The Fort Atkinson City Council on April 3 approved a slate of ordinances, resolutions and purchases, including termination of Tax Incremental District No. 8 and a zoning change that creates an infill single‑family lot at 333 Lincoln Avenue.

City Manager Hausman told the council the TID was created as a mixed‑use district and later amended to act as a donor to the Clement Business Park. Hausman said the district “supported millions of dollars of additional value” and that closing it will return increment above the base to the tax rolls; staff estimated the city would receive about $390,000 in additional annual tax revenue beginning in 2026 using the 2024 mill rate. The council adopted a resolution directing the city clerk to file the paperwork with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue by April 15.

Council members also approved a third reading and adoption of a zoning map amendment that rezones 333 Lincoln Avenue from UMU (Urban Mixed Use) to SR‑7 (Single‑Family Residential 7) to allow an infill lot. City staff said required certified survey map work has been completed and the lot meets zoning dimensions.

Other approved items included: acceptance of a contractor proposal to crack‑fill and repaint courts at Rock River Park and repaint one court at Ralph Park; authorization to purchase and install a new circulation pump strainer at the Fort Atkinson Aquatic Center; approval to purchase a large‑diameter fire hose for the fire department; authorization to carry over $325,034.73 of 2024 funds into 2025; and approval of the city’s 2024 annual recycling report to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Each item was brought to the council as part of the consent or new business agenda and carried on voice vote.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution terminating TID No. 8 (file with Wisconsin Department of Revenue by April 15): approved (voice vote). Manager Hausman explained expected revenue returned to taxing jurisdictions and noted staff engagement of auditors to complete the final TID audit.

- Zoning map amendment for 333 Lincoln Avenue (UMU → SR‑7): approved (third reading, voice vote). Building and zoning administrator Dreger said a certified survey map has been recorded and the proposal meets ordinance requirements.

- Proclamations declaring National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 13–19, 2025), National Library Week (April 6–12, 2025), and Fair Housing Month (April 2025): each approved (voice votes) and will be signed by the council president.

- Carryover of selected 2024 funds to 2025 (total $325,034.73): approved (voice vote). Manager Hausman presented a list of recurring program and project carryovers such as corridor planning, fire department uniform purchases (donation), and small park or recreation items.

- Midwest SealCoat LLC contract for crack fill and repainting at Rock River Park and painting at Ralph Park: approved (voice vote); total project $21,400, to be funded from the 2025 CIP and park supply account for the $400 shortfall.

- Authorization to accept a proposal for purchase and installation of a circulation pump strainer at the Fort Atkinson Aquatic Center: approved (voice vote); cost not to exceed $7,725.

- Purchase of large‑diameter fire hose for Engine 8163 from McQueen Equipment: approved (voice vote); cost $16,168.50, under the 2025 CIP budget amount.

- Approval of the City of Fort Atkinson 2024 annual recycling report to the Wisconsin DNR and authorization for staff to sign: approved (voice vote). The city reported 920.12 tons recycled in 2024 and an estimated DNR recycling grant of $35,201.74.

Formal roll call

A roll‑call vote was recorded only for the verified claims item (claims authorization): Councilman Becker, Councilman Jackel, Councilman Johnson, Councilman Schultz and the council president each voted “aye” (motion approved 5–0).

What it means

Council action will start the TID closeout process and return future increment to taxing jurisdictions; staff said a final audit will be submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. The zoning change allows creation of an infill single‑family lot; the capital purchases are funded through the 2025 capital improvements program or existing fund balances. Several proclamations were ceremonial and carry no fiscal impact.