How Bad IS Milwaukee County's Budget Problem?

It's friggin' ruinous.

The county's options are limited, given the legal permanence of such promises. But what's untenable, now that it's clear where the money is draining, is the idea of raising taxes to fill the gap. Even assuming the county could raise taxes enough to cover next year's deficit, the maximum allowed increase of 28% would set off a righteous revolution.

And, as the good-government Public Policy Forum recently reported, it wouldn't avert doom. Wages and benefits will still outstrip revenue unless something is done.

Maybe the EPA's intention to clamp down on Milwaukee-area emissions won't be necessary.

HT: McIlheran