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Votes at a glance: Janesville council approves financing, TIF deal, equipment orders and property acquisition
Summary
At its Feb. 24 meeting the Janesville Common Council approved a series of measures including a $22.16 million promissory-note authorization, a TIF jobs agreement for 40 jobs, an engine order for the fire department, multiple public-works contracts, a purchase of 1212 S. Jackson Street, and a resolution recognizing March as Women’s History Month.
The Janesville Common Council took a series of formal actions Feb. 24. Most measures passed unanimously and are summarized below; the council approved each item by voice vote unless noted.
• Women’s History Month proclamation (Resolution 2025-2319): The council adopted a resolution proclaiming March 2025 as Women’s History Month in Janesville. The resolution was presented to Edie Baron of the Zonta Club of Janesville, who described International Women’s Day programming on March 6. Outcome: approved unanimously.
• Fire engine order (Consent item 6e): The council authorized staff to order a replacement fire apparatus. Deputy Fire Chief John McManus and Fire Chief Bridal Murphy explained the resolution authorizes placing the order; no payment is required until later as determined by the council and finance director, though the vendor, FWD Seagrave of Clintonville, Wisconsin, can accept prepayment if the finance director recommends it. Outcome: approved unanimously.
• General obligation promissory notes, $22,160,000 (Resolution 2025-2306): Finance Director David Goudaik presented a details resolution authorizing issuance of $22,160,000 in general obligation promissory notes (Series 2025) to fund the adopted 2025 capital improvement plan. The finance director said the debt metrics fall within Council Policy 75 limits. Council approved the resolution; the council will return March 10 to award the sale of the notes to the lowest bidder and set interest rates. Outcome: approved unanimously.
• TIF development jobs agreement with CATA LLC (Resolution 2025-2317): The council approved a pay-as-you-go tax-increment financing jobs agreement within TID 42 to support CATA LLC’s relocation to 1809 Adele Street. The agreement provides a 10-year incentive (payable from TID revenue) tied to the creation and retention of 40 full-time, living-wage-equivalent jobs; the maximum incentive over 10 years is $185,920 (approximately $4,648 per job over the term). CATA representatives said the company currently employs 42 people and expects to maintain those jobs in Janesville. Outcome: approved unanimously.
• Award of public-works contracts (C2025-3, C2025-4, C2025-5): The council awarded contracts for 2025 new and replacement sidewalks, curb-and-gutter/sidewalk replacement, and water and sewer system improvements. Staff reported reference checks were completed for a contractor based outside the immediate area and recommended award to the lowest responsive bidders. Outcome: approved unanimously.
• Purchase of 1212 South Jackson Street (reconvened open session): After an executive-session negotiation, the council reconvened and approved the negotiated purchase of the property at 1212 S. Jackson St. for $138,000 plus relocation and related acquisition costs, conditioned on the property owner waiving appeal rights. The motion was made by Councilmember Miller and seconded by Councilmember Jackson; the council approved the agreement. Outcome: approved (vote recorded in open session as approved).
Other procedural items: The council referred a proposed vacation of a portion of Prairie Avenue and a rezoning request for properties at 1211 and 1230 Prairie Avenue to the Plan Commission and scheduled public hearings for April 14.
A fuller record of each motion, including ordinance and resolution numbers, appears below.
