West Bend council urges continued regional planning funding as Washington County withdrawal looms

The West Bend Common Council on April 20 heard a detailed briefing from the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and voted to support continued local contributions after Washington County signaled it would stop payments and filed a withdrawal effective June 17, 2026.

Stephanie Hacker, the commission’s executive director, told the council the commission carries three statutory roles — regional planning commission, metropolitan planning organization and area water-quality planning agency — and provides technical staff across planning, engineering and environmental disciplines. Hacker said the county’s 2026–27 budget did not include the usual $197,275 contribution and that the county adopted a withdrawal resolution in December 2025 that will take effect in mid‑June.

Chris Heert, the commission’s metropolitan planning director, described how the body’s long-range transportation plan and the Transportation Improvement Program are prerequisites for communities in the region to receive federal transportation funds. Ben McKay, deputy director, outlined the commission’s role in sanitary sewer service-area planning and suggested that long-dated planning products for the region (some dating to the 1970s) may need updating.

Council members asked whether the county provided a reason for the funding decision; commission staff said the county’s public explanation centered on fiscal priorities. City staff and council members pressed the commission for a clear estimate of what the city would owe if it became a direct member rather than being covered through county participation; the commission said the levy rate is very small historically (the commission cited a 2026 levy rate of roughly 0.000079) and offered to work with the city to supply a specific dollar estimate.

After questions, the council voted to approve a resolution expressing support for continued county funding of the regional planning commission and asking that the county reconsider the withdrawal or otherwise preserve the services Washington County communities rely on. The motion carried by voice vote.

The commission said its executive committee meets May 21 and its full commission meets at the end of the body’s annual schedule; those meetings will shape next steps for services in Washington County.