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County board approves up to $4.91 million in notes to fund capital projects
Summary
The Vernon County Board of Supervisors authorized issuance of up to $4.91 million in general obligation promissory notes to finance highway and facility projects; county advisors said the plan would require about a $501,000 annual payment under current assumptions. The vote passed 15–2 with two abstentions.
The Vernon County Board of Supervisors on March 19 authorized the issuance of general obligation promissory notes not to exceed $4,910,000 to finance capital improvements including highway work, facilities, and equipment.
Sean Lentz of Ehlers Public Financial Advisors, who presented the county's capital projects finance plan, said the current proposal would require "approximately a $501,000 annual payment" under the assumptions used. Supervisors debated whether to borrow now to preserve assets or to avoid added financing costs; Supervisor Muller said he opposed borrowing for operating needs while Supervisor Pedretti argued fixing roads now would avoid higher replacement costs later.
The motion to adopt Resolution 2026-15 was made by Supervisor Eggen and seconded by Supervisor Lawler. Because the resolution required a three‑fourths vote of the board, a roll-call was taken: 15 in favor, 2 opposed (Muller, Easterday) and 2 abstaining (Stanek, Wilson), and the resolution passed. The resolution text cites Chapter 67, Wis. Stats., and notes the county will levy as needed to pay principal and interest.
The board’s discussion touched on levy limits and long-term borrowing capacity; no additional borrowing decisions were made at the meeting and the county’s debt issuance timeline will proceed as staff and advisors finalize details.
