Three Lakes electors to vote on 15.6% tax levy increase

Electors in the Town of Three Lakes will have their say on a proposed $500,000 increase to the town’s tax levy for the upcoming 2026 budget during a public hearing and special town meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 5:30 p.m. at the Three Lakes Town Hall.

The vote is necessary because the proposed budget, if adopted as-is, would exceed the state’s allowable levy limit. According to the public notice, the $500,000 increase represents a 15.615% jump over the allowable 2025 tax levy, after adjustments.

Under Wisconsin state law (Wis. Stat. §66.0602), a town board cannot exceed this state-mandated cap without direct approval from its citizens at a town meeting.

The Nov. 18 meetings are threefold and will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the public hearing. This first session allows all electors of the town to review the proposed 2026 budget and provide public comment and input.

Then, the special town meeting of the electors will immediately follow the hearing, giving electors the chance to vote on the resolution to exceed the state levy amount. Finally, the town board budget meeting will take place where supervisors will hold its meeting to formally adopt the final 20226 budget and resolution.

Three Lakes Town Hall is located at 6965 W. School St.