OHI and the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) are urging Wisconsin campground owners, operators and seasonal campers to support newly introduced legislation that would clarify the state’s property tax exemption for seasonal campers’ personal property located at licensed campgrounds.
The proposal is intended to ensure that a seasonal camper’s personal property at a licensed campground is treated the same as other personal property that became permanently exempt from property taxation beginning in 2024 under Act 12.The measure reflects the Wisconsin Legislature’s original intent when it repealed the personal property tax.
The legislation was introduced by Rep. Kevin Petersen, a Republican from Waupaca, and Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara, a Republican from Appleton. The measure would clarify existing law and provide consistent tax treatment for seasonal campers’ property at licensed campgrounds.
The two organizations have launched a grassroots campaign encouraging supporters to contact state lawmakers and ask them to sign on to Legislative Reference Bureau proposals #4985 and #4990.
OHI has prepared separate advocacy letters for campground owners and operators and for seasonal campers through its Advocacy Action Center. Campground owners are also being encouraged to share campaign information through social media to increase participation among seasonal campers.
“OHI has been focused on this fix from the beginning when Jim Button, chair of OHI’s Board of Directors and owner of Evergreen Campsites in Wild Rose, Wisconsin, first raised it at the local level,” said David Basler, chief strategy officer and senior vice president of government affairs for OHI. “Once this action is taken, it will translate to substantial tax savings for campgrounds and seasonal campers in Wisconsin.”
OHI described the current effort as the second phase of its grassroots campaign aimed at generating letters of support for the legislation. The organizations are asking supporters to submit letters to legislators before Tuesday, Oct. 14.
“Our highest priority is the well-being of Wisconsin campground owners and operators, and that’s why making sure this comes to fruition is so important,” said Scott Kollock, owner of Vista Royalle Campground and president of WACO. “Tackling issues together as a united front is the best way to see success. We’re looking forward to seeing this across the finish line with OHI and the state of Wisconsin.”