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August 1, 2008
NEWS FROM THE MAYOR
Dear Friends,
This week, the Milwaukee Police Department released crime data for the first six months of 2008. Overall, violent crime dropped by 19.4 percent in the City of Milwaukee and property crimes dropped by 4.5 percent compared with the first half of 2007. There was a substantial drop in all categories except for burglary, which increased by 9.1 percent.
It is important to note that in the First Quarter numbers released by the Police Department, burglary had increased by 10.6 percent in the first three months of the year. Now at the halfway point in 2008, there is a 9.1 percent increase. While the increase is troubling, it is trending in the right direction.
Although Milwaukee faces challenges, I have great hope for the future of our city. I am confident in Police Chief Edward Flynn's approach to fighting crime. Although some people noted a correlation between the cold weather and crime reductions during the first quarter of the year, the City of Milwaukee has continued to see improvements in the warmer weather.
Since he started in January, Chief Flynn has emphasized data-driven policies. He has also increased police presence on the streets, launched neighborhood-specific plans, and bolstered the Neighborhood Task Force.
However, more needs to be done. There are still far too many illegal guns on the street and too many neighborhoods where people don't feel safe sitting on their front porches or having their children play in the yard. I am constantly working to create partnerships and find solutions that will keep our city on a positive forward trajectory. Please join me in the fight against crime on every block.
Water Services Agreement Moves Forward
This week, the Common Council voted to pass an agreement to sell additional water to New Berlin.
Under the deal, Milwaukee will receive a one-time payment of $1.5 million for the value of the water sale and an estimated $650,000 a year in increased water utility revenues. In return, the middle part of New Berlin, which has radium in its groundwater, will receive healthy water from a high-quality and dependable source.
Milwaukee will provide approximately 1.8 million gallons of additional water per day. Since Eastern New Berlin is an existing customer of Milwaukee Water Works, much of the infrastructure for water delivery is already in place.
The health and quality of Lake Michigan will not be compromised; there will be no co-mingling of ground water with Lake Michigan water. The agreement also includes a "non-poaching" provision that stops both parties from initiating efforts to relocate an existing firm to the other community.
I believe this historic agreement is a huge step forward for Milwaukee because it ensures that our water infrastructure and investments remain competitive. Milwaukee Water Works has excess capacity and our costs do not remain flat. Therefore, it is important that we make reasonable and environmentally sound water sale agreements.
This agreement directly benefits the residents of Milwaukee. Water impacts our economy, trade, recreation, health and quality of life. We need to keep moving forward.
The Truth about Taxes in Milwaukee
KPMG, a major accounting and consulting firm, released a new study of the total tax burdens facing companies in 102 cities throughout 10 countries. The study analyzed corporate income taxes, capital taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, local business taxes and statutory labor costs.
I am proud to announce that the City of Milwaukee is a leader in developing a tax environment that encourages business development. Our low tax costs attract and retain businesses of all sizes.
According to the report, Milwaukee has the 15th lowest corporate tax burden out of 59 cities in the United States. Milwaukee also has the 41st lowest burden out of the 102 cities internationally.
Among 23 "mid-size" American cities with populations between 500,000 and 2 million, Milwaukee has the fourth-lowest tax burden in the report.
I am pleased to announce that the City of Milwaukee is an attractive option for many businesses to consider. Our low tax costs play an important role in our vibrant local economy.
In the manufacturing industry, Milwaukee offers the 14th lowest tax burden out of the 59 American cities. Milwaukee also offers the 22nd lowest tax burden for research and development, and the 25th lowest for the service industry.
Sincerely,
Mayor, City of Milwaukee
Visit my website at: http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/mayor
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