[{"_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",6479489,"mediaKeyId","5693677-5783d8ea072e1ca68027497e993b1837","parentId",5693677,"title","City finance adviser outlines $5 million every‑other‑year borrowing plan to accelerate road work","audioSeconds",1850,"startMs",109000,"endMs",1959000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5693677-5783d8ea072e1ca68027497e993b1837&start=109&end=1959","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5693677-5783d8ea072e1ca68027497e993b1837/thumbnail_109000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6479489/Muskego-City/Waukesha-County/Wisconsin/City-finance-adviser-outlines-5-million-everyotheryear-borrowing-plan-to-accelerate-road-work","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479489-56a146881789847fe3428185cf2c8805/orig.mp4?Expires=1775203531&Signature=mZpqZmmtakH4nFe7ds9IvJxox~qZ1-9ftmbbG7gXD9Jo6P88B11thE3oAiKK0vFuud1Dode~9sL-0F~iE8gvlbWX8c88WWHUzDlpV4plDAaA23yKrOnvBGRoQGopoVHdqo5iob2dBAfa7440M0vG-c4G2RvqH8M88472rbNmC9kQzfFmnkqBVxl~T~FFoe1YZbNI4EPM45HWLNaSXRNed4SlXwd9~cTAMpkJNHAe-szV7vSVtbengjLtRknwQ3TxSt1sgKmXY5cxzoEUdv8avrk01nA4g5hurtkuEGobgPG-8Lf9KwhIOnvg7UuCSryczXeBHBEQYHS2aOym~AAXjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Muskego, WI","date","2025-08-28T06:53:48.907Z","article","Kevin Mullen, a director in the public finance practice at Robert W. Baird & Co., told the Muskego City Committee of the Whole on Aug. 26 that the city could accelerate road work by establishing a recurring borrowing pattern and described one illustrative scenario of $5 million issued every other year.

Mullen said the example was conceptual, not a formal proposal, and that the figures were meant to show how the city could move from a “pay‑as‑you‑go” approach toward a sustained capital improvement program. \"If you were to borrow $5,000,000 in 2026,\" he told aldermen, \"you'd then have a payment in 02/1927. . . . If that borrowing is spread out over that 15‑year period, assuming an interest rate of 4.3%, we've been conservative in that estimate.\" He added the rate assumption included about 50 basis points above current observed yields to be conservative.

Mullen framed the plan as a way to address the city’s road‑rating backlog faster than current maintenance funding allows. He said, under the city’s current pace, many streets would remain in lower condition ratings for decades and that a program of recurring bond issues would allow a more steady, predictable replacement schedule.

Why it matters: The finance presentation tied directly to the budget choices Muskego aldermen must make this fall. The committee is balancing an operating deficit of roughly $1.6 million and ongoing commitments the city now funds from operating levy dollars, including a $750,000 annual operating allocation for roads. Borrowing for capital can be counted outside levy limits, Mullen said, and many Wisconsin municipalities use debt to fund long‑lived assets when levy growth is constrained.

Key details and council questions

- Structure shown: Mullen described a hypothetical 15‑year bond and the mechanics of levy years (the levy is set in one budget year and used to pay debt service in the subsequent year). He said some communities borrow up to 20 years (\"state statute allows you to borrow for up to 20 years\"), but Baird used 15 years in the example as a common balance between payment size and useful life.

- Illustrative size and costs: The slide example assumed a $5 million borrowing in 2026, a 15‑year amortization and a conservative 4.3% interest assumption (current yields plus a margin). Mullen said the first debt service year shown would be an interest‑only payment of about $184,000, with larger principal and interest payments in subsequent years as that schedule ramps up.

- Layering and longer horizon: Mullen ran a scenario that layered a new $5 million issue every other year. Over 15 years the illustration reached roughly $40 million of new borrowing in aggregate and a combined debt‑service path that would rise in the middle years and then “plateau” as prior issues amortize.

- Tax‑impact illustrations: Mullen summarized modeled mill‑rate impacts in cents (his presentation used cents notation): he said the combined tax‑supported levy rate would increase over several years and ultimately \"plateau at 63¢\" in his scenario. He translated one example to household effect: \"On a $400,000 home, it's about $68,\" he said. Mullen cautioned the number depends on many moving parts — property valuation growth, future levies and the precise borrowing schedule.

