WRJC WebMaster

At its Annual Meeting and Budget Hearing on August 26th, the School District of
Mauston Board of Education approved a mill rate that will lead to a property tax decrease for residents
over the next year.
The board’s approved mill rate is proposed to be $7.21 per $1,000 of equalized property value, marking
a decrease from last year’s rate of $7.86. With a successful operational referendum in November, this
will result in a property tax decrease of about $65 for every $100,000 of property value for
homeowners.
The decrease is attributed to increased equalization aid and a reduction in planned debt defeasance by
the board.
“As a board, we are listening to our community and working to ensure we make the most of every
single dollar our residents invest in their local schools,” said Mike Zilisch, Board Vice President. “As we
work to address our financial needs moving forward, we are pleased to be able to take this action to
reduce the mill rate and lessen the burden of a potential operational referendum on our community.”
The board’s decision was partially informed by the results of a survey, available in May and June,
through which community members provided their input on the district’s financial needs and potential
solutions.
When asked why they believe the district’s proposed April 2024 operational referendum was not
approved by voters, 50.8% of respondents said the district did not communicate its needs effectively,
48.9% said the district has not shared enough about its budget, and 42.3% cited the tax impact of that
proposed referendum being too high.
Due to insufficient state funding and increasing operational costs, the School District of Mauston
anticipates a budget deficit of $1.5 million for the 2024-25 school year and an additional $2 million
shortfall for the 2025-26 school year.
To address these challenges and maintain a high standard of educational programming and services,
the board is proposing an operational referendum question on the ballot Tuesday, November 5. If it’s
approved, the district will be able to exceed its state-imposed revenue limit by $1.75 million annually
over the next four years.
The referendum would have a projected tax impact of $59 on each $100,000 of equalized property
value. However, due to the board’s action to reduce the mill rate, property owners could still see a net
property tax decrease.
For more information about the proposed operational referendum and to view answers to frequently
asked questions, please visit www.maustonschools.org/district/2024-operational-referendum.cfm.

flu vaccination clinics

Gundersen St. Joseph’s is offering convenient, drive-thru flu vaccination clinics in Hillsboro, Elroy and Wonewoc to protect patients and communities against the flu.

Clinics will be held 8 a.m. – noon in:

• Hillsboro on Sep. 28 at Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital parking lot.
• Wonewoc on Oct. 19 at Railroad St., outside the Gundersen St. Joseph’s Wonewoc Clinic.
• Elroy on Nov. 2 at Location, TBD

Flu shots can be given to patients 6 months and older. Appointments are encouraged but not necessary. Appointments allow for a quicker and smoother process. Call (608) 489-8280 to make an appointment.

COVID-19 vaccines are also available at the drive-thru events by appointment only.

Gundersen St. Joseph’s clinics are also offering flu vaccines by appointment during regular business hours. Call (608) 489-8280 to schedule your clinic appointment.