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Town of Verona emphasizes open space, warns of recent annexation losses
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Summary
Town Chair Mark Heller told the Chamber that the town prioritizes open space and conservation subdivisions requiring 30% reserved open space. He detailed the township’s land-use rules, staff structure, and said the town has lost acreage to annexation and county park purchases, which affects tax receipts.
Town Chair Mark Heller used the Verona Chamber forum to describe the township’s approach to land use, open‑space preservation and the pressures of annexation.
Heller said the town’s comprehensive plan and a land‑division ordinance require conservation subdivisions with a 30% open‑space reservation and stewardship plans; he described restoration of prairie habitat in many new neighborhoods and listed regional amenities such as Magic Prairie Park, Prairie Moraine and the Ice Age Trail as assets the town protects.
Heller outlined government structure (a five‑member elected board, plan commission and public‑works responsibilities), staff roles and conservative fiscal practice. "The town remains debt free while continuing to provide quality services for residents," he said, noting that the town typically pays for equipment purchases and uses grant funding for bridge work and culvert repair.
On annexation, Heller reported that the town has steadily ceded land over recent years to neighboring municipal annexations and county park purchases; he said the town lost 382 acres in February 2026 and presented a figure for the assessed property‑tax value of that acreage as $3,470 during his remarks. He explained that much of the land lost was farmland taxed at a lower rate, and that annexation reduces the township’s tax base.
Heller also noted minimum lot sizes under the new subdivision rules (1.2 acres) and said the town tries to coordinate with Dane County and neighboring municipalities on zoning and infrastructure. He closed by inviting questions and offering to remain for discussion after the presentation.