- Timing and market risk: Committee members asked whether rates might fall if the city delayed issuance until spring; Mullen said short‑term (near‑term) yields could modestly decline if the Federal Reserve eases policy, but the long‑end of the yield curve (cost for a 15‑year borrowing) historically moves less. He recommended the committee consider both market timing and policy needs when deciding whether to issue now or later.

- Operational choices and tradeoffs: Several aldermen asked whether the city should keep the existing $750,000 annual operating road allocation while layering borrowing, or substitute borrowing for that operating money. Mullen and city staff noted one option would be to remove the $750,000 from operating and borrow for those road projects; doing so would reduce the immediate operating deficit but shift the cost into debt service. One alderman said he would oppose removing the $750,000 operating allocation if the city expects to borrow, because it would effectively borrow to replace money the city already sets aside.

- Cash flow and prepayment: Mullen explained common municipal bond features including call provisions. He said bonds often carry an eight‑year call that lets a municipality refund the bonds after that call date with no additional cost; more aggressive call protection raises interest rates.

What the committee decided

No formal borrowing motion was made at the Aug. 26 meeting. Committee members asked staff to refine options and to return with alternatives that will let aldermen compare different initial issue sizes, amortization terms and potential combinations of operating vs. debt funding for roads.

Quotes

\"This plan is meant to address not only the current needs but also needs that might be in front of you in the future,\" Kevin Mullen said. \"Hypothetically, we said, okay, if we were to borrow in 2026 for $5,000,000 — how does it look if we continue to borrow every other year?\"

On tax impact: \"That tax rate is based on annual growth in value of 1 and a half percent a year,\" Mullen said, noting staff used conservative valuation growth assumptions in the model. \"On a $400,000 home, it's about $68.\"

Looking ahead

City finance staff and the committee agreed to incorporate borrowing scenarios into the capital budget discussion this fall. Aldermen directed staff to return with a narrower set of options — different principal sizes, potential first‑year structures (interest only vs. level debt service), and the effect of keeping or removing the $750,000 annual operating road allocation — so the council can weigh tradeoffs during the formal budget process.

Provenance: City committee discussion of Baird presentation and council Q&A occurred Aug. 26, 2025; committee did not act on borrowing at that meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Muskego, Committee of the Whole - 8/26/25","oneSentenceSummary","Kevin Mullen, a director in the public finance practice at Robert W. Baird & Co., told the Muskego City Committee of the Whole on Aug. 26 that the city could accelerate road work by establishing a recurring borrowing pattern and described one illustrative scenario of $5 million issued every other year.","taxTitle","Muskego City, Waukesha County, Wisconsin","taxId",61447,"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},6479474,"Public works asks for phased equipment replacements and new cold‑storage facility; council flagged cost and siting questions",3781,4733000,8514000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5693677-5783d8ea072e1ca68027497e993b1837&start=4733&end=8514","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5693677-5783d8ea072e1ca68027497e993b1837/thumbnail_4733000.jpg","/articles/6479474/Muskego-City/Waukesha-County/Wisconsin/Public-works-asks-for-phased-equipment-replacements-and-new-coldstorage-facility-council-flagged-cost-and-siting-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479474-6be65958277e3d6f1d3a7886164d3673/orig.mp4?Expires=1775203531&Signature=IIGIdwm6yrbrRwz~-4vS~VGn7av~R0Evcc9xwTtNIdHHXPpfTe4TS9-LgMdJm8HuPGbFqwv4NVnf9GjaBlfASWaITqNvg5HI0yuP0mBVCr2c8kA2A~iautQlwZJLJjEJgPHDW69TxKCG3W~3k~mIgk4TKWTf82sAyiU496qR7NlAtrT8zEKvELNmR3niZcJSdbalXWUsUNQGAoPihQrOz8aKU5T8SXIb~9EbJexRAMh5Eu7m3gKp4CYVPeKOdYDJZRxoiAaRFQUj~gKnmLm1HqxI3AakUKqXiQBg6YXXq2eotgrcgVLq~2JxISdvL7ZKYrMy4qeUXgOtin-JDg-4jw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public Works staff detailed a multi‑year equipment and facility replacement plan Aug. 26 that included vehicle replacements, shop equipment and a proposed cold‑storage building to protect expensive fleet assets.

