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Middleton readies outreach for stormwater utility referendum; public information meeting set for Oct. 2
Summary
City staff reviewed the communications plan for a stormwater utility referendum, including mailers, bill inserts and an Oct. 2 public information meeting. Staff emphasized simple messaging, noted absentee ballots had started mailing, and councilors raised concerns about perceived fairness for small‑lot owners and question formats during public Q&A.
City of Middleton staff presented a public outreach plan for a planned stormwater utility referendum and discussed how to explain the change to residents.
Staff said absentee ballots began to be mailed and that the communications team will distribute a two‑page mailer and a follow‑up postcard ahead of an October 2 public information meeting in council chambers. Brent McHenry, identified by staff as the city's communications officer, is leading the outreach effort and will make the primary presentations.
Councilors and staff discussed expected public questions and messaging strategies. Attendees asked how the utility fee will affect owners of very small lots, how the utility charge differs from property taxes, and whether the city should show a sample utility bill to clarify where the stormwater charge will appear. One councilor asked staff to keep presentations "very simplistic" and avoid getting bogged down in individual backyard issues during public sessions.
Why it matters: The referendum will shift some stormwater funding from the general fund to a dedicated utility charge, which can change the visibility of stormwater costs on household bills and raise equity questions about how fees are apportioned.
Details from the meeting
- Public meeting and materials: A public information meeting is scheduled for October 2; the city will send a two‑page mailer and a postcard to residents and post translated materials online.
- Staffing and presentation: Brent McHenry (communications officer) and staff (Eric, Bill Burns and others) will present and respond to Q&A; alder members are expected to host additional sessions.
- Common concerns: Councilors flagged expected pushback about fairness for small lot owners and recommended emphasizing clear comparisons and simple visuals rather than dense slide decks.
Next steps
Staff will finalize mailers and the FAQ, prepare a short, clear slide presentation for the Oct. 2 meeting, and coordinate alder‑led outreach sessions. No formal policy decision occurred at the meeting; the briefing focused on outreach logistics and message testing.
