Port Washington council hears 2026 budget preview, approves easements and an alcohol license transfer
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Summary
The common council heard a condensed presentation of the proposed 2026 city budget, received construction and public‑safety updates, and approved several routine items: a resolution recognizing migratory bird day, two easements to We Energies to bury power lines, and a transfer of an alcohol license to a new premises.
Port Washington city officials on Oct. 21 heard a condensed presentation of the proposed 2026 budget, received updates on the public safety building and library renovation, and approved multiple routine items including two easements with We Energies and an alcohol license transfer.
City Administrator Melissa (last name not specified in the record) presented highlights of the 2026 budget package, a 158‑page document she said she had condensed into 17 slides. She said the general fund budget increase is about 4% after department consolidations and noted the city faces challenges including a recent large health‑insurance increase and state levy limits.
"This chart sort of outlines our increase for the general fund budget is 4%." Melissa said the city is pausing purchases of new vehicles and equipment for 2026, consolidating positions in parks & rec and in utilities, and focusing on retaining staff and refining services. She said large ongoing capital projects include wastewater and water treatment plant upgrades and a new public safety building; the library renovation and lighthouse restoration were funded in part by state grants.
Public safety and construction updates Public safety construction is advancing, city staff reported. The public safety building is closing in on enclosure, with structural steel finishing and mechanical, electrical and plumbing roughed in. City staff said the project is on schedule and under budget with contingencies remaining; a signed beam that traveled to local schools and the senior center will be installed in mid‑November.
Council actions and votes The council approved several items with unanimous voice votes recorded as "aye" on the record: a resolution recognizing Oct. 11 as Migratory Bird Day, the consent agenda (two items), approval of an easement to We Energies to bury power lines near Hales Trail (staff recommended a 12‑foot easement behind the sidewalk) and another easement to bury lines on Whitefish Road (staff said We Energies agreed to accommodate existing park structures in the easement area). The council also approved the transfer of a Class A alcohol license for Locally Inspired LLC to a new premises (302 N. Franklin Street) through the licensing year.
On the Whitefish Road easement, staff said the work will remove overhead lines in Whitefish Park and is expected to be performed by boring where needed; the company will also replace street lighting in the broader project area at no charge to the city. On Hales Trail staff noted the easement is unrelated to the Vantage project and was part of earlier We Energies plans to improve reliability.
Budget details and next steps Melissa said the city’s total assessed value rose by about $531 million after a state‑required reassessment and noted the city's mill‑rate impact if levies remain stable: an estimated $229 annual city portion for a $400,000 assessed value (about $19 per month). She said property taxes account for roughly 32% of revenues; the city also relies on state aids (about 35%), charges for services and other fees.
The budget timeline: the council will hold a public hearing and take action on the budget on Nov. 4. Melissa said full budget materials and department updates are posted on the city's website.
Votes at a glance - Resolution recognizing Oct. 11 as Migratory Bird Day — motion carried (voice vote: aye). - Consent agenda (two items) — motion carried (voice vote: aye). - Easement to We Energies for electric utility along Hales Trail — approved (motion carried, voice vote: aye). - Easement to We Energies for electric utility on Whitefish Road (Whitefish Park) — approved (motion carried, voice vote: aye). - Transfer of Class A alcohol license to Locally Inspired LLC (new premises at 302 N. Franklin Street) — approved (motion carried, voice vote: aye).
Ending: City staff encouraged residents to consult the city's FAQ and posted materials for more details on the budget and project information. The council adjourned after a second public comment period.
