Council adopts financing approach to protect tax rate, approves proclamations and routine consent items

At its May 5 meeting the Middleton Common Council took several formal actions: it approved proclamations, consent‑agenda items, committee appointments and adopted a financing approach for 2026 borrowing that staff said will keep the city's equalized tax rate level.

Financing: After hearing three community campus financing scenarios, the council voted to adopt "option B," a front‑loaded principal repayment structure designed to maintain the equalized tax rate while accommodating planned borrowing for a potential community campus. Todd Taves and finance staff estimated note sizing at $4.49 million for the 2026 general obligation notes and recommended a competitive sale; the council directed staff to proceed with the level‑rate (option B) approach. (Todd Taves; Bill)

Consent and contracts: Council approved the consent agenda including awards to Rickert & Milke for engineering design and bidding services for the Pheasant Branch Conservancy trailhead not to exceed $154,700 (subject to city attorney review). Other routine items, ordinances (second reading) and committee reappointments were also adopted by voice vote. (Mayor Hanayro)

Proclamations: Council unanimously approved proclamations honoring Meals Matter (Week Against Hunger), Emergency Medical Services Week, National Travel & Tourism Week, Older Americans Month and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month; student and community representatives spoke during proclamations. (Mayor Hanayro; Meals Matter students)

Resolution: Council approved Resolution 2026‑16 authorizing use of general contingency funds for an emergency boiler replacement at the police station.

Provenance: actions and votes documented in consent agenda, proclamation and financing agenda items of the transcript.