Task force likely to study ways to get $$ owed by scofflaws

April 4 -- A new task force would study ways to collect the millions owed to the city in delinquent taxes, forfeitures, fines and fees, under a resolution to be discussed by a Common Council committee this week.

The resolution is sponsored by 14 of the city's 15 aldermen, meaning it has a pretty good shot at final approval by the full council. Only Ald. Michael D'Amato is not listed as a co-sponsor.

The Judiciary and Legislation Committee is expected to consider the issue Monday.

The resolution says that as of April of last year, the city had been unable to collect $124.5 million in delinquent taxes, parking fines, and Municipal Court judgments and fees.

"This lack of revenue adversely impacts the citizens of the City of Milwaukee through cuts in service and an increased property tax levy," the resolution says.

The task force would be required to present its report within 180 days.

Also on the agenda: Aldermen Ashanti Hamilton, Will Wade and Michael McGee are sponsoring a resolution that would direct city lobbyists to push for state legislation requiring city residents who own firearms to register their weapons with the state Department of Justice.

"The registration would apply to handguns, rifles, shotguns, and machine guns, but not to firearms designed to fire loose black powder, firearms manufactured before 1899, or firearms that cannot be fired or readily restored to firing condition," the resolution says.