[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6184951,"mediaKeyId","5083535-6a53a98ca1a2f48fc7540a8599872c0a","parentId",5083535,"title","Interim administrator reports May finances; council approves $1.18M in claims; utility staffing changes announced","audioSeconds",2454,"startMs",237000,"endMs",2691000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5083535-6a53a98ca1a2f48fc7540a8599872c0a&start=237&end=2691","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5083535-6a53a98ca1a2f48fc7540a8599872c0a/thumbnail_237000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6184951/Portage-City/Columbia-County/Wisconsin/Interim-administrator-reports-May-finances-council-approves-118M-in-claims-utility-staffing-changes-announced","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6184951-204e3de19ee4371625b30f3ce653a456/orig.mp4?Expires=1775106227&Signature=keddTR6q-0UGGiPc3bzd2C9DL7LGCjxGuhZLfgTosxrS5UJKSrZc5Y18jydRNxi~Oi1BW4IXSPqXDizhm409EGnwvqLiJmt8VT6~q8KUvaQbHkf3ujd6x5qjfsdCcFwwjOKBDAGW1yXqd7Hre0CpTQSFaljBa-UEkCoiTG3dVy2ZR29cbcai-Wk~iSzP48hhReif9ySrN1UQcujUde8xI4sJfjWdJu5pwtYIThaXgmQIXefQBmLVmixU5zk-IPR368Ojz8cAuZOj8OMuPpeA-TT-OiX3eLvzZSmUyIiyhgnaZ2LdYUy4ojbQMiBQ2JL8r~1P7E82QqsMZkZQWct7Gw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Portgage, WI","date","2025-06-26T22:37:52Z","article","Interim city administrator Jennifer presented the city's financial report for the five months ending May 31, 2025, and the Portage City Common Council approved claims totaling $1,176,491 in a separate Finance and Administration action.

Financial report highlights presented by Jennifer and staff:
- The general fund shared revenue receipts arrive in July and November, Jennifer noted; certain publication fees were posted incorrectly and will be corrected next month.
- Street-related facilities revenue was higher due to a crosswalk project at Meeg's where billing/reimbursement timing affected revenues.
- Fire billings and fire grants were reported higher year to date; fire expenses include engine repairs.
- Staff reported total fund revenue year to date of about $6,096,000, representing roughly 63% of estimated revenues, and indicated overall spending is tracking at about 40%–45% of budget for this time of year.
- Monthly bank ACH fees run around $50–$60; larger borrowing-related fees occur at the start of the fiscal year.

Personnel and operations updates were reported by Phil (department not specified):
- \"Our utility manager, Jared Royal took a job in the private sector. His last day of employment, so we're gonna be looking to look into that position,\" Phil said.
- Phil also reported the unexpected retirement of wastewater foreman Tony Bortz after 34½ years; staff have started transition planning and will use Strand Associates for consulting support in the interim.

Action on claims: Council moved and approved payment of claims totaling $1,176,491. Roll-call votes recorded included Green (Aye), Paul (Aye), Schlinkert (Aye), Trantau (Aye), Wetzel (Aye), Bernander (Aye), Crowley (Aye) and Dunnehy (Aye); the motion passed.

Compensation/closed session: The council voted to convene in closed session under Wisconsin Statutes chapter 19.85(1)(c) to consider employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of a public employee (interim city administrator). Alderperson Bernander moved to enter closed session and Alderperson Paul seconded; roll-call votes were recorded and the motion passed.

Distinguishing discussion from decision: the financial figures and operational updates were presented for council review (discussion). The claim payments and the decision to enter closed session were formal council actions (decisions). The council did not announce a public decision on interim-administrator compensation during the open meeting; that item was moved to closed session.

Staff indicated they will return with any formal personnel decisions or compensation actions after the closed session and follow required reporting procedures.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council 6/26/25","oneSentenceSummary","Interim city administrator Jennifer presented the city’s five-month financial report ending May 31, 2025; the council approved $1,176,491 in claims and heard reports that the utility manager resigned and the wastewater foreman is retiring.","taxTitle","Portage City, Columbia County, Wisconsin","taxId",61461,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6184956,"Council OKs $10,000 from parkland fund for comprehensive outdoor recreation plan update",255,2336000,2591000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5083535-6a53a98ca1a2f48fc7540a8599872c0a&start=2336&end=2591","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5083535-6a53a98ca1a2f48fc7540a8599872c0a/thumbnail_2336000.jpg","/articles/6184956/Portage-City/Columbia-County/Wisconsin/Council-OKs-10000-from-parkland-fund-for-comprehensive-outdoor-recreation-plan-update","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6184956-9376054e67a3d03772d0a29d49103c4a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775106227&Signature=OXwevfjWYbg3d~xBcz158sBngoy-5qXDFL7szHDXgAnm3P9~kEp7DMfgpXIELUO2D9jFat5hzUKxoGwRRniaLmZ8CuUG2QPm3QuGKWzi4ap4BYQkS6Z9DlFOiNxclYd-vgtISkhUHnj9fduVhOpIBMNoOQ07~PHWcXMTJ1h8IQjNnqRjoAES~wRR-OcFltO7diuh-reeW2HZEWt4fHNdeSE6inupsmG56MDKVbEsQvgVM7za3Bmsar9qB6CJ7~qfy76bEM4eklfsNqthDZ80dOWOrs8Ygr7PpGVzgKoLSJiGtsD8RIRzxYsoFm8kTG74haYh3~aH3xUZkWPo9DmpgA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portage City Common Council voted to allocate $10,000 from parkland fees to hire Vierbicher to update the city's Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP), a five-year plan the city must renew to remain eligible for certain state grant programs.