Major items described

- Plow truck replacement: Staff proposed a new plow truck in 2026 (replacement for a 2004 model showing mechanical decline). The estimated lead time is long — staff noted receipt could take 14–16 months after ordering. Aldermen discussed whether large, long‑lived vehicles should be financed via borrowing or paid from capital/landfill funds; staff said procurement timing and available fund balances would influence the decision.

- Hot‑patch trailer and pressure washer: A hot‑patch trailer would allow DPW crews to carry two tons of hot asphalt for larger patch jobs and reduce outsourcing; staff described current equipment as an inefficient insert in a small truck. A commercial‑grade pressure washer would improve vehicle care and prolong service life, which staff argued reduces total lifecycle costs for expensive vehicles.

- Forklift and shop crane: The department seeks a replacement forklift (existing unit ~30 years old) and a shop crane to handle heavy lift tasks in the maintenance shop and reduce injury risk.

- Cold storage / shop building: Staff requested a new cold‑storage building to protect equipment and reduce premature replacement. The cost estimate included adherence to planning standards; staff noted that if the council and planning commission permit, variances (for example, reduced masonry requirements) could lower the structure cost. Aldermen asked about siting and whether the old police department property plan would affect timing; staff said each option would trigger different scheduling consequences.

Funding and procurement

Staff acknowledged multiple ways to fund equipment: capital funds, landfill reserves (where appropriate), operating reserves, or borrowing. For fleet assets with long service lives (15–20 years), aldermen asked about spreading cost via borrowing. Staff said financing choices will be presented after getting final vendor quotes and assessing fund balances, and that some purchases (notably heavy trucks) are not expected to be in service for a year or more after order.

What the committee decided

No purchases were authorized at the Aug. 26 meeting. Council members asked staff to prepare financing options (pay‑as‑you‑go vs. borrowing), check for potential planning variances to reduce building costs, and confirm delivery lead times and warranty/maintenance terms. Where applicable, staff will also prepare Wisconsin Surplus disposition plans for replaced units.

Provenance: DPW equipment, shop and cold‑storage discussion occurred during the 2026 capital review on Aug. 26.","Public Works staff detailed a multi‑year equipment and facility replacement plan Aug. 26 that included vehicle replacements, shop equipment and a proposed cold‑storage building to protect expensive fleet assets.",{"_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},6479479,"Sewer and water upgrades prioritized: landfill force main, lift station repairs and SCADA work cited as near‑term needs",2281,4744000,7025000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5693677-5783d8ea072e1ca68027497e993b1837&start=4744&end=7025","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5693677-5783d8ea072e1ca68027497e993b1837/thumbnail_4744000.jpg","/articles/6479479/Muskego-City/Waukesha-County/Wisconsin/Sewer-and-water-upgrades-prioritized-landfill-force-main-lift-station-repairs-and-SCADA-work-cited-as-nearterm-needs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479479-e5ba6e816d678a360f78eceec7f27951/orig.mp4?Expires=1775203531&Signature=Q-N3PeDzPwkI---yeYC0yHZx0X2bx3PtZ6G1LequZkeAxDKY3Vut0egdTUb8EZF5N9BPC0ZDkSQUd3-jRAmoUsb6sDghtCHA09lOw~O4F1jmF-leLqvQ~zj8uu0oIjXxITvCabmnFS96BNdB-wmOfSYON7sTZpjtf-R6VbY-kEjuWGHt9fT-RKurxzW27wbmc98rXPnA2FAJpaXZsvgUU8UbjfonHKztIv286VQIINWxiXeIOwNyC5x0CmCNuHtfdgMQ9MgGc8rrWA5t72oQcu3eFIiMO0rV3GCpCczDMxV8CcaMYmtQHZVCbhrugXZnQwuhNNqh~0nuJrSPvxhPKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Muskego utility staff described a multi‑year water and sewer capital program on Aug. 26 that flagged several near‑term projects the committee should treat as priorities.

Landfill force main and financing

Staff said a new force main is needed to handle leachate from the Emerald Park landfill and to provide capacity to the Ryan Creek interceptor. The project described a roughly 1,100‑linear‑foot force main and associated lift‑station upgrades; staff said the city would use fees charged for landfill wastewater (rec charges) and utility working capital to fund the work rather than general tax levy.

