The West Bend Common Council meeting on September 22, 2025, highlighted significant financial decisions impacting the city's parks and urban forestry initiatives.

The finance committee kicked off the evening by approving minutes from previous meetings without any corrections. The first major agenda item was the approval of a resolution authorizing the sale and appropriation of funds from surplus equipment in the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department. A 25-year-old lawnmower was auctioned for $7,050, and the committee proposed using these funds to help cover an unexpected $10,000 repair cost for a utility vehicle, which requires extensive work.

Next, the council discussed a resolution for an urban forestry grant aimed at enhancing the city’s tree management efforts. This grant, which involves a 50-50 cost-sharing arrangement with the Department of Natural Resources, seeks to develop a comprehensive forestry master plan. The plan includes updating the current urban forestry strategies, supporting tree planting programs, and providing ongoing staff education. The total grant request is $25,000, which the city will match with existing budgeted funds.

Both resolutions were met with unanimous support from the council, reflecting a commitment to maintaining and improving West Bend's green spaces and infrastructure. The meeting concluded with no further business, marking a productive session focused on enhancing community resources.