Baraboo Residents Reject City, School Referenda

Two referenda in Baraboo were defeated during Tuesday night’s election.

Residents in the Baraboo School District said no to a capital facilities referendum. The $85.7 million measure failed by a margin of 6,541 to 4,979 votes.

The plan had an estimated tax impact of $55 per $100,000 of property value. The project would have repaired and replaced aging mechanical systems, electrical equipment and other major building systems. It also would have made room for the district’s new, full-day 4-year-old kindergarten programming; added classroom and commons space at Al Behrman, East and Gordon L. Wilson elementary schools plus renovate existing spaces; and enhance safety and security by improving traffic flow.

Voters also rejected a city referendum on Tuesday’s ballot. This measure was seeking a $2 million increase in the tax levy to maintain its current level of service. This referendum failed by a margin of 4,628 to 1,958 votes.

Baraboo Mayor Rob Nelson issued a statement Wednesday morning acknowledging the referendum’s failure to pass.

“Yesterday, Baraboo residents voted to reject an operational referendum that would have enabled the City to maintain its current level of service in the face of rising operational costs and fund additional staff to meet the needs of our growing community. As a result, the City Council will need to make difficult decisions about how to address continually rising costs to provide services with the needs of our growing population. This may include reducing services and community programs Baraboo residents have come to rely on and appreciate, many of which make our community a vibrant and special place to live. The City Council will continue to review the City’s programs and services going forward to determine what’s financially feasible for our community. We encourage residents to attend the City’s Common Council meeting on November 12 for a public hearing and discussion on the 2025 budget.”