. 1-1-25 by 2023 Wis. Act 138. Prior to 1-1-25 it reads:

Effective date text 2. Notwithstanding the provisions under sub. (2) (f) 1. k., m., and n., a multijurisdictional tax incremental district may not incur project costs for any area that is outside of the district’s boundaries.

66.1105(18)(c)3. 3. The 12 percent limit findings requirement under sub. (4) (gm) 4. c. apply on an aggregate basis to all cities that are part of a multijurisdictional district except, for one or more of the participating cities in the multijurisdictional district, the part of the district that is in an individual city may cause that city to exceed the 12 percent limit if the governing bodies of all the taxation districts that overlay that city adopt a resolution approving the creation of the district even though that city exceeds the 12 percent limit.

66.1105(18)(c)4. 4. Any town which may create a tax incremental district under this section or s. 60.85 may be part of a multijurisdictional tax incremental district. If a town board exercises the powers of a city under this subsection, it is subject to the same duties as a common council under this section and the town is subject to the same duties and liabilities as a city under this section.

66.1105(18)(d) (d) Role of the department of revenue. The department of revenue may require each participating city to submit any forms prescribed by the department without regard to whether a particular city is the lead city as described under par. (b) 8. and without regard to the responsibility of each participating city as specified in the agreement described under par. (a).

66.1105(18)(e) (e) Miscellaneous provisions.

66.1105(18)(e)1. 1. A copy of the agreement described under par. (a), as signed by all of the participating cities, shall be forwarded to the department of revenue by the lead city as described under par. (b) 8.

66.1105(18)(e)2. 2. Without regard to the number of participating cities in the multijurisdictional tax incremental district, the department of revenue may impose only one fee under sub. (5) (a) for each action taken by the department under that paragraph for such a district. Unless the agreement under par. (a) provides otherwise, the lead city, as described under par. (b) 8., is responsible for any fees imposed by the department under sub. (5) (a).

66.1105(18)(e)3. 3. Without regard to the number of participating cities in the multijurisdictional tax incremental district, the department of revenue may impose only one annual administrative fee described in sub. (6) (ae) in the amount specified in that paragraph. Unless the agreement under par. (a) provides otherwise, the lead city, as described under par. (b) 8., is responsible for the annual fee and shall submit it to the department.

66.1105(19) (19) Alternate method to create a district in recently annexed town territory.

66.1105(19)(a) (a) Authorization. If, within 90 days of annexing town territory, a city holds a hearing under sub. (4) (a) on the proposed creation of a tax incremental district that is to be located in that former town territory, the city may create a tax incremental district under this section and subject to the limitations and conditions in par. (b), or the city may create a district in such annexed territory as otherwise provided in this section without being subject to the limitations and conditions in par. (b).

66.1105(19)(b) (b) Limitations and conditions.

66.1105(19)(b)1. 1. Notwithstanding sub. (7), a district created under this subsection must terminate upon the earlier of 7 years after the district’s creation or when the city has received aggregate tax increments with respect to the district in an amount equal to the aggregate of all project costs under the project plan and any amendments to the project plan for the district.

66.1105(19)(b)2. 2. A district created under this subsection may not allocate positive tax increments to another district as described in sub. (6) (e) or (f).