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1. What does the Finance Department do?

The Finance Department is responsible for providing professional financial management services for the Village of Germantown. The office handles payments to the village for property taxes, utilities, and pet licensing, accounts payable, creation of the annual Village budget, payroll, debt management, employee insurance, and investment.

2. When are tax bills mailed out? How do I get my payment receipt?

Tax bills are usually mailed the second week of December.  You can download copies of your tax bill and payment receipts at http://landrecords.co.washington.wi.us/LandRecords. Simply search by your parcel id, street name and number or the first and last name listed on your property tax bill. Once you are on the property summary page, go to the “Select Detail” dropdown and choose “Taxes.”

From there choose the tax year you want to view.  Payments will be listed in a pop-up box. More information about paying your tax bill including payment options can be found on our website: http://wi-germantown2.civicplus.com/189/Property-Tax-Information. Please note: the Washington County Land Records site includes other information about your property history in the dropdown menu. 

3. Do I have to pay my whole tax bill at once? When is payment due?

Real estate property taxes can be paid in two installments due January 31 and July 31 of each year. The July 31 payment is payable to Washington County. Business Personal property taxes must be paid in full by January 31 of each year. WI State Law allows for a five business day window for payments to be received by mail.

4. What is the tax rate for this year?

The Village will not know the tax rate until all taxing jurisdictions pass their budgets and report their levies to the County Treasurer who puts the tax bills together for the municipalities. This usually happens in late November to early December.

5. Where do I go to get my dog or cat licensed? What do I need to bring?

All dogs and cats over the age of 5 months must be licensed annually with the Village Finance Department. To get a license for your pets you must bring proof of a current rabies vaccination, complete a pet license application, and provide proper payment. Dogs and cats should be licensed by the end of January. Dogs and cats licensed after March 31^st are subjected to a $5 late fee. Service animals must also be licensed annually, but are exempt from the license fee. You can download the form here: http://wi-germantown2.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/100/petlicensewebpage?bidId=

6. Who do I contact if I have questions regarding water and sewer billing?

For questions about your water and sewer bill or to set up direct payment, please call the Utility Clerk at 262-250-4703.

7. Where do I pay my water bill?

Water bills can be paid in person at the Village Hall Finance Department, mailed with payment or paid online through the Village’s website: http://www.village.germantown.wi.us/384/Online-Bill-Pay

8. How can I get involved with the Village's budgeting process?

The budget for the Village is put together by staff during the late summer to early fall period and presented to the Village Board in October with passage of the budget in November. To participate in the budgeting process, you can:

• Contact your Village trustees and Village President to voice your opinions.
• Come to the Annual Budget Public Hearing that takes place in November. The specific date is announced in October. Here you can express your support or concerns regarding the budget and what you would like to see included or changed.

9. Can I see past Village budgets?

Our Annual budgets since 2013 are posted on our website http://wi-germantown2.civicplus.com/427/Annual-Budget-History.  Our current comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) can also be found online: http://wi-germantown2.civicplus.com/563/Current-Financial-Report