Lake District Annual Meetings

Lake districts are required to hold a budget hearing and annual meeting each year, at which time a subset of the board members are elected, a proposed budget is presented and discussed and potentially amended. It is then approved in the proposed or amended form. Notice of these meetings must be mailed (14 days in advance) to everyone who is a resident or owns property in the lake district, with an agenda, as well as a proposed budget. Notice of the meetings are also posted at three sites in the district as well as in the local newspaper.

Voting Rules

Lake Districts are unique in that a non-resident property owner can vote in a Wisconsin election without needing to be a resident of Wisconsin. Nevertheless there are some requirements by which we must all abide.

Who can vote

• Under all circumstances, you must be present to vote. Act 275 of 2004 specifically states that proxies and absentee ballots are not permissible.
• A single property owner whose name appears on the tax rolls as of 12/22/2003 gets one vote.
• If the property is in the name of two or more people, then the names listed on the tax rolls are entitled to one vote each. For example, if the tax rolls show that a property is in the name of Paul and Jane Bowles, then both Paul and Jane get one vote each. If the tax rolls state John Smith, et al, then John Smith and all the names flagged by et al, get one vote each.
• If the property is in the name of a living trust, only one vote is permitted. For example, if the tax rolls state that your property is in the name of Jane Doe Living Trust, only Jane Doe can vote.
• If the property is in the name of a Corporation, only one vote is permitted. The resident agent stated in the Articles of Incorporation, may cast the vote.
• Full time residents may vote, also. For example, if there were an apartment complex on this lake, the owner would be entitled to vote as would all full time residents of the complex. Another example includes a full time live-in relative. Proof of full time residence must be offered at the meeting, in order to vote. Examples of proof include current driver’s license or utility bill.

Voting procedure

• There are two open board positions each year. Each are three-year terms.
• Elections for commissioners shall be conducted by secret ballot. Other votes are not conducted in secret.
• New law (2004)permits electors and property owners at the annual meeting to consider and vote on amendments to the annual budget.
• New law (2004) clarifies that proxies and absentee ballots are prohibited.
• Vote by a majority a tax on upon all taxable property within the District.
• New law (2004) special charges ( assessments in addition to the tax levy) may not exceed $2.50 per $1000 of assesssed value.
• Nominations can be made from the floor.

More recent changes - New law (2004)

• Permits electors and property owners at the annual meeting to consider and vote on amendments to the annual budget.
• Clarifies that proxies and absentee ballots are prohibited.
• Notice of Annual Meeting must be given 14 days in advance instead of the previous requirement of 10 days.