By Press Times staff
BROWN COUNTY – On Jan. 17, Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach and Brown County Acting Treasurer Charles Mahlik jointly announced a program available for county taxpayers who are behind on their property tax bills.
“Wisconsin Help for Homeowners is a program that can help residents who are in arrears with their property taxes,” a county release stated.
Brown County Treasurer’s Office said that 764 properties in the county have delinquent taxes — totaling $3.4 million — with 330 of the properties residential homes.
“Help is available for county taxpayers looking to settle this kind of debt,” stated Mahlik. “Since the program started in March 2022, the program has assisted 169 homeowners who have received over $1.7 million in assistance.”
“This statewide program continues to help out property owners in Brown County who got behind due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” added Streckenbach. “It’s a great opportunity for members of our community invested in Brown County to utilize a helping hand to get back on the right track.”
Brown County residents may qualify if they have experienced a financial hardship since Jan. 21, 2020, and have a household income less than or equal to 100% of either the U.S. or county median income — whichever is greater.
They must also reside in a single-family home, duplex, condo or factory-built home.
“This statewide program can also help with other overdue bills like mortgage payments, utilities and more. Applications will be accepted until the funding runs out. Vacation homes, rentals, cabins and second homes are not eligible for the Wisconsin Help for Homeowners program,” the release added.
The Department of Administration, Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources (DEHCR) is administering the Wisconsin Help for Homeowners program, with American Rescue Plan Act funding.
The property must be the owner’s primary residence.
For more information or to apply, visit https://doa.wi.gov/Pages/LocalGovtsGrants/Homeowner-Assistance.aspx.