In 2018, with the help of Village donated tax payer funds and over 5 million dollars in private donations, the Kress Pavilion opened its doors. The building is home to the Village’s Community Center, Egg Harbor library and Egg Harbor Historical Society. Since it opened, the Kress Pavilion has welcomed over 126,000 patrons, hosted more than 700 free and open to the public events, 240 nonprofit events and114 private events.
The building’s operating costs are covered by private event rentals and has been deficit funded by the Village’s general fund since its inception. After four years of deficit funding, the Village’s auditor revealed that if this continues, the Kress operations will put the Village in a precarious situation financially and potentially affect the Village’s financial rating and other projects.
1- What is the proposed solution?
The Village has presented a referendum to increase the levy limit not-to-exceed $120,000 for seven years. Each October, the Village will host its budget workshop to determine the amount needed to levy for the following year. The Village Board plans to use some room tax revenue to pay some of the operating costs of the Kress Pavilion. If revenues are projected higher than expected, the Village will not levy the full $120,000.
The building was largely funded by private donations and hosts the Egg Harbor branch of the Door County Library at no cost. The solution will allow the building to operate as intended.
2- How did the Board of Trustees make the decision to place a referendum question on the ballot?
After four years of deficit funding, the Village’s auditor revealed that the Village’s financial rating would be impacted if the Kress continued to be deficit funded. In addition, there will not be any fund balance to cover the Kress Pavilion operating costs.
3- How will this affect my property tax?
If full $120,000 is Levied:
Home Value: Additional Annual Cost: Monthly Cost:
$100,000 $30.31 $2.52
$200,000 $60.62 $5.05
$300,000 $90.93 $7.57
If $90,000 is Levied:
Home Value: Additional Annual Cost: Monthly Cost:
$100,000 $22.75 $1.89
$200,000 $45.50 $3.79
$300,000 $68.25 $5.68
4- When will this be on the ballot?
You will find the referendum on the April 6, 2021 spring ballot. You can find out more information on voting absentee and registering to vote on the Village website by going to the election tab under government or visit: myvote.wi.gov or call the Village of Egg Harbor Office at 920-868-3334.
5- I have more questions, who can I contact?
Please contact Kress Pavilion Manager, Jess Reinke – 920-868-3334 ext. 3 – jreinke@villageofeggharbor.org
