Taxpayers on track to see 1.42% levy decline

The Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District Board approved its initial budget for the upcoming year in July, and on Aug. 22 held its annual meeting to share more and set tax levels.

At Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School, Garrett Rogowski, district superintendent, walked those present through where things are now and what may be coming up in the future. The 2022-23 budget is still balanced with expenses and revenue of about $14.5 million. There are increases for insurance and judgments from $170,000 to about $178,000 and employee benefits from about $2.7 million to $3.2 million respectively, with around $11,000 going to retire debts.

Rogowski added in his presentation they are also expecting to use the financial method of defeasance to alter what the district owes, too. This is a contractual provision which voids bonds or loans when a borrower sets aside cash or bonds high enough to service debts, and, as a result, this will give the district more financial resources as things may change or needs grow later.

“Over time (this) will reduce interest costs,” he said. “The overall principal schedule, too.”

Later in the evening the conversation then turned toward the taxes people can expect to pay to support the students in the space. Things may change as calculations may get adjusted, but, right now, taxpayers are on track to see a 1.42% decline to the levy and a 3.35% decline to the mill rate. Rogowski said this could be adjusted while still benefitting the general public, too.

“If you would consider a 275 levy, a $300,000 levy … your mill rate could still only be $8.06,” Rogowski said. “I’m telling you now the property valuation is going to be, the equalized valuation is going to be greater than two percent. I think that this would still be agreeable.”

Jeff Miller, a parent in the district and also the high school’s building and grounds director, said he has no concerns and added what is on the books now is proper and will service the needs of students.

“I think it is definitely an appropriate amount,” he said. “We are still lowering the levy and rate.”

The board will present recalculations and adopt a resolution approving a final budget in October. Additional highlights include more than $1 million being available for capital projects, more than $700,000 in food services and a jump up to $1.79 million from $1.6 million in special education.

evan.pretzer@protonmail.com