Microsoft Redirects $5M Incentive Towards Mount Pleasant Property Tax Relief

Microsoft has made an unexpected move regarding its $5 million annual development incentive in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin. The company will redirect this funding towards property tax relief for residents.

According to a 2023 agreement between Microsoft and the Village of Mount Pleasant, the incentive would be used to support data center construction. However, instead of utilizing it for that purpose, Microsoft has chosen to allocate $4.9 million towards municipal tax relief and public infrastructure in the village.

This change will result in stable property tax rates for taxpayers, with the impact being reflected on their December property tax bills starting from 2027. The remaining funds will cover capital expenses such as road rebuilding and purchasing new police and fire vehicles, thus avoiding borrowing costs that would otherwise be passed on to taxpayers.

The Village of Mount Pleasant will also receive $100,000 from Microsoft's incentive fund, which will go towards the Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC) for countywide business attraction and economic growth initiatives.