Private‑property lateral replacements (MMSD work plan)

The committee reviewed a next‑phase sanitary lateral program coordinated with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD). Under that program, the city uses MMSD funds to replace aging private laterals (the pipe from the house to the main) where camera work identifies infiltration or structural failure. Staff noted those funds are work‑plan based and, if unused for Muskego, MMSD may reallocate them to other communities; the Jensen area was listed as the next work plan area.

McShane lift station and critical lining work

Staff flagged McShane as the system’s most critical lift station. Engineers recommended epoxy lining and vault repairs for pipe and chamber corrosion caused by hydrogen sulfide. The work requires extensive bypass pumping during construction, which drives much of the cost. Staff estimated the combined cost for lining, vault rehab and bypassing at roughly $550,000 and said the schedule should occur in low‑flow months to minimize operational risk. Staff emphasized the consequences of a failure: McShane handles the majority of the city’s wastewater flow, and a major failure could lead to service disruptions and basement backups in large portions of the system.

Manhole rehab, SCADA and radios

The capital list included a program to rehab 15 sanitary manholes over three years to address internal corrosion and structural defects. Staff also requested phased upgrades to the SCADA ( supervisory control and data acquisition) radio network that monitors wells, towers and lift stations; the city has many radios and repeaters that are aging and some vendor support will end in coming years. Staff split the cost between sewer and water and said the plan would run 2026–2028 for phased replacement.

Water side work

Water projects called for replacing aging actuator valves on treatment filters (Well 13), an acceleration of meter replacements to meet PSC guidance on meter turnouts, scheduled tower inspections and painting, and a long‑range placeholder for a new water tower in the city’s southeast (a 250,000‑gallon conceptual estimate showed multimillion dollar costs).

Funding and next steps

Staff said many of the sewer items are funded from dedicated utility funds and MMSD work‑plan grants; landfill rec charges would support the new force main. For capital items that may rely on borrowing, staff and the finance adviser previously discussed options during the earlier portion of the meeting. Staff will return with concrete bids, engineering reports and a recommended phasing plan for council review.

Quotes

\"If something happened to the McShane lift station, the capacity ends up in your constituents' basement in that area,\" a staff member warned, describing the operational risk and underlining the priority of the lining and vault work.

Provenance: Utility capital review (sanitary sewer, water mains, lift stations, SCADA) took place during the Aug. 26 capital review session.","Staff outlined a multi‑year utility capital program that includes a 6‑inch force main to accommodate landfill leachate, Jensen work on private laterals under MMSD program, urgent lining and vault work at McShane lift station, manhole rehabs and phased SCADA radio replacements.",{"_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},6479484,"Committee debates parks capital slate; splash pad and pickleball draw biggest pushback",2280,1983000,4263000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5693677-5783d8ea072e1ca68027497e993b1837&start=1983&end=4263","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5693677-5783d8ea072e1ca68027497e993b1837/thumbnail_1983000.jpg","/articles/6479484/Muskego-City/Waukesha-County/Wisconsin/Committee-debates-parks-capital-slate-splash-pad-and-pickleball-draw-biggest-pushback","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479484-744869bb5fb62930195f98c7e5784195/orig.mp4?Expires=1775203531&Signature=ouCWctoqR2k3CDAzloYu9qT6krxXrJnr49WxrZo1d0QpiByqBsiyIbzr6P-YVDahUPLOLOB3iQKnh~6TLyA6hciPrKY~kD3XcqStlOMdSmhZr7BmvShwcJX33os2v2QvSDFP9V1KdPNH3lvCWqxzskdYmKr8Pqyi~kyBfQps~E7yO9lAHKNk5rU~5rpEAngRYoQHThWbf-pOW33B64x20DOBnqStbW5rdZFwB2KAm7oyhCgpeiUIyRljIYpL~xOjPjjNbI7QWQdd4WS2E4NGfzKqqUUZ~Mv7~BmH5xRWzHvLflYEl6U681VEJ9K0ret9Lhkezi7ip1Ue4S-Ak2vivQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff and aldermen debated multiple parks capital requests on Aug. 26 as part of the 2026 capital fund review, with the splash pad, pickleball courts and trail maintenance prompting the most discussion.

