SP board talks referendum

On March 9, the Sauk Prairie School Board meeting started with a referendum informational presentation, led by Superintendent Wright with the assistance of Amy Brehm, Chad Harnisch, and John Lehan. Wright discussed the six main projects for the referendum that will be on the April ballot. He also explained the tax impact. “Worst case scenario,” said Wright, “the mill rate will be 66 cents. This equates to $66 increase to taxes on a $100,000 home.” He added that the district will be mailing out a flyer with predicted tax impacts for residents. During the public comment period, Matt Rodgers said, “I encourage, however you can, try to put that [mill rate] in [a] light to try to enlighten us voters as to what the impact really is going to be, because $65 million is a sticker shock.” The mill rate presented by Wright was the worst case scenario. With the school’s high bond rating and consistent growth in Sauk Prairie, there is confidence the mill rate would be lower.  The school board discussed long term debt management policy. This will help to shed light on how the school district handles debts like the referendum. It will be a new policy, if voted into effect by the board. One of its aims is to strengthen the district’s bond rating. A high bond rating will lead to lower interest rates for borrowing.