If you live in Sister Bay, do not expect to receive a check in the mail from the village after its board sent out a letter this week explaining its decision not to issue tax refunds.  The refunds were discussed at previous meetings after residents found a 10.8 percent increase on their property tax bill in December. 

“After careful consideration and review of the impact tax refunds would have on tax levies in future years, as well as the cost involved, we have determined that it is necessary to forgo tax refunds this year,” the letter signed by the Sister Bay Village Board states. “This decision was not made lightly, and we understand that it may be disappointing.”

Instead of the refunds, the village will defer $245,341 in projects planned for this year, using the remainder to replace a village vehicle. The letter also outlines its plans to amend its five-year capital improvement plan to consider the tax levy and incorporate a new budget policy that will incorporate Tax Incremental District (TID) data into its decision-making to ensure the final levy is accounted for in the end. You can read the full letter from the Sister Bay Village Board below. 

Dear Sister Bay Taxpayer,                                                                     March 19, 2025

We hope this letter finds you well. We are writing to inform you of an important update regarding your 2025 property tax and the decision not to issue tax refunds for this year.

After careful consideration and review of the impact tax refunds would have on tax levies in future years, as well as the cost involved, we have determined that it is necessary to forgo tax refunds this year. This decision was not made lightly, and we understand that it may be disappointing.

The difference between no increase in taxes and the 10.8% increase is $330,341. The Village Board plans to defer $245,341 in projects planned for 2025. The remaining balance of $85,000 will be spent in 2025 to replace a Village vehicle to insure the best possible purchase price. In addition, the Finance Committee plans to amend the five-year Capital Improvement Plan to reduce future expenses. This will be an ongoing process, with the goal of pulling back on projects in the capital improvement plan that we would need to levy for.

Finally, the 2026 budget and tax levy will be determined under a new budget policy which will incorporate Tax Incremental District data, ensuring the final levy is fully accounted for.

We are committed to improving communicating and will continue to keep you updated on how these funds are being utilized to benefit the community. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this decision, please do not hesitate to contact the Village Administration office, Nate Bell, Village President, or a Village Trustee.

To stay informed, we encourage all residents to sign up to receive notices for Village meetings and attend those of interest. Sign-up is available by emailing janal.suppanz@sisterbaywi.gov.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work together to build a stronger future for our community.

Sincerely

Nate Bell, President, Village of Sister Bay

Denise Bhirdo, Village Trustee

Patrice Champeau, Village Trustee

Kurt Harff, Village Trustee

Louise Howson, Village Trustee

Lilly Orozco, Village Trustee

Alison Werner, Village Trustee