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Fredonia board rejects special-assessment plan for Washington Avenue sidewalks
Summary
The Fredonia Village Board voted down a preliminary resolution to begin special assessments under Wisconsin statute 66.0703 to fund sidewalk replacements on Washington Avenue after debate over precedent and who should pay; the measure failed by roll call and the planned public hearing was canceled.
The Fredonia Village Board voted down a preliminary resolution April 2 that would have begun the special-assessment process to pay for sidewalk replacements on Washington Avenue.
Administrator Jenkins introduced Resolution 2026-02, saying the village could use special-assessment authority under Wisconsin statute 66.0703 to fund sidewalk improvements and that draft sketches and a cost breakdown prepared by Strand were provided to the board. Jenkins said, “That $5,008.16 is reflective of what that total special assessment would be,” and noted property owners could pay in full or spread payments over five years.
Residents and board members disagreed about who should bear the cost. A Wilson Street resident warned of strong backlash if property owners were charged, saying, “you may have a riot on your hands because each resident was assessed to pay for their sidewalk.” Several trustees and attendees recalled a 2021 project in which residents paid assessments and described a prior 50% split as a compromise rather than a fixed policy.
Chair (speaker 1) said absorbing the cost across the village would spread the burden and stated he had “absolutely no problem with allowing the village to absorb the cost.” Administrator Jenkins recommended the village formalize a sidewalk policy after the election so future boards would have a clear standard to follow.
After discussion the board moved to approve Resolution 2026-02 and took a roll-call vote. Clerk Johnson called the roll; the recorded votes were: Trustee Frank — aye; Trustee Abedwin — aye; President Lens — nay; Trustee Cyrill — nay; Trustee Van Roehl — nay. With two votes in favor and three opposed, the resolution failed and the planned public hearing was canceled.
Because the resolution did not pass, the board did not order the proposed public hearing or proceed with the special-assessment process for Washington Avenue at this meeting. Administrator Jenkins said staff would update property owners and bring sidewalk-policy options back for future consideration.
