City of Mequon Weekly Bulletin - November 8, 2019
Upcoming Meetings
Planning Commission: November 11 – 6:00 P.M. (Agenda)
Festivals Committee: November 11 – 6:00 P.M. (Agenda)
Architectural Board: November 11 – 6:30 P.M. (Agenda)
Public Safety Committee: November 12 – 5:30 P.M. (Agenda)
Public Welfare Committee: November 12 – 6:15 P.M. (Agenda)
Finance-Personnel Committee: November 12 – 6:45 P.M. (Agenda)
Public Works Committee: November 12 – 6:30 P.M. (Agenda)
Sewer Utility Commission: November 12 – 7:30 P.M. (Agenda)
Common Council: November 12 – 7:30 P.M. (Agenda)
Bike and Pedestrian Way Commission: November 14 – 8:00 A.M. (Agenda)
Economic Development Board: November 19 – 7:30 A.M.
Future of Our Fire Department Committee: November 19 – 6:00 P.M.
Frank L. Weyenberg Library Board of Trustees: November 20 – 6:00 P.M.
Park and Opens Space Board: November 20 – 6:30 P.M.
Public Hearing Scheduled for 2020 Budget
The Common Council will hold a public hearing for the consideration of the adoption of the 2020 Budget on November 12, 2019 at 7:30 P.M. Common Council meetings are held at City Hall and can also be viewed on Spectrum Cable Channel 25 and YouTube.
Each year the City must adopt a balanced budget which sets forth funding levels for all aspects of City operations and capital expenses except for sewer and water utility funds. The following Citywide goals were prioritized in developing the 2020 budget: maintaining low property taxes, provide excellent public safety services, improving and enhancing the City’s infrastructure and other long-term assets, and expanding the City’s tax base through a strategic and balanced approach to economic development. The proposed 2020 General Fund expenditure budget of $17,158,418 is 4.9% higher than the 2019 adopted budget, due primarily to increases in personnel costs. A summary of the budget proposal is available by clicking here.
The City’s general tax levy is comprised of three funds: the general fund, the capital project fund, and the debt service fund. Combined, the total levy of these three funds is $14,994,497, an increase of 2.6% from last year. The City’s general levy tax rate, before factoring in tax increment revenues, is projected to increase $0.07 to $3.28/$1,000 of assessed value.
At its November 12 meeting, the Common Council will also consider adopting a Sewer Utility property tax levy which covers the Sewer Utility’s annual debt service and the annual capital charge from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD). In aggregate, properties located in the sanitary sewer service area will see a decrease in the sewer tax levy of approximately $611,000, an 8% decrease from last year. The decrease is due, in part, to the Utility opting out of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District’s Green Infrastructure program. A significant portion of the levy will be dedicated towards payment of the annual capital charge from MMSD and debt service resulting from the East Trunk Sewer project. The balance of the levy will be dedicated toward self-funding future capital projects. The Sewer Utility’s tax rate, before factoring in tax increment revenues, decreases about $.16 to $1.81/$1,000 of assessed value. A summary of the sewer utility property tax levy proposal can be found by clicking here.
Connection Completed Between City Hall Parking Lot and Spur 16
On October 29, the City Hall Parking Lot contractor completed the connection between the parking lot and Spur 16. Only minor punch list items remain for the contractor. A summary of the project will be provided at the Public Works Committee meeting on December 10.
Contracted Tree Planting Underway
As many Mequon residents are aware, Emerald Ash Borer has been devastating in many neighborhoods causing the loss of Ash Trees. To combat the impact of removals that were completed within the City’s rights-of-way, both staff and a subcontractor (Property Solutions) working for the City are currently replanting trees. The replanting program is offered through the Forestry Division and provides residents whose trees were removed within the right-of-way last year the opportunity to have a tree replanted for the cost of $125. Planting is anticipated to be completed in early November. Please contact the Forestry Division with any comments or questions by clicking here to view the City’s website or by calling Mike Gies, City Forester at 262-512-1297.
Is Your Street Address Clearly Visible?
If someone is ever in need of fire, police or emergency medical services, it is critical emergency personnel be able to quickly locate your residence. Residents should ensure house numbers are clearly visible from the street, both during the day and at night. Addresses on mailboxes should be visible from both directions of travel. Failure to display addresses clearly may add precious seconds to response times. House numbers should be at least 3 inches in height and mounted on a contrasting background. For more information contact the Mequon Police or Fire Departments at 262-242-3500.
County Issues Board Meeting Minutes
Please click here to view the November 4 meeting minutes and click here to view the November 6 meeting minutes for the Ozaukee County Board of Supervisors.
