What does "advisory referendum" mean? What exactly does this vote accomplish?

According to the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau: “In an advisory referendum, a legislative body places a proposed measure on the ballot to gauge the opinion of the electorate. The results of an advisory referendum are not binding, and governing bodies are not required to act in accordance with the majority opinion.”


Once the results of the referendum have been tabulated, the next steps for this project will be determined by the Village Board. But, to be clear, the Board is not limited by the referendum results. A good way to look at an “advisory referendum” is that it allows the Board to best understand the opinion of the public on a matter. That’s why high voter turnout is important. The higher the voter turnout, the more accurate the results are in reflecting true public opinion. Typically, November general elections in our community yield 80% - 90% voter turnout.


If desired, the Village Board also has the ability to go back to the voters again with another “advisory referendum” when a site, final design, and firm budget are determined.

Show All Answers

1. Why did the initial cost impact estimate of $44 per $100,000 of assessed value change just a couple of weeks before the election to be $53.75 per $100,000 of assessed value?
2. What does "advisory referendum" mean? What exactly does this vote accomplish?
3. What will it cost to build the facility?
4. What is the anticipated cost per year to operate? How much of this will need to be covered by tax dollars?
5. How will the construction and operating costs affect my tax bill?
6. Has the cost of interest on the $9.4 million borrowing been factored into the estimated tax impact of $53.75 per $100,000 of property value?
7. What kind of programming can happen at the pool?
8. Will the facility be able to host a swim meet?
9. Where will it be located?
10. Will there be a warm-water section of the facility?
11. Will there be lights?
12. Will there be a fee to use the pool? Daily? Season pass?
13. Will people outside of the Village be allowed to visit? Will their fee be higher?
14. Is the picture we see in the current materials THE POOL we are getting?
15. My group is interested in supporting a change to the design (i.e. more lap lanes, a diving well, an outdoor pavilion). Is it possible for us to help make this change?
16. How will you pick a firm to design and oversee construction of the facility?
17. Will there be a private fundraising campaign?
18. Is there a plan for a future phase that might include an indoor facility?
19. When could a facility be opened for public use?
20. How will a Village aquatics facility impact other local aquatics options, like the School District’s indoor pool or privately owned facilities?
21. If I support or oppose the referendum is there a way for me to get involved and join with others to advocate for my position?
22. Is there an opportunity to engage potential partners with the project, like the School District, neighboring communities, or private businesses?
23. Will it be difficult to find people to staff an outdoor aquatics facility?
24. Where can I go to learn more about this project?