County Board to consider another tax increase for health care center
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By Brandi Makuski
STEVENS POINT – Portage County Board of Supervisors next week will consider another resolution going to referendum to fund the county-owned nursing home’s future operations.
If approved, the referendum would authorize an additional $3.5 million tax levy increase annually until 2044.
The language for the referendum was approved on Aug. 7 during a joint meeting of the Health Care Center, Space and Properties, Finance, and Executive/Operations committees. If approved by the full Board on Aug. 20, it will appear on the Nov. 5 general election ballot.
The previous referendum, passed on April 5, 2022, authorized the county to exceed state-imposed property tax levy limits by $4.5 million annually through 2042 to help cover the costs of operating the Health Care Center and constructing a new facility. But due to increased operational costs, low resident census, escalating construction expenses, and labor market challenges, the originally approved amount is no longer sufficient.
In 2023, those financial pressures led the Space and Properties Committee to pause the construction of the new facility. Currently, the center’s 2024 budget includes $1.9 million from the existing levy for operations but lacks funding for new construction.
Earlier this year, Portage County hired CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA) to reassess the center’s financial outlook. CLA’s findings confirmed that without a “significant change in revenue sources or operational costs,” the Health Care Center’s deficit would continue to grow, regardless of whether a new facility is built.
The proposed referendum seeks to add $3.5 million per year to the existing levy, increasing the total levy from $36,417,621 to $39,917,621 for the 2025 fiscal year and each year through 2044. This increase is essential, officials say, to ensure the center’s ability to continue providing care for elderly and disabled individuals in the county.
A “Yes” vote on the referendum would grant Portage County the authority to raise property taxes by 9.611% for the 2025 fiscal year, while a “No” vote would maintain the current levy limit.
The Board meets at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20 on the second floor of the courthouse, 1516 Church St. The public is welcome to attend.
