FOX CROSSING, Wis–A battle is brewing between Winnebago County and the village of Fox Crossing over who should pay for primary law enforcement along major highways. Earlier this year, Sheriff John Matz informed municipalities along Interstate 41, Highway 10, and Highway 441 that his deputies would no longer provide primary service for things like accident response or speed control.
That has led Fox Crossing to ask the state to exceed its property tax levy limit by nearly $160,000 next year to fund an additional police officer and equipment, claiming the county “transferred” that service to them.
Winnebago County Corporation Counsel Mary Anne Mueller says that could mean less property tax revenue for the county…………….
Sheriff Matz maintains that he did not put any new requirements on Fox Crossing….
The state Department of Revenue is reviewing Fox Crossing’s request. Winnebago County officials fear that if the village prevails, Oshkosh, Neenah, and Menasha could also seek to levy for additional officers, and further reduce the county’s levy limit.