Parks staff said the CORP update is needed to preserve eligibility for grants such as Knowles‑Nelson and trail grants. The current plan, staff said, was completed in February 2019 and is now past the five-year refresh window.

Parks staff described the CORP as a planning tool to list and prioritize passive-park projects such as trails and connections between existing pathways. Staff told the council they solicited quotes and that Vierbicher (the 2019 vendor) offered continuity and understanding of the community. The parkland fund balance presented to the council was $62,000; after the Charters of Freedom allocation and the CORP contract there would remain a balance for future projects, staff said.

Council member Flinkert questioned the return on investment for a $10,000 outlay; parks staff cited a past project — the Beasley Pavilion and trail work at Pawcat Park — that leveraged the plan to secure roughly $200,000 in outside grant funding for a $300,000-plus project.

Action: Alderperson Bernander moved to approve use of parkland funds in the amount of $10,000 to Vierbicher for the CORP update; Alderperson Wetzel seconded. The council approved the motion by roll call; all present voted aye and the motion passed.

Staff will contract with Vierbicher to begin the CORP update and use the finished plan to pursue grant opportunities for trails, shelters and other outdoor-recreation investments.","Portage council approved a $10,000 contract with Vierbicher to update the city’s Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP), a five‑year plan required for eligibility for state recreational grants including Knowles‑Nelson funds; the last plan was issued in February 2019.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6184961,"Portage council approves parkland funds to complete Charters of Freedom installation",422,1887000,2309000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5083535-6a53a98ca1a2f48fc7540a8599872c0a&start=1887&end=2309","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5083535-6a53a98ca1a2f48fc7540a8599872c0a/thumbnail_1887000.jpg","/articles/6184961/Portage-City/Columbia-County/Wisconsin/Portage-council-approves-parkland-funds-to-complete-Charters-of-Freedom-installation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6184961-c4dd84cf34a8a9e1d68a19562b7aed00/orig.mp4?Expires=1775106227&Signature=nrzgu9Io3giAZJ8OZKJe7je6RO2LCURef9albQw1B5G-Gn1mAsv5LFAgBt69yS7uiJ3xeV2oIdf5Vv5ON0V5QH9Qyhx5rWgTY7wKeRTEvrzAB3~74-UfPndF2HaMGPnE8Zs7Jk1JlM8YN9ps84hoHzB3Jxs8WxdYMAdQye5jWSBxP5wqBwX2D-D-GgsRXpBM0wXe6RpU2qczE2Y150LXWs7nSeO3RHxNOMKKjneqScAxZB9M7GKYtOJsNCW~-97d9GBKsa9TfR~AKq1AF1~zeA9FoTo1vI-psEtTjf2uAkgCYfUNRgSb8SPkIW~CiqqdZ-rTphn6x0XmReXxfQ3sOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portage City Common Council voted to use parkland funds to complete the Charters of Freedom installation at Riverside, approving the use of parkland-fee dollars to cover an outstanding project shortfall.

Parks staff described a memorandum of understanding with Foundation Forward that will place reproductions of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights at the site. Parks staff said Foundation Forward supplies the stone reproductions but not the site work; the city must provide accessible concrete, electrical hookups, a flagpole and benches.

Parks staff summarized fundraising and in-kind support: a $10,000 monetary donation from Keller; Davis Construction removed the existing shelter at no cost; Tim McTier Construction and H & M Electric committed in-kind services to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Staff said the remaining out-of-pocket cost to complete the site is $14,912.45, which was recommended to be paid from the parkland-fee account. The parkland account balance shown to the council was $62,000.

Parks staff said the target date for a dedication ceremony is Sept. 11 and added that additional park improvements such as shade and restrooms are long-range needs not included in this initial build.

Council member Green asked whether construction had started; parks staff replied it had not and that a council approval would allow staff to green-light the contractor. In discussion about project origin, parks staff described earlier outreach and a multi-year process that involved a local resident and past park staff bringing Foundation Forward to Portage.

