Joint Village-School Minutes 07.15.2026

VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES JOINT WITH MARATHON SCHOOL DISTRICT MINUTES Wednesday, July 15, 2026 1) CALL TO ORDER at 6:00 pm 2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3) Roll Call (Village): K. HANDRICK - Present, M. AHRENS - Present, K. SORENSON – Present (6:04pm), K. PAUL - Present, B. PARLIER - Present, J. LAWRENCE - Absent, A. CABRERA – Absent Marathon School Board did their Roll Call First and is recorded on their Official Meeting Minutes. 4) Written notice of this meeting has been posted and sent to the news media on Thursday, July 9th, 2026. 5) Review District enrollment trends – School Administrator School District Administrator Woyak presented current and projected student enrollment trends to members of the Village Board and Marathon School Board. She reported that district enrollment is beginning to level off and decline slightly after several years of significant growth. Administrator Woyak described this as a "population bubble" currently moving through the high school, which is expected to be followed by smaller graduating classes and lower enrollment levels in the coming years unless the district experiences another influx of families moving into the area. The School Board and Village Board then discussed the potential for future residential subdivision development within the Village. Village Administrator Cherek stated that he is currently working with developers but continues to address the gap between development costs and the infrastructure investments needed to make residential projects feasible. He indicated that progress is being made and that he will continue collaborating with both the School District and Village as development opportunities advance. Both the School Board and Village Board expressed support for responsible, strategic growth. Members noted that residential development within the Village could help maintain student enrollment while serving families who reside within the district boundaries. They also emphasized the importance of encouraging residential growth within the Village to strengthen the community and limit urban sprawl whenever possible. 6) Update on Village Tax Increment District – Village Administrator Village Administrator Cherek provided an overview of the development activity and financial status of both TID 1 and TID 2. For TID 1, Administrator Cherek explained that the district was established in 2002 with a base valuation of $7,361,400 and has grown to a current value of approximately $50,325,000. He noted that the district reached the end of its expenditure period on January 3, 2023, although approximately $107,414 in previously contracted work remains to be completed. Cherek reviewed the TID 1 financial model, explaining that current projections show the district ending with a deficit if no additional growth occurs. However, he emphasized that the model does not account for future development opportunities. He noted that one developable lot remains within the district and that he is actively working to market and develop the property. He also discussed the Phillips Enterprise Limited and Menzner Hardwoods developments, highlighting ongoing conversations regarding a potential second phase of the Menzner Hardwoods project. Cherek stated that, if future development proceeds as anticipated, TID revenues could accelerate debt repayment and potentially allow the district to close earlier than currently projected. For TID 2, Administrator Cherek reported that the district was established in 2016 with a base valuation of $1,124,000 to promote development within the Village's downtown area. Since its creation, the district's value has increased by approximately $5,286,000, largely attributable to the expansion of Marathon Cheese. He noted that the district's expenditure period is scheduled to end on June 16, 2031. Cherek also provided an update on the Stittleburg Restorative Health Care development and reviewed TID 2 financial projections. Based on current assumptions, the district is expected to generate sufficient revenue to retire all existing debt by 2037. He explained that while there may be opportunities for future borrowing to support development, the district's ability to take on additional debt is currently limited as it continues repaying advances from the Village and Utility general funds, which are projected to continue through 2037. 7) Share information regarding District’s Strategic plan – School Administrator The School District Administrator informed those present that the School Board is beginning work on a comprehensive 10-year strategic planning process and encouraged participation from Village officials and community members. The administrator emphasized the importance of gathering input from stakeholders to help guide the district's long-term priorities and future direction. Village Board members shared that the Village is also currently developing and updating its Comprehensive Plan, a long-term strategic plan focused on future growth and community development. The Village encouraged participation from School Board members, residents, and other stakeholders to ensure that planning efforts reflect community needs and priorities. Both boards recognized the value of collaboration and public engagement as they undertake their respective long-range planning initiatives and discussed the benefits of coordinating efforts where possible 8) Discussion of current and future projects 8.1 Collaborative projects 8.2 Village projects, planning and timelines 8.3 District projects, planning and possible timelines Village Administrator Cherek reviewed the Parks Department budget and compared it to the School District's softball field use license agreement. He explained that expenditures for the County Materials Sports Complex are currently running above his original projections. However, Steven Cherek Village Administrator / Treasurer given that this is the facility's first full year of operation, he indicated that the 2026 budget remains generally within the range of what was anticipated. Administrator Cherek noted that several expenses incurred this year were one-time or unexpected costs associated with opening and establishing a new park facility. As a result, he expects some expenditure categories to decrease in future years as operations stabilize. Based on his review of the budget and ongoing maintenance needs, Cherek stated that the School District and other user groups can expect an increase of approximately 9% in their use agreement fees next year. He explained that the proposed adjustment also includes setting aside $2,000 annually for future capital equipment purchases and replacement needs related to the maintenance and upkeep of the ball fields, helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of the facility. He also said this will be an item of discussion at the next Village Board Meeting as they set the 2027 Village Park Budget. Administrator Cherek and District Administrator Woyak outlined other future projects that could present opportunities for collaboration between the Village and the School District. These included potential construction of a storage shed at the County Materials Sports Complex by School Students and the installation of flashing pedestrian crosswalk signs along designated Safe Routes to School, particularly at locations currently staffed by crossing guards. Both boards acknowledged the value of continued cooperation on projects that enhance community amenities, improve public safety, and support students and families within the Village. 9) ADJOURNMENT : 7:26pm Village motion made by Parlier second by Ahrens. Motion passed by voice vote.