For Sarah Risser, owner of Distinktive Merch Co., the holiday season is a busy time. Rising costs and local tax issues are adding pressure to her local business.She and the thousands of others in Waukesha County nearly avoided a .5% sales tax increase in October, intended to address a budget shortfall. Under the proposal, the sales tax was scheduled to take effect July 1, 2025. Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow ultimately withdrew the plan to increase the sales tax.The thought of it was a little scary as we have the lowest sales tax in the area. Adding it on and with all the price increases, its been thought that it might hinder some sales in store, Risser said.Since then, the Waukesha County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution asking state lawmakers to look at the lack of funding Waukesha County receives to pay for mandated services."Despite being home to a significant portion of the states population, Waukesha County ranks second-to-last in per capita state funding among Wisconsins 72 counties. This lack of state support makes it difficult for the county to meet its residents needs," a news release said.Watch: Waukesha County Board demands fair share of state funding; businesses hopeful Waukesha County Supervisors request state funding amid budget shortfallCounty officials, including Supervisor Jacob LaFontain, say the funding shortfall is a serious issue.Thats why he authored the resolution urging state lawmakers to help address the county's financial gaps, which could lead to cuts in vital services like law enforcement and the prosecutors office.Where we have shortfalls, and were sending $1.5 billion to the state, the state is sitting on $4.6 billion thats not being used to help anyone at all, LaFontain said. Risser hopes lawmakers will consider the impact on small businesses and local residents.I dont know where it should come from but I think the little guys, the citizens, and the small businesses are probably the last place to look, Risser said.LaFontain said the resolution is a way to have open communication with the state.TMJ4 reached out to several state lawmakers in Waukesha County for comment on potential next steps but did not immediately hear back.Its about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for TMJ4 on your device.Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip