Voters rejected allowing the Grand Chute town board to spend more than the $610,000 road funding amount allowed by state statutes without town elector approval. The vote was taken at a November 20th special town meeting. The meeting was attended by about two dozen residents, and is a meeting held every year to approve spending above the state capped limit allowed without town elector approval. Unfortunately, while this resolution has flown through vote in past years, electors attending this year's meeting voted against it. Another meeting has been scheduled for December 18th to revisit the issue. It is imperative that we get a yes vote from town electors so the town has funds to continue operating the public works department throughout the entire 2008 budget year, and make necessary road improvements.
As residents at the special meeting cited overall lack of understanding to what this resolution entails, I've created a Q&A format including some of the most frequently asked questions.
Why do Grand Chute residents have to approve highway expenditures each year?
The Grand Chute Public Works department operates at higher than the $610,000 amount allowed by the state of Wisconsin for town expenditures of this nature. According to state statutes, any town cannot spend more than the $610,000 without elector approval. This year's operating budget for public works department, highways and road related capital improvements is $3.4 million. Therefore, a vote needs to take place every year.
Will my taxes go up because we are spending over the $610,000 amount?
By voting yes, you will not be increasing your taxes over and above the tax levy already approved by the town of Grand Chute. These funds are already allocated in the 2008 town budget. Much of this money is reimbursed through special assessments.
Why is our operating budget so much higher?
Many of you know that Grand Chute is Wisconsin's largest town. With the town's population being over 20,000, some interesting facts come into play. Grand Chute has:
295 lane miles of road
124 miles of town road
8 full time staff
4 part time staff
What is this money used for?
These funds are used to maintain all roads in Grand Chute. Maintenance includes plowing, cutting grass and weeds, cleaning the cemetery, gutter care, maintaining roadways including repairs. Funds are also used to maintain water lines and pay for powering streetlights and purchase capital equipment. It doesn't take long to surpass the $610,000 figure. For example, powering street lights alone costs $246,900 each year.
The full breakdown is listed in the 2008 budget available for residents to review at the town hall. It is listed under the Public Works, Capital Improvement, and Highway sections.
Why did voters reject approval at the last meeting?
After talking with some of the meeting attendees, I believe several factors came into play:
1. The position of the vote.
This item was directly before the vote to place the referendum for firefighters on the April ballot. Some indicated they thought by voting yes, they would be approving an item to be put for referendum.
2. Lack of explanation by the board and administration of what this vote entailed. I've been told this resolution has been passed in previous years without discussion. This is a good lesson in never assume, and is a mistake I will not have happen again. Because the resolution was not clearly defined, some residents thought they were approving spending above the budgeted amount. Town Administrator Rohloff will be presenting a powerpoint presentation at the next meeting, clearly outlining where the funds are allocated in the 2008 budget.
3. Lack of attendees asking for clarification.
Some residents may not realize the public has the right to speak at special town meetings, and ask questions. However, it was a little disconcerting to see the most vocal detractors voting against the resolution are people running for town board positions this spring. These residents regularly attend and speak at meetings, so I was surprised they did not ask for point of order or explanation after citing lack of understanding.
Will I be able to ask questions at this meeting?
This is a special town meeting. Residents may speak and ask questions, as they are allowed to at all special town meetings.
How will the town overturn the previous no vote?
A new meeting is scheduled for December 18th at 7pm. First, attendees must agree to rescind the previous vote. As 12 people voted against the resolution last time, this will require more than 12 people to rescind. Attendance is critical. A new vote will be taken afterward.
What will happen if the resolution is rejected again?
Not passing the additional $2.8 million in road funds has the potential to have future road development come to a screeching halt. Chairman Marsden maintains failure to pass the budgeted amount will put Grand Chute public works out of business by March. These funds are crucial to the operation of our public works department and the maintenance of our town's infrastructure!
Why isn't the 2008 budget listed on the town's web site?
I have requested that the finalized budget be posted on the Grand Chute Web site. The town is in the process of figuring out the technicalities to make it happen. I am assisting as well.
How will you prevent this from happening next year?
I believe a presentation will be standard before next year's meeting. I am also going to propose that clarification cards be placed near the sign in sheet at all town meetings. If residents have a question concerning any agenda item and would like further explanation, they can fill out a card and turn into the town clerk before the meeting begins.
Overall, this has been a good learning experience for both board members and residents alike. Your support is needed at Tuesday's town special meeting. Please attend!
