BID board approves $30,000 for downtown watering after debate over long-term costs

The Downtown West Bend BID board approved a one-year contract for maintenance and watering of downtown plantings, authorizing up to $30,000 from BID funds for the 2025 season.

The action came after extended public comment and board debate about whether the BID should fund what some members called an ongoing city responsibility. Kevin Steiner, who said he represents a private donor group that helped fund a downtown master plan and the plant purchases, told the board the private group had agreed a memorandum of understanding with the city that “the city has accepted responsibility for the planting, maintenance, and watering of these plants and trees.” Steiner also said the private group contributed about $275,000 toward the greening project and the master plan, bringing its private-sector contribution to roughly $400,000 when combined with the plan’s cost.

Board members discussed where BID funds would come from. A board member clarified that the proposal would draw on three budget lines — marketing, the fund for future projects and the landscaping line — and that “between those 3 lines… it would cover the full cost, not to exceed the $50,000” originally proposed. Multiple board members said the $50,000 figure felt large; the board moved instead to authorize $30,000 for one year so the project could proceed while parties measured actual costs.

Paul (board member) made the motion to allocate the $30,000 for landscaping for one year; Carissa/Carissa’s clerk conducted the roll call and the board approved the motion.

The vendor named in agenda materials is Scott’s Landscaping; the contract term covers the current season through roughly mid-September and covers watering, weeding and related maintenance of hanging baskets, planters and newly planted trees. Board members emphasized the contract is a one-year commitment and does not bind the BID to future years.

Opponents said the expense could crowd out other BID programs if it becomes recurring. One speaker warned “this is not a 1 time deal” and said costs could exceed the budget in a very hot summer. Supporters said the BID, private donors and city officials should collaborate on a longer-term funding plan.

The board also clarified that the city had indicated a backstop: if watering costs exceed what the BID funds, the city would address amounts beyond the BID’s approved allotment.

The board approved the $30,000 not-to-exceed allocation for this year; the contract arrangement will draw from existing BID budget lines and lasts for the 2025 season only.