The next move will be up to legislators as Rhinelander residents Tuesday passed an advisory referendum concerning the Premier Resort Area Tax. The vote was about 2-1 in favor.
The tax would place a half-cent charge on a sale with all the proceeds designated for infrastructure repairs, mainly street repair. Eagle River has had a similar tax since 2006.
Because Rhinelander doesn't meet all the requirements up front, legislative approval is necessary.
Mayor Dick Johns says the city is prepared to move forward...
"...we're ready to go, we have all the information that we need to get into the state and it's up to the state right now. With that type of vote, our chances have raised quite a bit...."
State Representative Rob Swearingen of Rhinelander says he introduced a measure asking for the Resort tax designation for Rhinelander...
"....so I've submitted that motion. We're in hopes that it survives the entire budget process, keeping in mind that that particular provision could be pulled out at any time by any member and be questioned, so it may not survive. If it does survive the process it could be just passing the budget and the Governor signs it before July 1...."
It will be considered by the Joint Finance Committee, the group that hammers out the state budget. Swearingen says if the committee approves it, and the Governor signs the budget, it could be available by this summer. State Senator Tom Tiffany sits on the key committee.
