Interesting thoughts

[wt510151]

That is potentially on the chopping block to make up for this $1B deficit. Wonder if the seniors knew this, would they have still voted the same?

[wt510151]

You can appeal the valuation. Go to school board meetings and debate the budget. See what "fat" can be cut. How many administrators do you need per 100 students? What programs are inefficient? Make the students that are not on free lunches pay a portion of the extracurricular activities they are involved. Schools are becoming recruiters of "special" students so they can get more aid and status on the field. That's a fact in a state where a 9-3 college football coach gets fired.

[wt510151]

NO actual property would change hands, only names. How many would setup corporations and trusts to get out of paying taxes? How long can an estate be active shareholder in the corporation? There are agents that work for the famously dead. Why wouldn't it work with farming?

[muddymiller]

Highyields, try this link for more info

Use Value Assessment for Wisconsin Farmland

[nwobcw]

   I don't think there should be any taxes on strictly farm ground.  It require no gov't. services and sends no kids to school.  It contributes to the local economy by providing an income to the land owner and farmer.  If any money changes hands the county should reimburse us by us not asking for services and improvements.  I am writing this sort of tongue in cheek but when one thinks about it, it makes sense, at least to me.  On another note:  The baby boomlet is over, therefore fewer school age kids.

[kraft-t]

I always thought you were one smart dude! Now you have confirmed it, John!

[kraft-t]

There may be some advantage for kids to close a school but it won't save you any taxes. It will eliminater local jobs for teachers, janitors, cooks and administrators, but it won't cut your taxes. The tax revenues are simply gobbled up by the new school.

Another aspect ofd the merger is your local businesses suffering.  Teachers and people that come to school events spend a few dollars with local merchants and you can expect your grocery store to close. We lived in the Boone Valley school school district and we went all through that experience. I even doubt the value of your kids going to a bigger school. Local teachers that were in our system were personally involved with kids. Some of them even kept in touch with my kids as they advanced through college. Not saying that is not possible in a larger school but is less likely to be the case

School activities are another factor. Fewer of your local kids will qualify  for the football and basketball teams. Your coaches will not teach kids they will merely select the few that have the most natural talent or the most experience. Too many kids competing for the same spots.

[redrotor]

Your coaches will not teach kids they will merely select the few that have the most natural talent or the most experience. Too many kids competing for the same spots. 

Justt like todays job market. Those who prepare the most (practice) in H.S. and post edu. have the best shot at the better jobs.

[k-289]

Supposed soon we will need a doctorate to be a  check out at  at wal-smart ---but to the original  equation being--consolidate rural   ag-----consolidate the schools---consolidate the taxes----save nothing in the long run ----invent "cottage business's " to behold the last few die hard occupants of the vacating villages---  

[sonoma72]

WELL, you heard  the govenor today, cutting state aid.    So... let's have this conversation again a year from now and see what you think about property taxes 🙂   At least we don't live in Illinois, but maybe the 66% increase in income tax was a slight of hand.