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BID board adopts 2026 operating plan; members discuss downtown skyline lighting upgrade
Summary
The West Bend Downtown BID board approved the 2026 operating plan and assessment rates largely unchanged from 2025 and discussed a downtown lighting study funded by the West Bend Insurance Foundation and potential LED upgrades; staff noted carryover funds and the need to pursue grants or owner contributions for a system replacement.
The Downtown Business Improvement District board voted to adopt the draft 2026 operating plan at its Sept. 2 meeting after a presentation from BID staff outlining proposed line items and anticipated assessment rolls.
John (last name not provided), BID staff, walked the board through the operating plan packet (starting on page 10 of the meeting materials) and explained the packet included the anticipated assessment roll, project cost summaries and comparisons between the adopted 2025 budget, a 2026 draft and the proposed 2026 budget. Staff reported the board’s assessment rate itself remained unchanged from the prior year; property value increases produced a modest change in effective assessed amounts.
John said the budget included standard recurring items and noted several line adjustments: marketing was shown with an anticipated carryover that would keep effective marketing spending at roughly the prior $10,000 level; an increase for lights and decorations (an increase staff cited as $34,050) to cover additional holiday ornaments and installations; façade improvements were held at $30,000; and landscaping was trimmed slightly while preserving a roughly $10,000 carryover for a BID cleaning program. Staff also noted carryover funds that reduce the undesignated fund balance relative to the previous year but leave flexibility for projects.
The board voted to adopt the 2026 operating plan by voice vote; the transcript records the motion and a unanimous “aye” but does not record named movers or a roll call tally.
Board members then discussed the downtown skyline lighting system. Rebecca (last name not provided), a board member who called in, said she and Tracy recently observed that building skyline lighting was “spotty at best” and asked whether façade grant money could be deployed to restore lighting. John and other board members explained the skyline lighting system is decades old; some building owners or contractors have disconnected sections during roof or tuck‑pointing work and portions of the incandescent system are obsolete and difficult to repair. The board said West Bend Insurance Foundation funds have been committed to a downtown lighting plan to examine street, bridge and architectural lighting including skyline lighting, and that the city has met with Steiner Electric to discuss upgrades.
Staff said an LED upgrade would lower electric costs and reduce maintenance; the board discussed using future projects funds, seeking grants and requesting possible owner contributions to cover replacement costs. No specific procurement or funding commitment was made at the meeting beyond direction to complete the lighting plan and follow an RFP process if upgrades are pursued.
The operating plan adoption was the principal formal action under this agenda item; staff will return with more detailed plans and cost estimates for any lighting upgrades.
