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Board authorizes pursuing $3.8 million referendum and approves counteroffer to buy adjacent land

Wisconsin Rapids School District Board of Education · January 13, 2026
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Summary

The board approved pursuing a referendum to exceed the revenue limit by $3.8 million per year for five years (non‑recurring) and accepted a seller counteroffer for roughly 28 acres adjacent to Lincoln High School; PMA provided mill‑rate projections and administration said further budget reductions will still be needed.

The Wisconsin Rapids School District board voted to authorize drafting and pursuing a referendum question to exceed the district revenue limit by $3,800,000 per year for five years for non‑recurring purposes, and separately approved acceptance of a counteroffer to purchase approximately 28 acres of land (parcel 0700648) adjacent to Lincoln High School.

Administration presented two draft resolutions prepared with outside counsel and financial scenarios from PMA, the district’s financial adviser, showing estimated mill‑rate impacts for a $3.8 million non‑recurring referendum. Administration noted the district anticipates a budget deficit just under $4.1 million for the next year and longer‑term projected deficits if no action is taken. PMA’s materials showed an initial mill‑rate increase in year one with state aid reducing the net impact in subsequent years; administration emphasized these are projections and subject to changes in state funding formulas.

On the land purchase, administration said it had offered $252,000 and received a counteroffer of $263,620; the board moved to accept the counteroffer and voted in favor. The administration explained the parcel provides water and sewer access and adjacency to district property that could be useful for future growth, though no current use is planned.

The board discussed outreach and transparency, and members emphasized the need to explain to taxpayers what the funds would cover and why the district is pursuing a referendum. The motions to pursue a referendum and to approve the referendum resolution advanced on roll call.