Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels and District 5 Alderman Lee Kummer testified back on June 29th in support of Assembly Bills 386 and 387 which would close the Dark Store Loophole. The idea of the Dark Store Loophole, is that big box retail stores are attempting to pay the same amount in property tax at a new store as they do at a similar sized vacant store. The city of Manitowoc has spent over $43,000 in legal fees fighting this unfair tax loophole, and is joined by city and county leaders across the state. The City has negotiated with 2 big box realtors, and will receive a total refund of over $80,000. The Assembly Ways and Means Committee will hear testimony regarding the bills soon.
