The Village of Hortonville Board on Dec. 4 adopted the 2026 budget (Resolution R-23-25) and took several routine actions including appointing election inspectors for 2026–2027, amending the personnel manual to clarify overtime for overnight painting, approving a We Energies easement in Miller Park, and adopting an ordinance on private sewer laterals.

Budget and tax levy: Staff presented the 2026 budget and explained a substantial drop in the tax levy is expected because the village’s equalized value increased by about $7 million after reassessment. Speaker 5 explained how assessed-value changes can shift tax bills for individual homeowners and provided an example showing a $150,000 property increasing to $210,000 at a 42% reassessment rate. After public hearing and discussion, Speaker 3 moved to approve Resolution R-23-25 adopting the 2026 budget and the tax levy; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call.

Personnel manual amendment: Trustees approved Resolution R-21-25 to amend the personnel manual to explicitly compensate staff who work overnight painting on public streets (e.g., Main Street reconstruction). The new language clarifies that staff who must work outside normal hours for that specific task will receive overtime or a call-out rate even if total hours do not exceed 40 for the week, addressing safety and staffing concerns raised during earlier committee meetings.

Elections and appointments: The board reappointed election inspectors for 2026–2027. The Republican party submitted a list of nominees but most were unavailable; one new name from the list, Katie Reel, was noted. The motion to appoint inspectors for 01/01/2026–12/31/2027 passed by roll call.

We Energies easement: The board granted a permanent 12-foot easement through Miller Park so We Energies can relocate a gas line in advance of a bridge replacement near Villa Park on Main Street. Officials said We Energies intends to bore under pavement where possible and restore affected areas to existing conditions; trustees confirmed the proposed easement will not impact signage or the parking lot.

Private sewer laterals ordinance: Trustees reviewed and approved ordinance O-6-25, adding section 42-1-25 to clarify collection of fees for private sewer laterals and establish special charges against properties where fees are not paid. The board confirmed notice requirements and that the ordinance number is O-6-25.

Votes at a glance: Resolution R-23-25 (2026 budget) — motion passed by roll call; Election inspectors appointment — approved by roll call; Resolution R-21-25 (personnel manual amendment) — approved by roll call; We Energies easement — approved by roll call; Ordinance O-6-25 (private sewer laterals) — approved by roll call. Several motions recorded multiple 'Aye' responses and chair announced motions carried.

The board recessed for a closed session under state statute 19.85(1)(g) to confer with legal counsel regarding litigation strategy related to a contract identified as BC3 and later adjourned at 7:51 p.m.