Mequon Weekly Bulletin - November 19, 2021
U P C O M I N G M E E T I N G S
Planning Commission: November 22 – 6:00 P.M. (Agenda)
Water Utility Taxes Clarified for Water Utility Customers
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel recently published an op-ed entitled, Hidden Water Utility Taxes claiming that almost all municipalities levy invisible taxes on their utilities. The primary reason the City acquired the Mequon Water Utility from We Energies in 2009 was due to rising water rates. Customers of the utility, who were residents of Mequon, approached the City with concerns about rising water bills. The City subsequently passed a referendum to purchase the water utility back from We Energies with the goal of reducing water rates for residents. Once the referendum passed, the first task was to set new water rates. The new water commission had a choice to pay a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) to the City, or not. The commission and the Common Council decided that since the primary goal was to reduce water rates for residents, the utility would not pay a PILOT. This decision, along with better borrowing rates and no taxes, meant the initial rates charged to the new Mequon Water Utility customers were almost 30% less than We Energies’ final rate in 2009.
Seasonal Banner and A-Frame Sign Provisions
During the period commencing November 19 (the Friday one-week preceding Thanksgiving) through January 2, all businesses may utilize one seasonal banner permit for a maximum and continuous three-week posting. A permit and fee are required for banners posted throughout the time period. The banner shall be posted in good condition, meet an 18-square-foot size limitation and establish a 30-foot separation between banners as well as the placement requirements of the City Sign Code, Chapter 62. A banner posted during this period shall not count against a business or institution's total number of annually permitted banners. For more information, please contact the Department of Community Development at 262-236-2902.
Port Washington Road Water Main Work Nearing Final Stages
All water main has been installed in Port Washington Road and Katherine Drive. Work continues on final connections on Port Washington Road and testing/sampling on Katherine Drive. The project is anticipated to be completed the week after Thanksgiving. For more detailed information, please visit the project page on the City website.
2021 Appliance and Electronics Recycling Events Recap
This year’s City of Mequon 2021 Appliance & Electronics Recycling Events were held on July 10 and October 23. Approximately 450 vehicles participated, collecting 349 appliances and just over 25,216 pounds (12.6 Tons) of TVs, monitors, and other electronics to be recycled. The 3-hour events were organized and operated by Refrigerant Depot, LLC. As there will be changes coming to the 2022 Appliance & Recycling Events, staff will update the City website here as more information becomes available.
Mequon Police Welcome Oriole Elementary School
On Tuesday, 45 first graders from Oriole Lane Elementary School finished up their Word Detective Reading unit by meeting with real-life detectives at the Mequon Police Department. They received a tour of the Public Safety Building, learned how the dedicated officers work hard each day to make Mequon a safe place to live, work, and visit, and their favorite part was meeting K9 Iron.
Winter Wonderland Picture Sign-up is Now Available!
Winter Wonderland’s Click ‘N Go Holiday Photo Op for the Community will take place on Sunday, December 12 from 3:30 P.M. – 5:30 P.M. Preregistration is required and sign-up is now available here. See the attached flyer for more details.
