Beaver Dam Adjusts Debt Cap Policy

(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Common Council Monday night approved changes to the city’s debt policy that will allow it to be adjusted automatically for inflation. In 2010, city officials voluntarily adopted an ordinance that limits borrowing for capital projects and infrastructure improvements at $1.6-million dollars. Alderman Ken Anderson championed the change, noting that the debt cap has not changed since its adoption. The annual increase will be tied to the state’s Expenditure Restraint Program. Other options discussed included connecting the increase to the Consumer Price Index or increases in the tax levy as measured by new construction. The Expenditure Restraint Program combines both. If annual adjustments had been in place since 2010, the $1.6-million-dollar debt cap would be $1.95-million dollars today. For 2019 borrowing, the cap will be $1.65-million dollars.