Wisconsin’s lake districts operate under Chapter 33 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Thes law spells out how districts must notify property owners and electors about meetings, hearings, and important decisions. As a website administrator here’s what you should know:
- Annual Meeting Notices — Every lake district must hold an annual meeting between May 22 and September 8. A written notice must be sent at least 14 days in advance to all electors who live in the district and to all property owners, using the name and address on the tax roll. The notice must include the proposed budget and any items of business to be voted on. Instead of mailing, the district may publish a Class 2 newspaper notice for electors who live in the district. Notices can also be sent by email, but only if constituents have agreed to receive them that way.
- Special Meetings — Districts may call special meetings, and the notice requirements are the same as for annual meetings: at least 14 days’ advance notice sent by mail, email (with consent), or newspaper publication.
- Public Hearings (such as creating or altering a district) — Landowners and interested parties must be notified of hearings on district formation or boundary changes. Notice must be provided by newspaper publication (Class 1) and also by mail or email to landowners whose addresses are known. The notice must clearly state the proposed boundaries and the hearing date.
- Special Assessments and Charges — If the district imposes a special assessment or charge, individual notice must be sent to affected property owners showing the amount and explaining how to review or object. Again, this can be done by email if agreeable.
Your role as a Lakekit site administrator can help your district meet these requirements.
To keep district members informed, make sure the district has each constituent’s current mailing or email address for notifications. Email saves costs and time but requires their consent under state law.
By keeping your contact information current using a solution like Noptin you can help the district meet its communication obligations—and your Lakekit website will become the key tool in keeping your district’s operations in compliance with Wisconsin law.
