Grand Rapids Rejects $300,000 Levy Increase
Voters turned down a referendum to exceed the state tax levy limit, leaving the town weighing budget cuts.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Law Enforcement
Live Poll
Should local governments be allowed to exceed state tax limits to keep services?
Grand Rapids voters rejected a $300,000 levy increase referendum by a vote of 2,654 to 1,350 on Nov. 3. The referendum would have let the town exceed the state-imposed tax levy limit.
Why it matters
The town determined it needed the extra $300,000 to keep its current level of services, and officials have said the failed measure could force cuts. Wisconsin law caps the town's 2027 tax levy at about $1.8 million, limiting how much the town can raise without voter approval.
The Grand Rapids Town Board will meet Nov. 5 to discuss balancing the budget, including a closed session on employee job responsibilities, pay and benefits and possible action on loan options. The police department, with seven members including Police Chief Joe Zurfluh, faces possible staffing reductions.
The players
Grand Rapids Town Board
The Grand Rapids Town Board is the elected governing body of the town in Wisconsin responsible for setting its budget and tax levy.
Joe Zurfluh
Joe Zurfluh is the police chief of the Grand Rapids Police Department, which has seven members.
The details
The town held informational meetings in October on the referendum question before voters decided it on Nov. 3. Officials have said that if the referendum failed, the town would likely have to cut a police officer.
Timeline
October 2026: Town held informational meetings on the referendum question.
Nov. 3, 2026: Voters rejected the $300,000 levy increase referendum.
Nov. 4, 2026: Police chief and town officials commented on possible budget changes.
Nov. 5, 2026: Town board meets at 4 p.m. at the Grand Rapids Municipal Building to discuss the budget.
Legal Context
Wisconsin's levy limit requires towns to seek voter approval to exceed the cap, as Grand Rapids did with this referendum. The rejection leaves the town capped at about $1.8 million for 2027, forcing budget decisions within that legal ceiling.
Residents may see reduced police staffing if the town cuts an officer to balance its budget within the levy cap. Changes to town services would affect residents directly, depending on which cuts the Town Board approves.
The takeaway
Voters have set a firm limit on how far the town can raise taxes without their approval, so budget decisions now have to fit within the state cap. Residents who want to follow the outcome can watch the Nov. 5 Town Board meeting agenda for specific proposals.
What happens next
The Grand Rapids Town Board meets Nov. 5 at 4 p.m. at the Grand Rapids Municipal Building, 2410 48th St. S., to discuss balancing the budget.
Further reading
For more on local policing and public safety decisions, explore Law Enforcement coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Tribune.
Live Poll
Should local governments be allowed to exceed state tax limits to keep services?
