The short answer
Sales of motor vehicles to Wisconsin governmental units, including counties, cities, villages, towns and public school districts, are exempt from Wisconsin sales and use tax (Wis. Stat. 77.54(9a); DOR Publication 202). Bring the documentation your unit uses to claim the exemption.
For plow and dump work, look at chassis cabs (Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD and 4500HD–6500HD, Ram 3500–5500) and heavy-duty pickups. Send your bid specification or requirements in writing and ask us for an itemized quote.
Tax exemption basics
Wisconsin DOR Publication 202 lists the governmental units whose purchases are exempt, including any unit of Wisconsin government such as a county, city, village or public school district, plus the State of Wisconsin and its agencies and federally recognized tribes or bands in Wisconsin. Confirm the documentation your clerk or finance office uses for exempt purchases.
Chassis options for public works
| Vehicle | Typical use | Manufacturer figure |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Chassis Cab (2026) | Dump, flatbed, plow | Up to 7,329 lb max payload |
| Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD/5500HD/6500HD (chevrolet.com previous-year page) | Larger bodies | Listed at 350 hp / 750 lb-ft |
| Ram 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab (2026) | Dump, flatbed, service, plow | Up to 34,540 lb max diesel towing (5500) |
| Ford Super Duty (2026) | Plow and utility pickups | Up to 8,000 lb gas payload (2026, 6.8L gas V8, Ford 2026 Super Duty Towing Guide) |
Registration notes
For heavier trucks, WisDOT says plates stay with a truck registered at 10,000 lb or more when it's sold, which matters when you retire a unit. Used trucks with a GVWR over 16,000 lb are excluded from Wisconsin's Buyers Guide requirement, so ask for condition information in writing.
What to send for a quote
Municipal quote request
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Who to talk to
Questions
Do Wisconsin municipalities pay sales tax on vehicles?
No. Sales to Wisconsin governmental units, including counties, cities, villages, towns and public school districts, are exempt (Wis. Stat. 77.54(9a); DOR Publication 202).
What truck is best for a small-town plow route?
It depends on the plow, spreader and route. Chassis cabs and heavy-duty pickups are the usual choices; send the spec and we'll quote options.
How do we request a quote from Swant Graber?
Send the specification in writing with your deadline, and call 715-537-5657 (Motors) or 715-537-9500 (Ford) to confirm it arrived.
Next steps at Swant Graber
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge): 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812, 715-537-5657. Swant Graber Ford: 1697 E Division Ave, 715-537-9500. Search new or used inventory, or see shop near you for model-by-model answers.
