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West Bend council backs regional planning commission as county withholds funding
Summary
After a presentation from Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission staff, the West Bend council approved a resolution urging continued regional planning support as Washington County’s withdrawal and budget omission put services and federal grant eligibility at risk.
The West Bend Common Council voted unanimously April 20 to express support for continued regional planning services after a presentation from representatives of the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC).
SEWRPC Executive Director Stephanie Hacker told the council that Washington County’s decision to omit its contribution from the 2026–27 biennial budget and a separate December 2025 resolution to withdraw from the commission will take effect June 17, 2026, and threatens local access to technical planning services and some state and federal grant eligibility. “We serve as the region’s regional planning commission,” Hacker said, noting the commission’s three designations and that the body has provided planning services to communities in the region for 66 years.
Chris Hebert, the commission’s MPO director, explained the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s role in producing the long-range regional transportation plan and the transportation improvement program that communities must reference to access federal transportation dollars.
Council members pressed staff about the cost to the city if the county’s withdrawal continues and whether West Bend could assume membership directly. Hacker and commission staff said an exact city-level cost would require calculating the city’s 2025 equalized value and the commission’s levy rate; the commission’s recent levy rate was cited as 0.00079 for 2026. “You could consider that,” Hacker said of city membership, adding the commission would work with counsel and staff on legal and budget implications.
City officials said they would review the budget mechanics and the value of services lost if Washington County’s actions stand. The council approved a motion to support the commission’s work and to remain engaged as the commission’s executive committee and full commission consider next steps and the 2027 budget.
The committee and commission are scheduled to meet May 21 and June 17, 2026, respectively; SEWRPC staff asked municipalities to stay engaged during that process.
