Mequon Weekly Bulletin - November 6, 2020

Upcoming Meetings
Planning Commission Policy Subcommittee: November 9 - 6:00 P.M. (Agenda)
Architectural Board: November 9 - 6:30 P.M. (Agenda)
Public Welfare Committee: November 10 - 5:45 P.M. (Agenda)
Public Works Committee: November 10 - 6:30 P.M. (Agenda)
Finance-Personnel Committee: November 10 - 7:00 P.M. (Agenda)
Sewer Utility Commission: November 10 - 7:30 P.M. (Agenda)
Municipal Water Utility Commission: November 10 - 7:30 P.M. (Agenda)
Common Council: November 10 - 7:30 P.M. (Agenda)
Festivals Committee: November 11 - 6:00 P.M. (Agenda)
Future of Our Fire Department Committee: November 16 - 6:00 P.M.
Economic Development Board: November 17 - 8:00 A.M.
Future of Our Fire Department Committee:  November 17 - 6:00 P.M.
Frank L. Weyenberg Library Board of Trustees: November 18 - 6:00 P.M.
Park and Open Space Board: November 18 - 6:30 P.M.

COVID-19 Update for the Week Ending Friday, November 6
The City of Mequon, in coordination with the Washington/Ozaukee Public Health Department and other state and federal agencies, continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19.

  • As of this afternoon, the State has recorded 256,065 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 2,256  associated deaths. Of the cases in Wisconsin, 3,080 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and 26 related deaths have been in Ozaukee County, based on information from the Washington/Ozaukee Public Health Department (WOPHD).

  • Effective at the end of October, the WOPHD began prioritizing contacting positive cases. Close contacts will only be followed up on if contacts are school-age children, in long-term care, or associated with a business outbreak.

  • Individuals who test positive can use a service provided by tellyourcontacts.org to send bulk texts or emails to close contacts. The service allows custom or template messages and the ability to remain anonymous.

Please help the City limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, following proper hygiene practices, and staying home when sick.

Public Hearing Scheduled for 2021 Budget
The Common Council will hold a public hearing for the consideration of the adoption of the 2021 Budget on November 10, 2020, at 7:30 P.M.  Common Council meetings are currently being held virtually through GoToMeeting and can also be viewed on Spectrum Cable Channel 25 and YouTube. If you are interested in speaking during the meeting or having your comments distributed to the Common Council, please send an email to Kaitlyn Krueger at kkrueger@ci.mequon.wi.us.

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 City-wide goals were prioritized in developing the 2021 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 2021 General Fund expenditure budget of $17,440,346 is 1.61% higher than the 2020 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 $15,688,673, an increase of 4.63% from last year.  The City’s general levy tax rate, before factoring in tax increment revenues, is projected to increase approximately $0.14 to $3.42/$1,000 of assessed value.

At its November 10 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 no increase in the tax levy from last year.  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 is approximately 1.81/$1,000 of assessed value. A summary of the sewer utility property tax levy proposal can be found by clicking here.

Detailed copies of both the General Fund and Sewer Fund proposed budgets can be found by clicking here.

Election Voter Turnout
The Presidential Election was held on Tuesday, and voter turnout was very strong.  17,500+ Mequon residents voted, which represents a 92% voter turnout for the City.  Those that voted absentee prior to election day accounted for 69.99% of the vote.  Thank you to the 120 election officials that worked this election, and to all those that helped at the polls this year.

Outdoor Click ‘N Go Holiday Photo Op Sunday, December 6 - 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
The members of the Festivals Committee will host an outdoor holiday photo opportunity for the community.  The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, December 6, from 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. in front of the Mequon River Post Office Museum (across from Mequon City Hall).  Participants will be required to social distance, ages five and up must wear a mask.  Participants will have an option to take their holiday photo with Santa at the doorway of the museum behind plexiglass or in front of a lit Menorah. Preregistration will be required.  Save the date for this free community event.  More details to follow.

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