Plan Commission recommends expanding TID 9 and creating TID 11 to fund infrastructure despite resident concerns

Chairperson Manager Hausman presided over the Fort Atkinson Plan Commission meeting on June 23, at which the commission voted to recommend to the City Council an amendment to Tax Incremental District (TID) 9 and the creation of TID 11.

Rebecca (staff member) presented both project plans and explained the TID mechanism, noting references in the packet to the Department of Revenue TIF manual. She said the TID 9 territory amendment would add Cash Cow Estates to allow public infrastructure financing and listed eligible expenditures including platting, public infrastructure improvements, stormwater work and pedestrian/bicycle connections; the project pro forma in the packet anticipates about $45 million in construction increment and includes $2.5 million in new debt service for the amended area with expenditures shown as recovered in 2041 and closure exposure noted in the packet.

Rebecca (staff member) said TID 11 would be a mixed‑use district that incorporates formerly TID 6 land (Clement Business Park) and additional territory to support development and public improvements, including Janesville Avenue corridor improvements, utilities extensions and trail/park work. The project pro forma included in the packet anticipates about $90 million in construction increment, with expenditures projected as recovered in 2047 and an anticipated TID closure date noted in the packet.

At the TID 9 public hearing, resident Chris Figaski (1681 Isla Street) urged caution and said the plan provides an 11‑year window for action but “no specific timeline to help the residents of Koshkonong Estates make any plans.” Figaski also raised ongoing wetland and water intrusion in the neighborhood and "requested that Commissioner Schultz recuse himself from any decisions as he does have a financial interest in this project as he is a property owner in Koshkonong Estates." Commissioner Schultz responded on the record that he owns a home in the subdivision but said he does not have a development interest beyond his residence and that he believes he can evaluate the matter fairly and objectively.

Commissioners asked staff whether a construction timetable exists; Rebecca (staff member) said, “I wouldn’t feel comfortable guaranteeing a timeline on it,” and outlined that typical next steps if a TID is approved are platting, design and then infrastructure construction. Staff also said the city has spent the past 18 months on wetland studies in the Koshkonong Estates area to identify developable parcels and to assess engineering approaches for roads and water mitigation, work that would continue if the TID is approved.

Commissioners also discussed connectivity opportunities if a small adjacent non‑city parcel were annexed — staff (Jennifer, a representative from Baird) said they would check statutory timing and eligibility for including such a parcel in the half‑mile improvement radius.

After public hearings and discussion, the Plan Commission adopted resolutions recommending the TID 9 territory amendment and the creation of TID 11 to the City Council; both motions carried by voice vote. Rebecca (staff member) noted the City Council will review the matters on July 7 and the Joint Review Board is scheduled to meet again July 27 for final action.

The commission heard two public commenters on the TID items: Figaski (opposed/concerned) and Todd Wilken (property owner/developer), who expressed support for TID 11. The Plan Commission’s recommendation now advances to the City Council and additional Joint Review Board review.