Monday, July 27, 2009

Lands End: No Longer a Local Partner

Link to July 27 Wisconsin State Journal article, "Dodgeville braces for major cuts to pay back Lands’ End".

Excerpt: A Richland County Circuit Court judge ruled in May that the city over-assessed the apparel retailer’s 202-acre corporate headquarters.

That means the governmental units that receive tax money from the company will likely be forced to make cuts in order to refund the excess amount.

Lands’ End has asked for a refund of $524,000 from its 2005 payment and $734,000 from 2006. It also wants interest on the money and is challenging the assessments from 2007 and 2008.

“It comes as a blow,” said Diane Messer, superintendent of the Dodge-ville School District. “It’s disconcerting, but we have to keep in mind that Lands’ End as we knew it is not Lands’ End any longer. The
Sears culture has had its impact.”

The article details the impact on the Dodgeville School District, but it undoubtedly will provide a challenge to Iowa County's and the City of Dodgeville's ability to provide the same level of services in 2010.

Anyone not shopping at Sears anymore?

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