Depending on a number of different factors, you could be paying significantly more in property taxes this upcoming year. Property tax bills began arriving in mailboxes across the state this week as local municipalities start sending them out. The amount you pay is based on the assessed value of your home and its fair market value, which is determined every year by the state’s Department of Revenue.

According to state law, communities must undergo a revaluation process when the fair market value exceeds the assessed value of the property. That process was done in Sturgeon Bay and Kewaunee this year, which likely increased your home’s assessed value and may have had a negative impact on your tax bill.

At the county level, the mill rate went down in both Door and Kewaunee counties, though increases by school districts, technical colleges, and local municipalities—along with higher assessed values—may be why your bill went up. Ongoing referendums and Tax Increment Districts (TIDs) can also play a role.

Sturgeon Bay District 4 Alderperson Spencer Gustafson understands the frustration some taxpayers may be feeling, including those who have seen their taxes increase by hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. He says city officials and elected leaders tried their best to ensure that impact was as limited as possible, including dipping into the city's reserve funds. Gustafson says that even with the five percent spending increase, there are no "shiny objects" in the budget outside of some much needed playground repairs at Sunset Park.

You can either pay your entire property tax bill at once in January or pay it in two installments, with the second payment due in July. While it is too late for this year, Gustafson reccommends residents unhappy about their property tax bill to contact the city to have their property reassessed, adding that some have seen some positive impact by taking the extra step.