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Waunakee board terminates TID No. 5; debates but delays decision on Murphy’s Mill purchase
Summary
The board voted to formally terminate Tax Increment District No. 5 as required while confirming prior affordable-housing transfers; trustees discussed options for Murphy’s Mill (boundary/easement cleanup, nonprofit uses, RFP or interim landlord) but declined to authorize purchase negotiations pending a clearer comprehensive-plan vision and price clarity.
The Waunakee Village Board approved a resolution formally terminating Tax Increment District (TID) No. 5, while reaffirming that the previously discussed transfer for an affordable-housing project remains intact as agreed during an earlier short extension.
Staff reminded the board that the district was extended briefly in January to permit an affordable-housing transfer but must be terminated by April 15; the resolution in the packet effectuates that termination and begins the district’s final audit and wrap-up.
Separately, trustees revisited the question of whether the village should pursue purchase of the historic Murphy’s Mill property at 105 E. Second St. Staff presented options: acquire to resolve easement and boundary issues that make the lot difficult to market; rehabilitate for nonprofit or public uses; issue an RFP for redevelopment after resolving site constraints; or act as an interim commercial landlord. Several trustees said they would consider acquisition only if price and a clear downtown vision — forthcoming from the comprehensive-plan process — justified it. Other trustees opposed acquisition now because of uncertain costs and the building’s expected rehabilitation needs. No motion was made to negotiate a purchase at the meeting.
Staff encouraged residents to weigh in on the comp-plan survey (wani2040waunakee.com) to inform downtown visioning and future decisions about sites such as Murphy’s Mill.
