Common Council - October 7, 2024

The City of West Bend Common Council meeting on October 7, 2024, focused heavily on public safety, infrastructure, and budgetary matters. Key procurement and contracting discussions included approval of collective bargaining agreements with the police supervisors and firefighters unions, featuring wage increases, residency requirement expansions, and new health insurance plans that reduce employee premiums. The council also approved multiple grant acceptances, including a $2.8 million SAFER grant to fund nine new firefighter positions over three years, a DNR grant for wildland firefighting equipment, and an urban forestry grant to support tree planting programs. Budget discussions highlighted a proposed 2025 budget with a 3.37% levy increase, funding for three new police officers, three dispatchers, and additional fire department staff, as well as a significant $1 million increase in road borrowing to accelerate infrastructure improvements. The meeting also addressed special assessments for road reconstruction projects and annexation of land for development. Overall, the council emphasized strategic investments in public safety staffing, infrastructure upgrades, and community development, supported by a combination of grants, special assessments, and tax levy adjustments.