Town of Townsend electors approve $900,000 loan limit for 30x50 town hall addition and remodel

Town Chairperson Monica Zeller opened a special meeting of Townsend electors on May 4, 2024, to consider whether the town should proceed with a 30-by-50-foot addition and interior remodel to the town hall and authorize a loan not to exceed $900,000. Electors approved the measure by ballot, 109 to 63, out of 172 votes cast.

Clerk Linda Ziegler verified that the meeting notice had been posted at the town post office, Townsend town hall, Laona State Bank and on the town website and published in the Oconto County Report and the Pioneer Express; Ziegler and Zeller signed an affidavit attesting to notice pursuant to S. 60.0, Wis. Stats.

Supporters argued the remodel would update the building and remove the bar to free storage space, and the Board said it will explore grant opportunities if the vote passed. Resident Ken Schwebke, who helped develop the proposal pro bono, said the planned addition is only about 200 square feet smaller than a 2022 new-construction plan that had been considered previously. Schwebke and others noted the town had considered larger new-construction options in prior years.

Opponents raised concerns about cost, future space needs and whether a repair/addition is preferable to building new. Resident Tim McQuire asked about the cost estimate and was told, "Based on a 5-year loan at 6%, will be $66.00/$100,000"; the transcript does not specify whether that figure refers to a monthly payment, annual payment or another frequency. Resident Ed Kubicek asked whether the remodel would trigger additional code requirements; officials said a sprinkler system is not required by code for this project, the kitchen will be a warming kitchen, the septic system is adequate and a new furnace would be installed in the addition.

Other public comments ranged from concerns about inflation and repeated failed proposals to suggestions the town might later seek a larger facility. Resident Michael Schilz criticized the plan’s approach, saying, "The town deserves better than putting lipstick on a pig." Chairperson Zeller closed discussion, called the vote at 11:31 a.m., and ballots were collected and counted; the clerk declared the result at 11:57 a.m. The meeting adjourned at noon.

The action authorizes the Town Board to proceed with construction of a 30x50 addition and remodel and to obtain a loan not exceeding $900,000. The record does not specify further financing terms beyond the loan ceiling or a construction timeline; officials said they would pursue grant opportunities if available.