Rothschild board approves 2026 fee changes, updates recycling rules and appoints CVB representative

The Village of Rothschild Board on Dec. 8 approved a set of administrative and budget-related changes for 2026, including updates to the fee schedule, amendments to the village solid‑waste ordinance, and appointments to the regional Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Administrator Ryan VanDeWalle presented the proposed 2026 fee schedule. The board approved a 10% increase to Friday and Saturday pavilion rental rates for residential users and a 20% increase for non‑residential users for 2026 through 2030, and directed staff to negotiate a ballfield rental fee with the youth baseball league. The board postponed consideration of the Parkland Dedication Fee to a future meeting; the amount for that fee was not specified at the Dec. 8 meeting.

VanDeWalle and Clerk Elizabeth Felkner told the board that Marathon County is raising dog‑licensing costs; the village will pass those costs through to pet owners. The board approved the pet licensing fee increase as presented.

The board also approved Salary Resolution 2025‑09, which changes elected‑official pay for the 2026–2028 term for officials whose seats are up for election in that cycle.

Administrator of Public Works Timothy Vergara said Marathon County Solid Waste advised municipalities to update local ordinances after changes to Natural Resources Codes NR 500 and NR 542 and Wisconsin Administrative Code 544 that took effect in July 2025. The village amended Chapter 464, Section 464‑22, to add specific recycling‑to‑trash container ratios for multiple‑family dwellings and approved the amendment as presented.

Clerk Elizabeth Felkner presented the slate of election poll workers for the 2026–2027 season and cited State Statute 7.30(4)(a) on municipal nomination procedures; the board approved the nominations.

On procurement, the board approved purchasing a new office copier/scanner/printer from SOCS for $7,440 with quarterly payments of $340.50, citing long‑term maintenance and uniformity with existing office machines. The board took no action on a discussion about State Municipal Maintenance Agreements (SMMA) for Business 51 between Weston Avenue and Military Road after trustees raised concerns about jurisdiction and liability; Village President Dan Helgeson suggested consulting Cory Tomchak for a solution.

The board formally appointed Administrator Ryan VanDeWalle as the village's designated representative to the regional Convention & Visitors Bureau and Tourism Marketing Director Dave Brula as alternate.

Votes at a glance - Approval of Planning & Zoning meeting minutes (Sept. 8, 2025) and Village Board minutes (Nov. 24, 2025), with correction to Trustee Luedtke's vote: motion Stroik/Jablonski — carried 7–0. - Table amendment to Chapter 590, Section 590‑96.2 ("Temporary Structures"): motion Schremp/Stroik — carried 7–0. - Approve 2026 Fee Schedule with changes (pavilion increases; further action on parkland fee and ballfield rental): motion Jablonski/Schremp — carried 7–0. - Approve pet licensing fee increase (pass‑through of Marathon County rate changes): motion Schremp/Jablonski — carried 7–0. - Appoint Ryan VanDeWalle as CVB representative and Dave Brula as alternate: motion Jablonski/Luedtke — carried 7–0. - Approve Salary Resolution 2025‑09: motion Jablonski/Stroik — carried 7–0. - Amend Chapter 464 Solid Waste, Section 464‑22 (multi‑family recycling ratios): motion Stroik/Luedtke — carried 7–0. - Approve 2026–2027 election poll workers as nominated: motion Schremp/Kennedy — carried 7–0. - Approve purchase of copier/scanner/printer for $7,440 ($340.50 quarterly): motion Kennedy/Stroik — carried 7–0.

The meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.