Jefferson County: Housing report emphasizes net new construction

WATERTOWN — A recent Wisconsin Policy Forum report outlined systemic shortfalls in the Jefferson County economy linked to a lack of new development, specifically highlighting net new construction.

The state of Wisconsin limits property tax levies based on increases or decreases in net new construction. More new construction means a larger poll of taxable properties, allowing a higher rate.

Prior to the Great Recession, housing development in Jefferson County and Wisconsin was “more than double its current rate.” However, following the financial crash, the situation changed...