West Bend Committee Explores Downtown Lighting Restoration and Upgrade Plans

The September 2, 2025, meeting of the Business Improvement District (BID) Board in West Bend, Wisconsin, focused on budget discussions and downtown lighting improvements. The meeting began with a review of the budget, where a request from Roots and Branches for $17.50 was approved. The water bill line item was consolidated into the overall water budget, which saw a slight increase from $7.78 to $1,500. The total budget was reported at $11,111.56, resulting in an undesignated fund of $2,322, slightly lower than the previous year’s $3,000, but still allowing for a balanced budget.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing concerns about the downtown lighting. Board members discussed the current state of the skyline lighting, which has suffered from disconnections due to building renovations over the years. A committee has been formed to develop a comprehensive downtown lighting plan, which will include street lights, architectural lighting, and improvements to the skyline lighting. The city has engaged with Steiner Electric to explore upgrading the existing incandescent lighting system to more efficient LED technology, which would reduce maintenance costs and energy consumption.

The board acknowledged the need for funding to support these lighting improvements, with approximately $100,000 available in the future projects account. Discussions included the potential for grants and contributions from local business owners to finance the upgrades. The board also noted that while the BID pays the electric bills for the lighting, property owners are not obligated to maintain the lights, leading to gaps in the lighting system.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the BID Board's commitment to enhancing the downtown area through budget management and lighting improvements. The next steps will involve finalizing the downtown lighting plan and exploring funding options to ensure the project moves forward effectively.