Voters Make Big-Dollar Decisions on 2025 Decorah Bond Measures

Every dollar helps Decorah News chase down the truth on Water Street, not just headlines. Give today. DECORAH — The results are in from Tuesday's City & School Election, where Decorah voters weighed two major public measures authorizing the city to borrow funds for community projects. According to unofficial results from the Winneshiek County Auditor's Office, voters approved funding for library renovations while rejecting a larger proposal for municipal facilities. According to unofficial results from the Winneshiek County Auditor's Office, the City of Decorah – Public Measure WD passed easily, with voters supporting the library bond 1,821–633 (74.21% to 25.79%). The measure authorizes the city to issue up to $1.3 million in general obligation bonds for renovations and structural improvements to the Decorah Municipal Library, including new furnishings and equipment. Voters, however, rejected Public Measure WE, which sought permission to issue up to $18.88 million for the development or renovation of municipal facilities, including fire protection, city hall, and parks and recreation projects. That measure failed 1,026–1,414 (42.05% to 57.95%). All Decorah precincts reported results, with a total of 2,454 ballots cast on Measure WD and 2,440 on Measure WE. According to unofficial results from the Winneshiek County Auditor's Office, total voter turnout in the county reached 29.91%, with 4,335 ballots cast out of 14,492 registered voters across all seven precincts (100% reporting). The canvass and certification of the election results will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 9:30 a.m. by the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors. Results will remain unofficial until that process is complete. City of Decorah RacesMayor Andy Carlson: 2,138 (97.54%) Carlson was elected as Decorah's mayor. City Council, At-Large Cody Whittle: 1,858 (96.72%)Write-in: 63 (3.28%) Whittle retained his seat as an at-large member of the Decorah City Council. City Council, Ward 3 Johanna Bergan: 483 (96.41%)Write-in: 18 (3.59%) Bergan was elected to represent Ward 3. City Council, Ward 5 Randal J. Schissel: 411 (96.25%)Write-in: 16 (3.75%) Schissel will continue serving as the Ward 5 representative. Park and Recreation Commissioner Kent Klocke: 1,814 (52.11%)Brecka Putnam: 1,628 (46.77%) Both received seats. Decorah School ElectionDecorah School Director At-Large (to fill a vacancy) Brad Darling: 2,044 (98.55%)Write-in: 30 (1.45%) Darling was elected to fill the at-large vacancy on the Decorah School Board. Decorah School Director, At-Large Cindy Goodner: 1,944 (51.72%)Lilly Jensen: 1,780 (47.35%) Goodner and Jensen were elected to the Decorah School Board as at-large directors. Other Results: South Winneshiek School – Public Measure WGVoters in the South Winneshiek Community School District approved a $13 million bond referendum to renovate and expand the high school, passing the measure 956–451 (67.95% to 32.05%). The project will address outdated sections of the building dating back to 1930, which district officials say no longer meet modern educational or safety standards. Planned improvements include energy efficiency upgrades, enhanced safety and security features, additional gymnasium space, and expanded agriculture education facilities with updated storage and lab space. Elevate your inbox with the DecorahNews.com newsletter! Receive free thought-provoking articles, actionable advice and inspiring stories every week.