The Referendum:
Frequently Asked Questions

Will my property taxes increase?

Most likely, yes.  

Please note:

​

• The increase is a maximum of $45 per $100,000 of property value. 

• The median home value in De Pere is $210,200. That means the average taxpayer in De Pere would pay a maximum of $95 per year (ONLY $7.92/MONTH!). 

• This is not a year-over-year increase. In other words, it does not compound.  It could never increase more than the initial $45 per $100,000 of property value (maximum).

• The amount will likely fluctuate from year to year. Items that would reduce the tax impact include:

  • fundraising

  • reduced operating expenses

  • payment of construction loan 

​​

• These dollars are earmarked specifically for our aquatic facilities. They cannot be used for anything else.

Would we have needed a referendum to fund the aquatic center at VFW?

The estimated cost of the aquatic center was $9,000,000. The city did not have any funds to pay for these construction costs.

Once the aquatic center design was finalized, funding would be secured. They were hoping to raise funds from private & corporate donors, but this was not going to cover the entire cost.

The city officials we have spoken with agree that the city would have needed to go to referendum to increase levy limits to fund the aquatic center as well. They had not yet reached this phase of the process.

Define "Aquatic Facility."

The term "aquatic facility" was carefully chosen so that the citizens have flexibility to put in whatever type of "pool" and enhanced features they would like to see.  

​

• We will not have the exact pools that we have today. For example, our new pools must be ADA compliant (zero entry, for example).

​​

• The term "aquatic facility" encompasses the locker rooms, concession stands, shade areas, seating areas, etc. If the referendum simply said "pool," the funds could not be used to make improvements on anything surrounding the water.  ​

​

• Please stay engaged and continue to offer your opinions regarding the "aquatic facility" design.  You are being heard!

What are we going to do about VFW pool?

VFW has sustained major structural damages, most likely due to the age of the pool. It is expected that City Council will wait to find out the results of the referendum before they decide how to proceed with VFW. If the referendum fails, our days of swimming at VFW Park may be over.