Ronald Luethe

The board discussed hosting the upcoming Wisconsin Towns Association Unit Meeting, approved a four-year contract for the building inspector, and adopted a resolution concerning the handling of nominal overpayments on property taxes. Other topics included landowner feedback on Keats Road improvements, updates on the Monroe County Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program, developments regarding the landfill and fire station bidding, and the road patrolman's report concerning equipment repairs and property maintenance. The board also reviewed the financial status of the general fund and approved the payment of outstanding bills.

Key discussions included a reminder about the upcoming Wisconsin Towns Association Unit Meeting hosted by the Town of Ridgeville in February 2026. The Board reviewed plans for the Keats Road Project, noting plans for an alternate road width, potential new road sign installation, and coordination with Alliant Energy regarding utility wires. The Board approved the purchase of new computer hardware (Kenovo ThinkCentre M70s Gen 5) and contracted with Computer Guts for IT support services, which also involved switching phone and internet service to Verizon Business 5G. The Road Patrolman Report included discussions on materials for replacing bridges with Short Span Culverts and checking funding availability for the bridge on Landmark Ave. The Treasurer's Report for December 2025 was presented and approved, detailing current operating funds totaling $605,334.18. Bills paid and to be paid for January 2026, including significant tax settlements, were also approved. The date for the next regular board meeting was set for February 9, 2026.

The meeting included a presentation from Tricor Insurance regarding updated premium rates for 2026, noting a slight increase over the previous year. The Board approved the list of Poll Workers for the 2026 and 2027 election terms, noting two mandatory appointments from the Republican Party. Information from the Wisconsin Towns Association Unit Meeting was shared, including upcoming Board of Review certification training and confirmation that the Town of Ridgeville will host the next Unit Meeting in February 2026. Discussion centered on concerns regarding the Monroe County Landfill following an acquisition by another company, with plans to attend a meeting at the Landfill for input. The Road Patrolman Report indicated that necessary signs for Ridgeville have not yet arrived, and bidding for Keats Road will commence in early January. The Treasurer's Report for November 2025 detailed current operating fund balances, and the monthly bills for payment were approved.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the opening and approval of Sand Hauling Bids, with a single bid from Zellmer Excavating accepted for $4.25/Ton. The board also reviewed and approved the 2026 Budget which had been previously presented to electors. A location and date were set for the WTA Unit Meeting, scheduled for February 19, 2026, at the American Legion Building in Sparta. The Assessor's Contract for 2026 through 2028 with Neil Betts was approved, with a request to review proposed fee increases more frequently. Significant time was dedicated to road projects, including estimated costs of $118,000.00 for Kelton Road and $350,000.00 for Incline Road, with Svet Roussev applying for Incline Road funding. The board moved forward to budget approximately $10,000 to repair July Road. A motion was carried to store the Mowing Tractor for the winter in Mr. Giraud's shed for $350.00. The Road Patrolman reported that plow trucks are ready, and an informational Fire District Meeting was scheduled for November 19th regarding the Fire Station Project. The Treasurer's Report for October 2025, showing total current operating funds of $312,036.07, was approved. The board approved the payment of bills for the month, totaling $44,800.45.

The proceedings began with a Public Budget Hearing regarding the proposed 2026 Budget, during which attendees reviewed the proposal. Subsequently, the Special Town Meeting of the Electors convened to formally address the 2026 Budget. The primary action taken was the approval of the 2025 town tax levy (to be collected in 2026), which was set at a total of $183,213.