Common Council - September 16, 2024

The City of West Bend Common Council meeting on September 16, 2024, focused heavily on the school district's long-range facilities planning and a significant referendum for $106.2 million to fund phase one of school facility improvements. The presentation detailed plans to close several older school buildings, consolidate students, and upgrade remaining facilities with enhanced safety and security features. Financial impacts on taxpayers were discussed, including estimated mill rate changes and monthly costs per $100,000 of property value. Additionally, the council held a public hearing on a special assessment for the 18th Avenue reconstruction project, where multiple residents and property owners voiced concerns about the fairness and methodology of the assessment, arguing that the improvements primarily benefit the general public and commercial entities rather than just the assessed properties. Other agenda items included election inspector appointments, approval of special event permits for ATV rides, updates from the airport commission on infrastructure improvements, and discussions on grant opportunities for electric vehicle charging stations. Labor negotiations with police and fire department unions were also briefly mentioned. The meeting concluded with various council member reports and community updates.