TYPE C NOTICE OF REFERENDUM EXPLANATORY STATEMENT PREPARED PURSUANT TO WIS. STAT. § 10.01(2)(c))
Explanatory Statement – Effect of Vote
Question: Under state law, the increase in the levy of the Town of Grand Rapids for the tax to be imposed for the next fiscal year, 2027, is limited to .949% (based on actual data or the Town’s best estimate), which results in a levy of $1,888,036. Shall the Town of Grand Rapids be allowed to exceed this limit and increase the levy for the next fiscal year, 2027, for the purpose of maintaining and providing general town operations and public safety services, including police protection, fire protection, and emergency services, by a total of 15.890%, which results in a levy of $2,188,036, and on an ongoing basis, include the increase of $300,000 for each fiscal year going forward?
☐ YES ☐ NO
A vote for “YES” means: If a majority of voters voting on this question vote “yes,” the Town of Grand Rapids will be authorized to increase its annual property tax levy by $300,000 above the state-imposed levy limit for fiscal year 2027 and all subsequent fiscal years. This additional levy authority will be permanently included in the Town’s levy base and used for general town operations and public safety services, including police protection, fire protection, and emergency services. Property taxes paid to the Town will increase as a result.
A vote for “NO” means: If a majority of voters voting on this question vote “no,” the Town of Grand Rapids will not be authorized to exceed the state-imposed levy limit. The Town’s levy for fiscal year 2027 will be limited to the state-imposed maximum allowable amount. The Town will not receive the additional funding described in this question for general operations or public safety services.
DATED this 19th day of August, 2026.
Nicholas R. Abts
Abts, Grubofski & Vruwink LLC
Town Attorney, Town of Grand Rapids
The town will be holding informational meetings through the month of Oct (which will be posted at a later date) to answer questions from residents.