VOTE TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2010 

What are we voting on?  On Tuesday, June 8, 2010, Winneconne Community School District residents will have the opportunity to vote on a referendum question to exceed the state revenue limits for two years only (2010/2011 and 2011/2012).  The request seeks permission to increase funding for operations by an equal amount of $850,000 per year.  This referendum will expire in June 2012.   

Why are we proposing this referendum?  Due to the expiration of our current $880,000 referendum, state imposed revenue limits, higher expenses, and reductions in state funding, the district is projecting a budget deficit of $1.37 million for 2010/2011 with an additional deficit of $268,000 expected in 2011/2012.  The $850,000 referendum is being propsed to protect and maintain the quality of education by limiting further reductions of people and programs. 

Even if the referendum passes, we will make $788,000 in reductions over the next two years to balance the budget.  This is in addition to the $500,000 of reductions that have already been implemented in recent years.  This is an effort to balance the needs of students with the needs of taxpayers by providing fiscally responsible solutions during this challenging economic time.

What is the cost to taxpayers?  The district is asking for $850,000.  This is less than the expiring referendum.  In comparison to your 2009-2010 property tax bill, this translates to an estimated tax decrease of $6 per year for a property valued at $200,000.

What is the impact of the cuts?  Click here to view the plan for reductions over the next two years.  The school board is making $788,000 in cuts for 2010-2011 and 2011-2012.  The chart also outlines the $850,000 in cuts that will be made if the referendum is not approved.