Floods force home demolitions statewide in Wisconsin

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...Donna Haugom, director of emergency management for Jefferson County, had a list of 12 properties to acquire before the rains came, but said she expects that list to grow in the coming weeks. The county identified several properties to acquire in its Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (PDF), and since 1996 has acquired 38 parcels (PDF) around Blackhawk Island Road near Lake Koshkonong, she said.

...But local officials have to consider the loss of property taxes from waterfront properties if governments buy the land, Gray said.

"You kind of have to look at weighing the public health and safety aspect versus do you want this on the tax rolls," she said.