Cloverland approves 2026 tax levy increase

The Town of Cloverland has adopted its 2026 budget, resulting in a 1.83% increase in the property tax levy for residents. The increase is primarily driven by the town’s fiscal decision to drastically reduce its use of surplus cash, rather than a significant jump in overall operating costs.

The total proposed levy is $553,689, up from the $543,727 levy last year. While this means a slight increase on the tax portion of residents’ bills, the overall budget represents a major strategic shift aimed at financial stability.

The most significant change in the 2026 budget is the town’s use of its internal savings, or “Surplus.” Last year, the town utilized $311,266 of its surplus funds to cover expenses and moderate the tax levy. But in 2026, the town chose to use only $12,262 from surplus.

By leaving the vast majority of its reserves untouched, the town needed to raise that difference ($298,904) through the allowable tax levy and other revenue sources, resulting in the 1.83% levy increase.

Major spending shifts

Despite the tax levy increase, the town’s Total Expenditures are down 15.42%, falling from $1,184,576 to $1,001,889. This is due to massive cuts in two departments, offsetting modest increases elsewhere: Public Safety and Conservation and Development.

Public Safety saw a significant reduction of -31.92%, falling from $268,770 to $182,986, while Conservation and Development was cut by -31.16% to $13,776.

Public Works, which manages roads, is also seeing a reduction of -12.75%, falling to $597,000. This suggests a less aggressive road construction schedule than in 2025.

The town’s ability to limit the tax levy increase is helped by a massive jump in outside funding. Intergovernmental Revenue, which includes state and federal aids, is soaring by +56.11% to $396,038. This major infusion of non-taxpayer money is crucial for financing town operations without relying further on local property taxes.

For Cloverland residents, the 2026 budget represents a trade-off of slightly higher taxes for increased financial stability with a focus on core services.

The town government portion of the tax bill will be based on a 1.83% higher levy, but Cloverland has significantly bolstered its reserve funds, putting itself in a stronger financial position to handle emergencies or fund major capital projects in future years without having to issue debt.

Meanwhile, the budget directs nearly two-thirds of all spending toward Public Works ($597,000) for essential road maintenance.

Residents can view the town budget online at townofcloverland.wi.gov/townboard.