Joint consolidation committee discusses referendum and transportation issues

 

A joint Consolidation Committee meeting was held between Westfield and Montello on Wednesday, January 6th, with Al Rosenthal acting as facilitator. In preparation for the ensuing discussion, Jeff Holmes, Montello District Administrator, gave a presentation detailing the latest forecast outlined in the updated Baird report. This table was published in the December 24th issue of the Marquette County Tribune and is also available on the Montello School District’s website at HYPERLINK "http://www.montello.k12.wi.us" www.montello.k12.wi.us.

It was pointed out that figures now showed that the gap between the time when Montello and Westfield will operate in a negative fund balance was only a year apart, whereas the original Baird study had Westfield’s ability to operate 3 to 4 years past Montello. Due to Montello School District’s diligence in stretching the value of every dollar this past year, they were able to extend their fund balance an additional year, while Legislative decisions made in Madison actually impacted Westfield’s ability in a negative way.

Mr. Holmes also stated that although consolidation incentives had increased an additional 5%, offering the districts $4 million a year in operating funds, it was “only a band-aid at this time,” allowing school districts to get a little further in the future than they would be able to without the funding, and that, “the State finally has us (school districts) where they want us.”

In his opening statements, Westfield District Administrator, Roger Schmidt stated that if Westfield passes a referendum this spring to exceed revenue caps they would not need to consolidate at this time, and that the Westfield School District also had the option to close different buildings which would help financially. He said that he felt Westfield still had several alternatives that were not being considered, and that they would pursue both consolidation and a referendum to exceed revenue limits.

Rosenthal inquired about the request that had been made to the DPI to get a waiver to conduct a binding referendum in the April election and was told by Holmes that the DPI did not foresee granting a waiver at this time, while Representative Fred Clark offered a glimmer of hope by saying that could change in the near future.

As a result, the possibility of a non-binding referendum in April to better gauge public opinion was discussed. After much discussion the Westfield subcommittee felt that the appearance of a second referendum question would “muddy the waters” by creating the illusion that it was either one or the other and would lessen both their chance to pass a referendum and to exceed revenue for operating expenses, and ultimately future options to consider consolidation. Although the joint committee agreed not to pursue the advisory referendum, the Westfield subcommittee committed to working diligently to the passage of a binding consolidation referendum for the November election.

As a formality, Rosenthal recommended that both Boards adopt a “Resolution to Consider Consolidation” at their next meeting to further announce their intent to move in the direction of consolidation. As a result, Westfield Board President, Keith Wohlfert made a motion that the joint body accept the “Resolution to Consider Consolidation” and to bring it before their respective boards at their regular meetings the following week. The motion passed unanimously. (At Montello’s meeting on Monday, no vote was taken on that resolution, however, due to lack of a motion.)

Transportation reports were given by both districts. Both transportation directors were asked to provide two scenarios; the first would house grades 7-12 in Westfield and the second would house grades 7-8 in Montello and 9-12 in Westfield, with riding times not to exceed 65 minutes, which is currently the longest route.

Westfield provided numbers for scenario one only, with an estimated cost of $942,880.88. This number, however, does not appear to have included the cost of the 12 additional buses needed in order to transport Montello students. Montello currently does not own any buses because it contracts with Lamers Bus Lines to provide that service.

A preliminary report by Westfield showed 8 new buses at $92,000 each and 4 used buses at $49,000 each. This would need to be added into the first year only for the initial purchase. In addition, projections will also need to include an adequate bus replacement cycle projected at approximately $135,000 to $225,000 per year, dependent on fleet age.

Roger Feucht, Montello’s Transportation Director, delivered his proposal with the help of information he obtained from Lamers Bus Lines, with whom the district currently contracts. Scenario 1: K-6 at Montello and 7-12 at Westfield = $1,004,991. Scenario 2: K-8 at Montello and 9-12 at Westfield - $980,915.

Both scenarios had a maximum route at 62 minutes. In addition, the combined district would receive additional revenue the first year because Lamers would purchase the current Westfield fleet of 22 buses at fair market value for a total of $660,000 and not need to implement the bus replacement cycle plan.

The next joint consolidation committee meeting has been set for February 3rd at Westfield, 6:00 p.m.