2 referendums pass; 2 fail

Two town referendums passed Tuesday in Douglas County and one was defeated. In addition, a Maple School Board referendum failed.

Voters in the School District of Maple rejected a referendum that would have refinanced $2.3 million in debt from the Northwestern High School construction project. The move was defeated by a margin of 200, with 2,144 yes votes and 2,344 no votes cast. Those numbers are unofficial until canvassing takes place Tuesday. The results of the referendum are on the agenda for the Maple School Board’s Monday night meeting.

Town of Amnicon voters approved a referendum to build a new fire hall garage and attached town hall, with 65 percent of voters giving their approval for the move. The referendum is non-binding, said Amnicon Town Board Supervisor Mark Liebaert, and the board must still vote on the proposed $450,000 project. But, he said, the overwhelming numbers will be something town board supervisors will take into consideration when they vote. The Amnicon board of supervisors will set a date for a public hearing and vote on the construction project during its meeting this week.

The last elected treasurer for the town of Superior will end her term in April after voters approved a referendum changing the office to an appointed position. Fifty-six percent of voters voted “yes.” Allowing the board to appoint the treasurer gives itthe ability to check the person’s qualifications before hiring, said Board Supervisor Roger LeTourneau.

A referendum to raise the levy in the town of Superior to build a new fire hall failed, with 59 percent of voters casting “no” votes. The building along Highway 35 has been there as long as LeTourneau can remember. He said it is likely that town of Superior voters will see another referendum for a new fire hall in the future, possibly after more outreach to the public on the need for a new building.

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