Good News on October 11 Gets Better on October 15

Thank you to everyone who attended the Annual Meeting on Monday October 11. I was impressed with the turnout of citizens and the diversity of opinions that were expressed on a variety of topics. It is encouraging to see differing public views offered in civil and responsible ways. I was especially pleased to see there were some students present observing this.

Phil Frei and Jim McCourt did an excellent job presenting the budget information; making very complex information understandable. In the end, the local levy for schools as proposed was approved on a voice vote…unanimously it appeared to me. The decision to tax ourselves for our schools with unanimous support was remarkable. Numerous people remarked to me afterwards how “good” it felt to be part of this community body that critically examined, then ultimately supported their community’s schools. That's how I felt, too. So, thanks to all who participated.

On October 15, we received the last number needed to finalize our schools’ annual budget: state equalized aid. Building the proposed budget, we had used estimates of increased state aid of 12.5%. However, we were informed Sun Prairie will actually receive a 13.13% increase in state aid to fund our schools.  This good news means the following:

• The local levy approved by electors will be reduced by $321,327 when the School Board acts on the final budget October 25.
• Instead of our local levy increasing by 3.2%, it will only increase by 2.8%
• Instead of our mill rate increasing to $12.16, it will only increase to $12.12.

This additional good news might seem small in some ways to the individual taxpayer. However, when it comes to running great schools on the lowest tax rate possible, every bit helps. I'm taking it as another blessing on careful planning and our community’s good will  towards educating our children.

Stay InspirED,

Tim Culver