During a recent meeting of the Joint Review Board, representatives from the City of West Bend, Washington County, West Bend School District, and Moraine Park Technical College convened to assess the financial health of the city's tax increment districts. The board, which includes a member representing citizens at large, met to review the status of these districts but took no formal action during the session.

The meeting highlighted the importance of ongoing financial oversight, with an annual report provided by Ehlers to the common council detailing the financial conditions of the districts. This report aims to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the management of tax increment financing.

Public input was also a significant aspect of the meeting, with residents expressing concerns about proposed developments in the area. One resident, Jerry Geller, criticized the city's plans for high-density housing east of 18th Avenue, arguing that it contradicts the intended character of the neighborhood, which was meant to maintain open green spaces. Geller suggested that a more suitable location for such developments would be east of Highway 45, where access to commercial areas would be more convenient for residents.

The discussions reflect ongoing tensions between development goals and community desires for maintaining the character of neighborhoods in West Bend. As the city continues to navigate these challenges, the Joint Review Board's role in overseeing financial health remains crucial for future planning and development decisions.