Action: Council member Paul moved to approve the use of parkland funds for the Charters of Freedom project; Council member Crowley seconded. The roll call included Schlinkert (Aye), Trantau (Abstain), Wetzel (Aye), Bernander (Aye), Crowley (Aye), Dunnehy (Aye), Green (Aye) and Paul (Aye). The motion passed with one abstention.

Staff will proceed with contracting and scheduling now that council has approved the use of parkland funds.","The council approved using parkland fees to cover a remaining roughly $14,912 shortfall to complete the Charters of Freedom installation at Riverside, with donations and in‑kind work already reducing the city's cost; the project aims for a Sept. 11 ceremony.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6184966,"Portage council approves $3.7 million sale of general obligation promissory notes",1217,667000,1884000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5083535-6a53a98ca1a2f48fc7540a8599872c0a&start=667&end=1884","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5083535-6a53a98ca1a2f48fc7540a8599872c0a/thumbnail_667000.jpg","/articles/6184966/Portage-City/Columbia-County/Wisconsin/Portage-council-approves-37-million-sale-of-general-obligation-promissory-notes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6184966-721efa96ae0c78a11ad7f43007c8cdfc/orig.mp4?Expires=1775106227&Signature=VyM8U4Io-WwuyUfvPTvixVuzcfvwLJJ9j9B~vBLiFBqUbRVugq-1GYYdNbCv36DOEtmckKphNUecbWZwyZ98RJS2UihBbGEA~EreMI3MvbG~bTxFja4VGhZISAWs-9sSMtVSJDv1mbyT9rl31gVSohMvjoSvqV4dopgtq~1affiPdK6i5DGC1kKMD9Bw6WBvKGURsGX5DyCEgiYop9DgJEflL3-bJiPo9C6DfaJi3nyimQzSTxSo5Lp4fnrhMXYhKCIMrg5MHEalX95GyI9Nv80gRVPcQCrHqnoBS-A4fSsXGoJueRCUT9D~Oo~~x1bj8iQ2cgTqLZA3xiwcNB0dCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portage City Common Council on a unanimous vote approved Resolution 25-019 authorizing the sale of approximately $3,705,000 in general obligation promissory notes, series 2025A, to fund projects in the city's 2025 capital improvement program.

Council authorization follows a presentation by John Cameron, municipal adviser with Ehlers, who outlined the sale timeline, the projects financed and the expected taxpayer impact.

Cameron said the notes \"are being issued for a 20 year term.\" He told the council the sale will be competitive in the open market, with a rating call with Standard & Poor’s scheduled for July 14, the official statement available about July 17, the sale on July 24 and funds estimated to be available Aug. 14. He also said the notes include a call feature allowing prepayment anytime after April 1, 2034.

Why it matters: the borrowing will fund items in the 2025 CIP including streets, stormwater and sanitary sewer projects and certain facility work. Cameron said most projects will be paid from the general debt levy; projects allocated to the sanitary sewer utility will have associated debt service abated by sanitary sewer revenues.

Key facts and figures presented to the council included:
- Par amount: about $3,705,000.
- Term: 20 years; principal scheduled to begin April 1, 2026, and run through 2045; interest due semiannually beginning in February.
- Call feature: prepayment/refinance possible after 04/01/2034.
- Estimated average annual tax impact: \"right around $98\" per year on a property valued at $360,000, according to Cameron.
- Estimated initial annual debt service: about $330,000 beginning in 2026, tapering later as shorter items amortize.
- General obligation capacity: issuance brings the city to roughly 75% of its statutory 5% limit on GO debt; Cameron estimated the ratio will fall back toward 70% by year-end assuming principal paydown and modest equalized value growth.

Cameron described the city's current Standard & Poor's credit grade as double-A minus and recommended a competitive sale given the size and routine nature of the financed projects. He also noted the presale included a market cushion of about 45 basis points to allow for market movement.

Action: Alderperson Bernander moved to approve Resolution 25-019; Council member Paul seconded. The council adopted the resolution by roll call: Paul (Aye), Flinkert (Aye), Trantau (Aye), Wetzel (Aye), Bernander (Aye), Crowley (Aye), Dunnehy (Aye) and Green (Aye). The motion passed.

Next steps: staff and the city's municipal adviser will proceed with the rating call, post the official statement, conduct the competitive sale on July 24 and report sale results to the council the same evening; funds are expected to be available on Aug. 14.","The Portage City Common Council approved Resolution 25-019 to sell approximately $3,705,000 in general obligation promissory notes series 2025A to finance 2025 capital projects including streets, stormwater and sewer work; the notes carry a 20-year term and an estimated average tax impact of about $98 on a $360,000 home.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Interim administrator reports May finances; council approves $1.18M in claims; utility staffing changes announced

Council OKs $10,000 from parkland fund for comprehensive outdoor recreation plan update

Portage council approves parkland funds to complete Charters of Freedom installation

Portage council approves $3.7 million sale of general obligation promissory notes