Increased state aid ‘considerably’ lowers tax impact of Onalaska School District referendum, school officials say
ONALASKA, Wis. (WKBT) — Onalaska school officials say an increase in aid from the state means a sharp drop in impact to taxpayers’ wallets when it comes to referenda on the ballot November 8.
Per $100,000 in property value, the projected impact of the $75 million capital referendum before the additional aid was $174. School officials say because of the additional funding, that impact is now down to $60.
“We are pleased to share with our community that the capital referendum, if approved by the majority of voters this November, will have a much lower tax impact than originally expected,” said Ann Garrity, Board of Education President. “This is great news for our district and the taxpayers who support our schools. We look forward to continuing to engage our community around our district’s needs and the solutions on the ballot on November 8.”
The $75 million capital referendum is for a comprehensive renovation of Onalaska Middle School and highest priority design needs at Onalaska High School.
A second, operational referendum will ask voters to approve the Onalaska School District exceeding its state-imposed revenue limit over the next five years to address inflation and what school officials called “uncertain funding support from the state over the past decade”. Over five years, that increase would amount to $21,650,000 according to Wisconsin DPI. The Onalaska School District says this can be achieved without raising the tax levy from its current rate.
For more information on the referenda, as well as a facilities study and frequently asked questions, you can visit the school district’s informational website.
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