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Middleton council adopts cooperative plan amid resident objections to immediate annexation
Summary
After multiple residents urged delay, the Middleton Common Council approved a cooperative plan tied to Westport's proposed incorporation and added a staff directive to develop options for delaying transfers of specific parcels; the vote was unanimous.
Middleton Common Council on March 17 approved a cooperative plan among the town of Westport, the cities of Middleton and Madison, and the villages of DeForest and Wanaki that lays out how properties would be brought into Middleton if Westport moves forward with incorporation.
The vote followed an hour of public comment from residents living near the proposed boundary who said they were not notified in advance and asked the council to allow a 20‑year delay or tie transfer timing to future sales. John Hopkins, who said he recently completed a new home, told the council, "we were not told of anything of this that this was coming. Had we been told of something like that, we might have made a couple different decisions." Henry Laughenberg, whose family farm he said dates back more than a century, said he was "not one bit in favor" of being annexed into Middleton and called the property a legacy for his descendants.
Council members repeatedly stressed that adopting the cooperative plan does not itself change property boundaries. "Adoption of this agreement does not move any property boundaries by itself," a council member said, explaining that a separate ordinance would be required to finalize any transfers and that nothing takes effect unless Westport's incorporation is approved by the state.
Councilors acknowledged residents' financial concerns: a letter read into the record estimated a potential $7,000 annual tax increase for one property and possible loss of farmland preservation tax credits, estimated at $1,500 per year, if parcel classifications change. The council discussed mapping inconsistencies in the packet, the different timelines (immediate vs. 20‑year delays) applied to various parcels, and who should serve as the plan's point of contact.
To address those concerns, the council approved an amendment adding a new clause directing staff "to develop plans to address public comments and potential future amendments to the plan," and said it would pursue follow‑up conversations with Westport and affected property owners. The amended motion passed unanimously.
What the council approved tonight is the cooperative plan as recorded in the meeting packet and the additional staff directive; it does not by itself effectuate annexations or change municipal boundaries. Any future timing for individual parcel transfers, grandfathering, or changes to future land‑use maps would require separate ordinances and, where applicable, amendments to comprehensive plan elements.
Votes at a glance
- Resolution approving cooperative plan (recorded as resolution in packet): approved, unanimous vote; amendment added directing staff to develop plans to address public comments. - Proclamation declaring March 22, 2026 World Water Day: approved, unanimous vote. - Consent agenda: approved, unanimous vote.
Next steps
Council members said they expect to reengage with Westport and to formalize timing and any parcel‑specific amendments through subsequent ordinance action and map amendments should incorporation proceed.
