Board discusses operational referendum to address a projected $1.5 million deficit

Josh presented an overview of the district's finances and the referendum options the board must weigh.

He said the district faces a roughly $1.48 million deficit for the 2024–25 fiscal year and a larger projected shortfall the following year; staff reported a fund balance of about $31 million and warned that continued drawdown would force short-term borrowing in coming years if additional revenue is not secured.

Josh explained the difference between recurring and nonrecurring operational referenda and noted that, historically in Wisconsin, operational referenda have a roughly 77% success rate. He also laid out the practical timeline: the district may place one of two referendum questions before voters this year (November or April) but must submit ballot language by Aug. 26 to seek a November election.

Staff presented a model showing how a $3 million operating referendum over five years could be structured and how a debt-defeasance strategy might mitigate levy impact; the presentation noted that, in some scenarios, the district could achieve additional revenue without increasing the mill rate.

Board members emphasized the need for more detailed data (building-level expense summaries, projected cuts if a referendum fails, and a clearer long-range plan) and several members advocated waiting until April to give the district more time to assemble information and to incorporate the task force's forthcoming recommendations.

No final decision was taken; board members discussed next steps and agreed to continue deliberations with additional data before committing to a referendum timing or ballot question.