Supervisor Taylor Authors Resolution Opposing Use of County Tax Levy for American Family Field Renovations

MILWAUKEE – County Supervisor Steve F. Taylor has proposed a resolution opposing the use of Milwaukee County tax levy to fund long-term renovations at American Family Field. Supervisor Taylor made the following statement:

“As someone who cares deeply about Milwaukee County and its residents, I am concerned about the use of taxpayer money to subsidize millionaire sports team owners. While essential services like parks, public safety, senior services, transit, and roadways continue to require significant investment, it is concerning that we have already been mandated by the State to subsidize billionaire owners on the new Bucks arena.

It is crucial that we prioritize the needs of our communities over the profits of the wealthy. As a reminder, Milwaukee County taxpayers were promised that the ‘Miller Park tax’ would sunset in 2014 but ended up paying through 2020. This is unacceptable and highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in how our tax dollars are being spent. 

I want to encourage all Milwaukee County residents to come out and testify on May 8th at 3:00 PM at the Intergovernmental Relations Committee to make your voices heard on this important issue. We need to work together to ensure that our tax dollars are being spent in a way that truly benefits our communities and improves the lives of all residents, not just the wealthy few.” 

The proposed resolution states that Milwaukee County and its taxpayers have long partnered with the Milwaukee Brewers and related entities to ensure Major League Baseball remains in the community for the benefit of the community, region, and entire state. However, the resolution also notes that Milwaukee County is facing a fiscal cliff in 2025, severely hampering its ability to provide essential services to its residents such as transportation and support for the County Parks System. 

The resolution further states that renovations to American Family Field over the next 20 years or so are expected to cost approximately $448 million dollars.  

Governor Evers has proposed state support of $290 million for the Southeast Wisconsin Professional Baseball District in his biennial budget to partially fund the maintenance and improvements upgrades at American Family Field to secure an additional 13-year lease commitment, through 2043, from the Brewers.  

The resolution argues that the State of Wisconsin reached a record surplus of $7.1 billion in 2023, enabling the state legislature flexibility in spending and policy measures, and suggests that any state funding for the ballpark should be provided through standalone legislation.  

The resolution will be considered by the Committee on Intergovernmental Relations on May 8, 2023, at 3:00 PM. 

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.