Scott (staff) presented the parks packet and said the top requests included maintenance for ballfields and turf, a splash pad at Vets Park and a new pickleball complex planned for 2027. He also noted two late additions: a trail design request related to a We Energies corridor and a trail maintenance line item.

Splash pad: two options and timing

Staff presented two splash‑pad cost options for 2026: an $800,000 configuration that includes two heated restrooms for year‑round access and full mechanical systems, and a $500,000 configuration without built restrooms (a vault toilet instead). The higher option would include utilities (electric, water, storm/sanitary as needed) and the lower option would limit on‑site restroom construction.

Aldermen expressed the splash pad is a community “want” rather than a near‑term need given competing priorities. One alderman said it should be deferred: \"I feel like it's definitely a want. It's not a need,\" he said. Another asked for operating and maintenance cost estimates; staff said they had requested recurring maintenance quotes from vendors but did not yet have annual maintenance figures. Insurance and potential seasonal staff needs were raised; staff said routine operations for a splash pad can be low‑staff if designed to be push‑button activated, but that insurance and vendor maintenance costs would apply. The committee signaled a preference to defer the splash pad from 2026 to 2028 for further budget consideration.

Pickleball courts and partnerships

A request for a 12‑court pickleball complex was shown for 2027. A private pickleball group previously pledged $300,000 toward the project; earlier plans for a larger 16‑court facility had been scaled back. Staff said the planned site would reuse existing parking at Moreland Park and avoid a new parking lot and that Moreland would also receive a pavilion with restrooms in a related 2027 item.

Council and public comments showed mixed views: some residents and aldermen favor a municipal facility; others worried about converting school courts and about neighborhood noise and traffic near Moreland Park. Staff noted that the outdoor municipal program currently generates roughly $40,000 per year from pickleball activity and that a private operator could supplant that revenue if a private facility were built in town.

Trails and maintenance

A $25,000 placeholder for trail maintenance was discussed. Staff said they will perform PASER‑style ratings on trails this fall (concurrent with road PASER ratings) and return with a prioritized maintenance plan and cost estimates. A number of aldermen urged tying trail work into road projects to gain contractor economies of scale where feasible. One alderman asked to delay formal funding until staff completes the fall rating and returns with a report.

Other park items

- Park Arthur: annual turf maintenance and replacement fund. Staff reported Park Arthur generates about $65,000 a year in use fees; that fund is being built to pay for turf replacement (estimated replacement cost for Fields 1–3 roughly $350,000 if replaced together in the future) and to offset routine maintenance.

- Boat ramp dredging (Late to Noon launch): staff proposed about $135,000 in 2026 for dredging around the city‑owned launch to improve boat access; design and permitting work is underway.

- Dog park and other small capital: committee verbally agreed to defer a proposed dog park capital item from 2026 to 2028 rather than remove it from the five‑year plan.

What the committee decided

The committee did not finalize a vote on the splash pad; members indicated a preference to defer the splash pad discussion into later budget work sessions (one alderman suggested moving it to 2028). The dog park capital line was deferred to 2028. Staff will return with trail PASER ratings and more detailed maintenance estimates as requested.

Quotes

\"This is definitely a want. It's not a need,\" an alderman said about the splash pad, adding that the city’s funding choices should prioritize public safety and roads. Scott (staff) said the splash pad was the top public parks request in recent surveys and that the decision is one of priorities.

Provenance: Parks capital discussion, parks items and splash pad debate occurred in the 2026 capital fund review portion of the Aug. 26 meeting.","Council reviewed 2026 park capital requests including an $800,000 splash pad (or $500,000 without restrooms), trail maintenance, Park Arthur turf upkeep and a 2027 pickleball complex. Aldermen expressed concern about timing and ongoing operating costs; staff recommended delaying some items until budget clarity.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City finance adviser outlines $5 million every‑other‑year borrowing plan to accelerate road work

Public works asks for phased equipment replacements and new cold‑storage facility; council flagged cost and siting questions

Sewer and water upgrades prioritized: landfill force main, lift station repairs and SCADA work cited as near‑term needs

Committee debates parks capital slate; splash pad and pickleball draw biggest pushback