Waterford school funding referenda rejected; projects sought $91M
WATERFORD, Wis. - Voters in the Waterford Union High School District rejected on Tuesday, Feb. 20 not one but two referenda totaling $91 million.
The funding, had it been approved by voters, would have gone toward fixing aging infrastructure – including old pipes dating back to the 1950s that are in need of major repairs.
View the vote totals on the Waterford referenda
The first question was to invest $77 million inside the school. That money would include tearing down and rebuilding part of the high school campus that was an old elementary school. Fifty-four percent of voters said "no."
Waterford Union High School referendum plan
The second question was whether to invest $14 million for athletic facilities. That includes adding accessible parking, installing permanent bathrooms and moving the softball fields that are currently in a flood plain. Sixty-one percent of voters rejected this question.
Voters in Waterford rejected the last two, smaller referenda.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
Critics of the proposal told FOX6 News they're worried about rising costs – and rising taxes. For the average $400,000 home, a homeowner would have seen an extra $33 per month in property taxes – or roughly $400 per year.
Voter info
MyVote Wisconsin is a one-stop resource for voting and election information across the state – including where to vote, what's on the ballot and how to register.
If you have not registered to vote – or are unsure if you are registered – it's not too late. Eligible voters can register at their local polling site before casting a ballot:
- Proof of residency is required (state issued ID, utility bill with your name and address on it, etc.)
- All voters must show a photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID, etc.)