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West Bend committee leans toward using $2.5M one‑time funds for roads
Summary
City staff briefed the Finance Committee on $2.5 million in one‑time revenue (sale proceeds plus state grant). Members favored directing a substantial portion to road repairs—options discussed included a 50/50 or 2/3–1/3 split with remaining funds for capital equipment and facilities.
City administration told the Finance Committee on June 15 that West Bend has $2.5 million in one‑time revenues available for capital use, and committee members largely favored allocating a large share to roads. Administrator Jesse said the total derives from $1.3 million in proceeds from the sale of the city’s share of the UW campus plus a $1.2 million state grant linked to Fire Station One. "These are one‑time funds," Jesse said, and recommended the council consider using them for non‑TID capital needs.
Jesse outlined three options: apply $1.2 million against fire‑station debt and use the remainder for projects; reallocate borrowed funds per the city’s financial advisor Ehlers; or maintain the city’s historical $4 million borrowing and use the one‑time funds to expand the 2027 capital program. "What I’m hearing is road work as a priority," Jesse told the committee.
Several committee members urged directing money to street repairs and mill‑and‑overlay projects to increase the number of roads addressed. One alderman urged using the $1.3 million portion (sale proceeds) exclusively for roads so the public can see that the sale financed neighborhood pavement work. Members discussed a possible 50/50 split between roads and other capital, or a two‑thirds to one‑third split favoring roads.
No final allocation was decided; staff will return with scenarios and cost estimates for specific road and equipment projects before the next budget cycle. The committee emphasized preserving the option of keeping 2027 borrowing levels while using the one‑time money to accelerate priority projects.
