Delavan council adopts 2026 budget and approves grants, engineering contracts, ordinances and appointments

The Delavan Common Council on Nov. 17 adopted the 2026 budget, approved a resolution abating a portion of the 2025 property tax levy for 2026 principal and interest payments, and approved a series of routine finance and operations items.

Highlights of the meeting’s votes include: a facade improvement grant for Hiney's Cafe for up to $1,814.07; an engineering proposal with Baxter & Woodman for East Geneva Street storm sewer design not to exceed $72,300; a 2026 municipal engineering services agreement with Baxter & Woodman at a reduced rate of $100 per hour for up to 400 hours; authorization of an interfund transfer from the general fund to the capital fund (amount recorded in the packet; transcript wording was unclear); declaration of a street department paint striper as surplus property; and approval of the bills.

On operations and code changes, council approved a new four-way stop at North 4th Street and Dallas Street following neighborhood concerns about a recent accident. The council adopted municipal code revisions related to the tourism commission and room tax and updated the bicycle chapter to include e-bikes and mobility devices (the ordinance was clarified to not apply to private property). Council also approved an ordinance amending city administrative code section 2-3-2.

Appointments approved included Kyle Watkins to the planning commission (partial term to April 2027) and Debbie Miller to the Police and Fire Commission (partial term to April 2026). The council recessed to a closed session under Wisconsin Statutes §19.85 to deliberate municipal contracts and property matters including interim building inspection services and the Hunter's Lane contract.

Most motions were passed by voice vote or roll call as noted in the meeting record. Several items were described in committee reports earlier in the meeting and were supported by committee recommendations.