The following is some brief information that provides an over-view about the role of Lake Districts and their responsibilities to our local lake community.

Lake Districts are specialized units of government with powers and responsibilities: 

  • Manage a lake or groups of lakes by:
    • Monitoring water quality and aquatic plant life
    • Manage invasive/nuisance plants and species
    • Protect lake habitat through:
      • Purchase land to protect sensitive areas
      • Restore wetland
      • Develop erosion control program
    • Develop long range lake management plans
  • Enact local boating regulations
  • Monitor and maintain water levels if owning a dam
  • Communicate with units of government and others

 

 

Lake Districts have the power to:

  • Make contracts
  • Buy, hold, and sell property
  • Borrow money and disperse money
  • Levy taxes and impose special charges and assessments
  • Annual budget that is approved at the annual district meeting

 

Lake Districts are usually composed of 5 – 7 commissioners:

  • 3 – 5 commissioners comprised of elected volunteers that serve a staggered term of 3 yrs.
  • 2 other commissioners are appointed by local government: a Marquette County representative and a City of Montello representative
  • Develops and manages a budget that is approved by the district electors and property owners

 

The board of commissioners’ duties:

  • Schedule an annual meeting
  • Prepare an agenda and proposed budget for the annual meeting
  • Prepare an annual operating budget
  • Financial audit conducted by volunteers at the end of each fiscal year typically at the annual meeting
  • Provide a written notice of the annual meeting or any special meeting at least 14 days in advance
  • Take charge of the finances of the district
  • Meet at least quarterly as a board

 

Meetings of the Board of Commissioners:

  • Needs a quorum of 3 to conduct business
  • Are open to the public and grants citizens right to attend and observe but it does not grant the right to participate. These meetings are conducted between board members and may appear to be talking only amongst themselves. The public will be allowed comment prior to voting by the electors and property owners.

 

Annual Meetings

  • Things that are voted on by the district electors and property owners:
    • Open commissioner position
    • Approval of budget for the upcoming yr.
    • Tax on property within the district if there will be a change from the current rate of .02 mil (cannot levy tax past 2.5 mil or $2.50 per $1,000 of equalized value of property)
    • Approve borrowing
    • Create a fund to finance specifically identified capital costs and for maintenance of capital equipment
    • Establish any compensation to board commissioners
    • Change the annual meeting date
  • Electors are resident property owners in the lake district and property owners, who do not reside but own property within the district.