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Frequently Asked Questions of FLILPARD

WHAT IS A PUBLIC INLAND LAKE PROTECTION & REHABILITATION DISTRICT?

A lake district is a specialized unit of government designed to manage a lake or group of lakes. One of the major differences between a lake district and a lake association is a lake district’s ability to tax property within the district.

  • It was created and follows Chapter 33 of the Wisconsin State Statutes.
  • It is a layer of government guided and operated by those that live in or own property in the district.
  • A district’s voters are both residents and non-residents.

WHAT IS A DISTRICT’S MAIN FUNCTION?
Lake districts in Wisconsin have tremendous opportunities to address lake and watershed management issues. The Wisconsin Legislature has consistently recognized their potential by giving lake districts legal standing, the ability to tax, and eligibility for cost sharing funds and other state assistance. As all government bodies, districts are tax exempt.

IS A LAKE DISTRICT A CLUB?

A lake district is not a club. Unlike a lake association, a lake district is a governmental body with statutory responsibilities to the resource, local citizens and taxpayers. Like all government entities, the powers and operations of a lake district are set by law with legal responsibilities and consequences designed to ensure that the rights and interests of the public are protected.

WHO SERVES ON THE DISTRICT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS?

Our district board is made up of five commissioners. Three are elected at the annual meeting by qualified electors in attendance – one elected each year in staggered three year terms. One commissioner is appointed by the Town of Fox Lake and one by the Dodge County Land Conservation Committee and approved by the County Board of Supervisors.

WHO IS CAN VOTE?

To vote at annual meetings of the Lake District, a voter must be a U.S. citizen over 18 years of age who is either:

1.      An elector [qualified voter who resides in the district]
2.      An owner of property within the district:

  • A person whose name appears as an owner of real property on the tax roll.
  • A person who owns title to real property even though the person’s name does not appear on the tax roll (i.e. a spouse)
  • A person who is the official representative, officer or employee authorized to vote on behalf of a trust, foundation, corporation, association or other organization owning real property in the district.

WHAT ARE THE POWERS OF AN INLAND LAKE DISTRICT?

The legislature has given lake districts a broad range of financial and administrative powers to undertake lake management programs. All lake districts have been granted the power to:

  • Levy taxes and impose special charges and special assessments
  • Borrow money
  • Disburse money
  • Make contracts
  • Accept gifts
  • Buy, hold, and sell property
  • Undertake projects to enhance recreational uses
  • Sue and be sued
  • Take other acts necessary to carry out a program of lake protection and rehabilitation.