Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Capital Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
West Bend explores using $2.5 million in one‑time funds, council leans toward roads
Summary
City officials reviewed options for $2.5 million in one‑time revenues (sale of UW campus share plus a state grant) and signaled support for directing a large share to roads while reserving some funds for equipment and facilities; final allocations will return to a future agenda.
City officials on June 15 discussed how to allocate $2.5 million in one‑time funds and signaled a clear preference to direct much of the money toward repairing streets.
City Administrator Jesse told the finance committee the money consists of $1.3 million realized from sale of the city’s share of the UW campus and a $1.2 million state grant tied to costs for Fire Station 1. “I am recommending to the council … to consider utilizing these funds to address capital needs,” Jesse said, stressing the revenue is one‑time and advising that projects should be outside tax incremental financing districts.
Jesse outlined three broad options: apply funds toward fire station debt service, reallocate some borrowed funds and use cash for other capital needs, or maintain planned borrowing and use the one‑time money to accelerate projects. Departments submitted priority lists including road projects (lead lateral replacement, mill & overlay), facilities (restroom and elevator upgrades, library generator), parks improvements and equipment replacement (sweepers, refuse trucks, excavators).
Multiple committee members urged directing most of the funds to roads. One councilor said constituents favor using the $1.3 million from the building sale for pavement repairs, and others argued for a split that would accelerate the road program while still allowing funding for critical equipment. “If you put $2 million [toward roads] you’re going to get two sections of road basically,” a councilor said, urging realistic expectations about how much pavement the money will cover.
Staff said the city has the flexibility to spend equipment dollars immediately if items are available, or to earmark cash in the 2027 budget to double up road projects and associated design and bidding work. The committee did not take a final vote; members instructed staff to return with proposals and more detailed cost estimates so the council can decide during the upcoming budget cycle.
