Village of La Farge

The proceedings began with a Public Budget Hearing for the proposed 2026 budget, during which no members of the public attended to voice opposition. Following the hearing, the board moved into a special village board meeting where the proposed 2026 village budget was adopted. Key discussions included a zoning request from a resident concerning the use of a property for small animal spaying, neutering, and veterinary care, which was approved by changing the zoning from residential to commercial. Additionally, an update was provided regarding the OCI grant approval, securing $124,590 for energy audits and upgrades for the Village/Utility office building and $25,000 for renewable resource planning. Specific planned upgrades include insulation, new windows, and a new furnace for the office building, and new heat pumps for the community center.

The meeting included a review of the financial report covering January 1, 2025, through November 13, 2025, confirming that the village approved the budget request pending a public hearing on December 1st. Key discussions in the Director's Report covered the Librarian's successful recertification, the transition of book ordering from Baker & Taylor to Ingram following the former's reported issues, and an upcoming ILS update scheduled for December 4th-7th. Programming updates noted changes to 'Tots, Titles, & Tunes' and 'Page Turners,' the launch of the weekly Lego Club, and planned winter reading bingo. The Friends group pre-approved funds for the summer reading program and Dana's library class, and plans to investigate landscaping costs. The Board established the official closed dates for 2026 holidays. A future concern regarding the use of substitutes was also noted.

Key discussions centered on utility business, including the approval of a 3% inflationary increase for water rates and a corresponding 3% increase for sewer rates, both effective February 1, 2026, pending PSC approval for water. The PSC-set electric rate increase of 11.67% effective December 1st was noted. The WWTP permit was approved, and necessary repairs were identified for the generator. Updates were provided on the upcoming DOT highway paving project. The board moved forward with legal action regarding a Frontier Property Management complaint after attorney review. An agreement with Assessor Barrett Brenner for the market update revaluation, spread over three years, was approved. The Animal Care Provider Agreement for 2026 with the Driftless Humane Society was approved. The Police Chief reported on the new squad being in service and recent training attendance. Following a closed session to discuss compensation, the board approved the 2026 compensation structure for village and utility employees and the creation of a new Administrative Assistant/Evidence Custodian position for the Police Department. The 2026 proposed budget of $791,238 was approved for publication, and a public hearing was scheduled.

Key discussions included the review and approval of the financial report covering January 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025. The Director/Statistical Report noted the availability of STEM sets, shifts in collection organization, a quote for a mini-split HVAC system, upcoming staff conference attendance, the integration with the Tomah ILS, and the need to transition book suppliers following the closure of Baker & Taylor. Programming updates detailed name changes for Storytime, new formats for Page Turners, and attendance figures for various events. Following a closed session to discuss compensation, the Board approved the 2026 employee compensation package. The Board then set the proposed 2026 budget at $114,425, requiring a request of $71,000.00 from the village, and the meeting was adjourned.

Key discussions during the meeting included the acceptance of a $1,200 cost-sharing grant from Dairyland Power for signage updates across the Village office, Village Park, and Bean Park, with an estimated total project cost of $2,500. The board acted on a resolution to discontinue portions of outlot 1 dedicated for roadway purposes related to a land sale to the Hansons. Concerns were raised regarding hoarding and infestation issues at the Frontier Property Management trailer park, prompting the board to direct staff to review ordinances and consult with the Village Attorney. Following advice from legal counsel, the board approved the imposition of new deed restrictions on six properties along Snow Street as requested by FEMA related to flood buyouts. Halloween Trick or Treating hours were set for October 31st from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The board approved an advertisement placement in the Driftless Wisconsin Map and approved an operator license. The Police Chief provided his monthly report, noting the completion of basic SWAT training and the outfitting of squad cars. The Clinic Committee recommended replacing carpet with vinyl flooring for $11,041.16 in the old dental area and waiting room.