The City of West Bend Common Council meeting on December 1, 2025, included key discussions on labor agreements and housing market challenges. The finance committee approved the 2026 collective bargaining agreement with the dispatchers and clerical union, which included a 2.64% wage adjustment aligned with state law and a simplification of dispatcher paygrades to maintain market competitiveness without impacting the budget. A comprehensive housing study was presented, highlighting a significant shortage in affordable and workforce housing in Washington County and West Bend, with rental vacancy rates extremely low and new construction prices rising beyond the reach of many residents. The study recommended a public-private partnership approach to develop a diverse range of housing types, including larger rental communities and value-engineered for-sale homes, to meet the growing demand. Additionally, the council approved the 2026 budgets for multiple Tax Increment Financing Districts (TIDs), outlining anticipated revenues and expenses to support ongoing development projects. Other reports included updates from the library board, plan commission, and parks and recreation, focusing on operational improvements and community engagement.

Common Council December 1, 2025