State of Walworth County – 6/26/2025

State of the County – Walworth County

Recap by Denise Schultz, Lakes Area REALTORS® Association CEO

On June 26, 2025 Walworth County Economic Development Alliance, Inc. (WCEDA) presented the State of the County at the Walworth County Health & Human Services building.

Mark Luberda, Walworth County Administrator, provided the annual update to invited business and community professionals, focusing first on the financials. “If you want to know what’s happening in a public sector entity, LOOK AT THE BUDGET” he stressed. Luberda explained that he operates with an annual theme for each budget. The 2025 theme is “Fiscal Stability and Operational Sustainability.” The basis for success here is that “ongoing revenue must support ongoing expenses.” He, his staff and the County Board (of Supervisors) are proud that since 2019 the County has been debt-free.

Luberda reminded the audience that since 2011, Wisconsin counties have not been allowed to raise property tax levies, except for new construction (something our members that attend WRA’s annual REALTOR® Government Day are very familiar with.) The levy limits mean that the county is not able to adjust the budget for inflation, like private sector businesses do. He provided examples of good decisions that have resulted in sound reserves that are earning interest revenue. One example is the salt brine solution the County is making and distributing to effectively combat severe winter weather road conditions, at a lower cost, with favorable environmental benefits.

Of particular interest to our members is the three-year pilot program of the Housing Strategy Initiative. WCEDA is leading this effort, thanks to an investment from the county. Pam Carper, the Program Manager is a committed professional and excellent resource. You can learn more, including their research and work plan at: https://www.walworthbusiness.com/housing

As property fraud, particularly attempts regarding vacant land increase, it’s important to remember and inform consumers about tools available such as the Register of Deeds Land Notification service. Learn more here: https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/1117/Land-Notification

The County Administrator was followed by representatives from Ehlers Public Finance Advisors, discussing the challenges of TIF and TID, especially as they relate to residential development. This writer admits, the key takeaway here was that “TIF laws don’t play well with housing needs.” If you are interested in more in-depth information in this area, please attend the update next year, or contact Derek D’Auria at the Walworth County Economic Development Alliance (www.walworthbusiness.com .) We appreciate our partnership with WCEDA and all they do for the Lakes Area.

A representative from Walworth County Health and Human Services was present, encouraging all Walworth County residents to please complete the 2025 Community Health Survey. The survey is available in many formats, in English and Spanish and should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Learn more at: https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/1133/Community-Health-Assessment