The City of Janesville prides itself on providing quality services at a great value to its residents. The value residents receive for City services is best illustrated by data published by the Wisconsin MunicipalFacts 2020. Let's see how the City of Janesville stacks up against 14 peer communities!

In 2020, Janesville's per capita spending on general government; street maintenance; fire and ambulance; and law enforcement services all rank within the bottom five of our peer communities. When combined, the City spends the lowest amount on these basic services among peer communities. Also, Janesville's per capita spending on all government operations is the third lowest among peer communities.

Now let's look at our revenues and debt:

The City of Janesville has been a fiscally responsible steward of taxpayer dollars with the fourth lowest property taxes per capita and the second lowest property tax rate among our peer communities. 

The City of Janesville receives the third lowest state shared revenue per capita among our peer communities. Janesville receives only $91 per resident in state shared revenue while comparably-sized cities like Oshkosh, Eau Claire, and West Allis receive an average of $158 per resident, or 74% more than Janesville.

The City of Janesville receives the lowest combined property taxes and state shared revenue per capita among its peer communities. Property taxes and state shared revenue are inversely related, meaning communities who receive greater state shared revenue can afford to have lower property taxes while communities who receive little state shared revenue often have higher property taxes to make up the difference. In spite of receiving comparatively little state shared revenue, Janesville's ability to keep property taxes relatively low compared to our peer communities is truly a testament to the great value residents receive for quality City services!

As referenced above, Janesville receives the lowest combined revenue from property taxes and state shared revenue. This forces Janesville to fund some of the numerous services provided through acquiring general obligation debt. Janesville’s general obligation debt per capita ranks below the average for our peer communities. The City also maintains a “AA” bond rating from Standard and Poor’s.

If you have any questions or want additional information, please contact Erin Davis, Assistant to the City Manager, at davise@ci.janesville.wi.us or (608) 755-3103.

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