FDL County Board Supports Elimination Of Dark Store Loophole

By a unanimous vote Tuesday night the Fond du Lac County Board approved a resolution showing support for doing away with the so-called “Dark Store” property tax loophole for national chain stores. The Fond du Lac City Council recently passed a similar resolution as County Supervisor Brian Kolstad, as a City Councilman, recapped for the Board. He said it would be helpful if other cities, towns and villages passed similar requests. The loophole was used to help Walgreen’s get a $50,000 refund and $400,000 in lower assessments on three of its stores in Fond du Lac. Menards also used the loophole to have its property assessment lowered substantially. The difference is made up by other property taxpayers. County Board Chairman Marty Farrell mentioned a couple of statewide groups are also supporting elimination of the loophole. In particular the Wisconsin League of Municipalities and Wisconsin Counties Association are backing it. A copy of the resolution is being sent to the Governor, Wisconsin League of Municipalities, and area state legislators.