MADISON — Legislation authored by Rep. Todd Novak (Dodgeville) benefiting local governments has been signed by Governor Evers. Act 126 allows local governments to use a best estimate of net new construction numbers in place of final figures in a referendum question. 

Previously, the law required that final net new construction figures be included in a referendum question. The statute also requires that levy limit referendums held in even-numbered years be held at the next regularly scheduled election. Since this data is not available until mid-August, it is difficult for local governments to schedule a referendum on a regularly-scheduled election. Often, this results in the need to schedule costly special elections. Act 126 removes the requirement that final numbers must be used, providing greater flexibility to local governments when scheduling referenda.

“Special elections are not only costly, but voter turnout is often reduced,” said Novak. “By allowing the use of a best estimate, we are saving our local governments money while also promoting participation in our local elections.”

The basis for this legislation began in 2013 when Green County officials noticed the restrictive statutory language for referenda held in an even-numbered year. The County planned to ask voters to exceed its levy limit by $890,000 for five years to continue operating the Pleasant View Nursing Home. Green County legislators got to work on what became 2013 Act 310, exempting Green County for this one-time referendum.

This bill will grant the flexibility provided to Green County in 2013 to local governments across Wisconsin.

“I want to thank Green County Clerk Mike Doyle, Treasurer Sherri Hawkins, and Pleasant View Nursing Home Administrator Terry Snow for working so diligently on this important legislation,” said Novak.