Waupun Officials Get First Look At 2019 City Budget

(Waupun) Budget discussions began Tuesday night in Waupun as the 2019 initial figures were revealed. The document includes a proposed tax levy of $3-million dollars, an increase of three-percent, or $90-thousand dollars, from the previous budget. The city went through a revaluation process last fall and officials are still awaiting assessed values from the state before calculating a mill rate. Also, no word was given to the total budget amount. Schlieve says last year’s budget set the groundwork heading into 2019. Several budget priorities were highlighted last night that included a reliable and well-maintained infrastructure, cultural and educational opportunities, a sustainable community and economic vitality. City Administrator Kathy Schlieve also pointed to several challenges moving forward such as workforce shortages, funds for road repairs, slow growth and increasing expenditures as well as maintaining a balanced tax rate. The council will hold a budget review session on October 9 and a final budget workshop on October 23. Schlieve says at that time the mill rate should be worked out. Final budget adoption is slated for November 13.