Ripon urges state to boost funding for local roads, sends resolution to Joint Finance Committee

The Ripon Common Council approved a resolution, drafted by the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, urging the state to provide sustainable and adequate funding for local roads and to prioritize maintenance over one‑time infusions. The council amended the draft to direct the clerk to send copies to the Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee in addition to legislators and agreed to re‑send the resolution after the next legislative session is seated.

City administrator Adam Sontag said the resolution would communicate municipal concerns about transportation funding shortfalls and follow the League’s recommended language. Mark spoke in support, saying the resolution asks the state to plan for sustained investment and avoid relying on one‑time projects.

Council members debated a whereas clause referencing transportation user fees. Luke asked that the clause be removed or reworded because he worried the phrasing could be read as asking for changes to user fees rather than broader revenue or prioritization. After discussion the council left the general language in place but added the Joint Finance Committee distribution and approved the resolution by roll call vote.

One council member suggested the city also send an advisory resolution to urge release of surplus state funds (a member cited a $4 billion figure) for infrastructure; councilors said that could be considered at a future meeting. The resolution will be forwarded to the League and local legislative contacts as directed by the council.