Transportation Utility Fees in Wisconsin May Be in Danger After Court Decision

Local governments across Wisconsin may be looking to raise taxes now that their transportation fees are in legal limbo. The Wisconsin Supreme Court denied a petition from the Village of Pewaukee to hear its case that sought to save its transportation fee. Pewaukee, like many local governments across the state, turned to a transportation utility fee to raise money for local road projects. Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce sued, arguing the fee is nothing more than a tax by another name, and Pewaukee exceeded its taxing authority by charging the fee.