Northern Sky Theater took another step toward future sustainability after the Door County Board of Supervisors voted last week 12-5, with four absent to support an Assembly bill granting them a property tax exemption. According to the resolution, property owned by a non-profit organization operating a theater is exempt from general property taxes if the property includes buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places or reaches specific capacity requirements. Other theaters, such as the Milwaukee Repertory Theater and Peninsula Players, have become property tax-exempt. Managing Director Holly Feldman addressed the board during the open comment period, explaining how they currently pay property taxes on their 40-acre creative campus and pay royalties and sales taxes on their performances. Feldman added how she feels Northern Sky Theater positively impacts the community.

A similar resolution was supported by the Town of Gibraltar 3-2, which is where Northern Sky Theater is located. Several supervisors like Vinni Chomeau and Ryan Shaw voiced their support for the measure, saying it was essential to support the arts in Door County. Supervisors Joel Gunnlauggson, Roy Englebert, David Enigl, and Elizabeth Gauger raised the snowball effect their support could send to similar entities locally and across the state. Englebert, Enigl, and Gauger joined Ken Fisher and Walter Kalms in voting against the resolution. 

Watch the meeting below: