Big Companies Try Legal Fight to Lower Tax Bills

The city of La Crosse can plan to spend some time in court early this year.  The fights will likely be against some pretty big corporations.  Macy’s, Kmart, Sears and Walgreen’s are among the companies issuing last minute property assessment challenges to the city in order to have their property tax bills cut.  We’re told this is a practice that’s been increasing in Wisconsin as companies utilize the city’s tax appeals process to stage last minute appeals, hoping to coerce city councils and town boards into lower assessments and lower taxes or face legal fights in circuit court.  Lots at stake.  All of the companies face property tax bills that are more than six figures.  A city council committee considers the tax assessment challenges at a meeting next week.