Baraboo Faces Crucial Vote on $2 Million Referendum to Maintain Key Services

Mayor Rob Nelson discusses the impact of a proposed levy increase on local services while urging residents to learn more and vote 

There is a question on the ballot in Baraboo and it means a crucial vote for residents. It asks for approval of a $2 million referendum to maintain key services. This levy adjustment aims to address a decade-long gap between limited property tax revenue and the city’s rising operational costs. Mayor Rob Nelson joins MAX-FM Host David Grant to discuss the possible impacts if the referendum passes or fails on November 5. 

Nelson emphasizes there is an urgent need for this increase to maintain essential services and infrastructure. He tells Grant it would also ensure Baraboo remains an attractive place to live and work.

“We’ve seen the costs of diesel fuel, road repair materials, and wages far outpace our levy increases, which are capped by state limits tied to new construction,” Nelson explains. “And with local growth hovering around 1%, the city’s budget has strained under inflation, leading to a fiscal gap that a $2 million levy increase could bridge.”

If passed the referendum would increase property taxes by $206 per $100,000 of assessed value. Nelson says the increase would be a stable part of future budgets. 

He also lays out potential cuts without this adjustment. Nelson lists the city pool, zoo, and even the Civic Center as services where hours would be slashed or shut down altogether. 

“Quality of life is our main attraction. It’s how we bring in young families and keep Baraboo vibrant,” Nelson says. 

And as the time to make a choice approaches, he urges everyone to learn more and take part.

“No matter your stance, your voice matters,” he says.

Find additional information about the referendum on the city of Baraboo website here. 

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The referendum will appear as follows on the Tuesday, November 5, 2024 ballot: 

Under state law, the increase in the levy of the City of Baraboo for the tax to be imposed for the next fiscal year, 2025, is limited to 3.189%, which results in a levy of $9,579,603. Shall the City of Baraboo be allowed to exceed this limit and increase the levy for the next fiscal year, 2025, for the purpose of funding the ongoing operations and services of the City, by a total of 20.878%, which results in a levy of $11,579,603, and on an ongoing basis, include the increase of $2,000,000 for each fiscal year going forward?

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