by Joseph Back

Don’t ever say that your vote can’t make a difference. Or, if you do, at least consider Boyd, Wisconsin, where a one vote margin Nov. 8 resulted in passage of the recent referendum to exceed the local levy for critical roads and maintenance needs.

Imposed by the state, the levy limit otherwise controls what local municipalities can set for property taxes, resulting in local frustration if and when and if a lack of corresponding state funds makes it hard to meet infrastructure needs.

With 241 total voters and 14 expressing no opinion on the measure, the referendum to exceed the state imposed limit passed 114 to 113. With village votes canvassed the day of the election, village clerk Sandi Isaacs said last week that no one had requested a recount. “As of now no one has requested a recount,” Isaacs said of the result Thursday, an answer repeated on Monday after the deadline had passed. Had a recount been requested, the petitioner would have to show evidence of mistake or fraud being committed, which no one did.

“You can’t just say there’s one vote difference, I want a recount,” Isaacs said of the process. The referendum’s passage opens the door for an extra $100,000 to be raised towards critical street projects, maintenance, and public safety needs in the village.