As your candidate for Chippewa County Commissioner, I’m committed to ensuring that our community fully benefits from the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program from the Department of Interior. This program is vital for communities like ours, where a significant portion of the land is federally owned and therefore exempt from local property taxes. In 2024, Chippewa County will receive $382,784 from the PILT program, which will help offset the lost tax revenue from our 142,457 acres of federal land.
These lands include our national forests, wildlife refuges, and other areas managed by federal agencies like the Bureau of Land Management. While these lands provide recreational opportunities and contribute to the conservation of our natural resources, they also reduce the property tax base that funds our local services. The PILT funding is essential to bridging that gap, ensuring we have the resources to maintain and improve the quality of life in our county.
As your commissioner, I will prioritize making sure these funds are audited and allocated effectively to support the services that matter most to our residents. This includes maintaining our roads and infrastructure, supporting our local law enforcement and emergency services, and protecting our beautiful natural environment. Additionally, I will advocate for our fair share of PILT funding each year, ensuring that Chippewa County’s unique needs are recognized and addressed at the federal level.
Investing in our community is more than just a financial commitment; it’s about ensuring that Chippewa County remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. With your support, I’m ready to lead the effort in maximizing these resources and making strategic decisions that will benefit us all.
Together, we can ensure that Chippewa County remains strong, resilient, and ready to face the future. Join me in this effort, and let’s work together to keep our community thriving.
For more information on my campaign and how you can get involved, visit my (https://www.jbillyforchippewa.com/). Let’s make a difference for Chippewa County—together!
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