2025 Session Last amended: 2014 session

§ 475.53 — Limit on Net Debt

Plain-Language Summary

This section sets limits on how much debt a municipality can carry. Most cities and counties cannot have net debt above three percent of the estimated market value of taxable property. First-class cities have a two percent limit (or up to 3-2/3 percent if their charter allows). School districts have a 15 percent limit. Municipalities can also reserve part of their debt limit for pollution cleanup costs.

Practical Notes
Before issuing new bonds, a municipality must check that the new debt will not push it over the legal limit. The debt limit is based on estimated market value, not tax capacity. Special rules apply to first-class cities and school districts. A municipality can reserve debt capacity for environmental response costs at solid waste facilities.