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Vernon County OKs authorization to borrow up to $5.5 million for 2025 capital projects after extended debate
Summary
The Vernon County Board adopted a resolution authorizing up to $5.5 million in general obligation promissory notes to finance 2025 capital projects. The 17–2 roll call followed debate over long-term debt for recurring road work and an unsuccessful amendment to lower the borrowing cap.
The Vernon County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 12 adopted Resolution 2024-55, authorizing the issuance of general obligation promissory notes in an amount not to exceed $5,500,000 to finance capital projects in the county’s 2025 capital plan. The initial resolution passed on a roll-call vote of 17 ayes and 2 nays; Supervisors Strudthoff and Muller voted no.
Administrative Coordinator Cassie Hanan presented debt projections prepared by Ehlers & Associates and said the county intends to begin repaying the borrowing in 2026. Hanan told the board that "with levy limits we do not have a lot of options," framing borrowing as one tool under current state law. Chair Lorn Goede, while noting he "does not want to borrow funds," said he understood the need to address deteriorating roads.
The meeting’s discussion centered on whether long-term notes are appropriate for recurring highway repairs. Commissioner Hewitt told supervisors the county manages about 285 miles of road, with roughly 80 miles in good condition and "about 200 miles in some state of failure," and gave cost estimates including $40,000–$50,000 per mile for patch work, $300,000–$400,000 per mile for long-term fixes, and $1 million or more per mile for full reconstruction.
Supervisor Muller moved to amend the resolution to reduce the borrowing cap to $4,000,000, arguing the county should reflect savings from changes in Vernon Manor management; the motion failed for lack of a second. After members discussed alternatives including priority-based budgeting and shorter-term notes, the Board adopted the resolution to permit borrowing up to $5.5 million.
The resolution is an initial authorization that allows the county to proceed with bonding steps; Ehlers and bond counsel will advise on timing and whether bonds or other financing options are preferable. The board did not set a specific loan closing date at the meeting.
