The West Bend Common Council on Jan. 5, 2026 voted to table Resolution 52, a measure signaling support for membership in the regional planning entity referred to in the meeting as "Sewer Pack," after councilors pressed for clearer cost information and a presentation from Sewer Pack representatives.

Why it matters: Council members said Washington County’s recent decision to withdraw from Sewer Pack may shift costs and data responsibilities to local municipalities. Several aldermen expressed concern that if the county’s levy-funded contribution stops, municipalities may have to contract privately for planning data and mapping previously available through Sewer Pack.

John Fellows, identified in the meeting as the presenter on behalf of the regional planning entity, said Sewer Pack serves as the metropolitan planning organization for parts of southeastern Wisconsin and provides data and GIS services that municipalities rely on. Fellows told the council that the commission "anticipates coordinating $7,500,000 in federal and state funding in 2026 to complement the $2,500,000 contributed annually by the six counties," and that Sewer Pack provides population projections, regional planning assistance and lower-cost technical services compared with private consultants.

Council members questioned whether there is a statutory alternative to Sewer Pack for serving as the MPO. Fellows replied that state statutes assign regional planning commissions that role and that no immediate alternative is available under current law.

Several council speakers asked whether the county’s decision would increase costs for West Bend. Fellows described the levy mechanism that funds the regional commission and provided levy-rate figures he said were in place (statutory cap cited as 0.003% of equalized value; quoted annual levies in the discussion were 0.0009 for 2024, 0.0008 for 2025 and 0.00079 for 2026). He also cited contribution figures for larger counties such as Milwaukee and Waukesha.

After discussion, a council member identified in the transcript as "Johnny" moved to table the resolution and John Fellows seconded the motion. Council members requested that Sewer Pack officials be invited back to provide an economic-impact briefing that would estimate the direct cost to West Bend if the city had to secure equivalent services independently. The council took a voice vote; the motion to table carried.

The next step: Council members asked staff to schedule a follow-up presentation by Sewer Pack and to gather clearer estimates of the fiscal impact to the city if the county’s levy contribution is not restored. The resolution remains on the council’s agenda for a future meeting once additional information is available.

Quote: "We need to ask those questions of Sewer Pack to get an understanding of what is the economic impact to the City of West Bend and the taxpayers of the City of West Bend," said an alderman during the meeting.

Ending: The council agreed to document any costs that arise if the city engages Sewer Pack directly or must otherwise retain private consultants; the item was tabled for a future informational presentation.