Development News for New Richmond, Wisconsin

City Temporarily Suspends Sewer Impact Fees Pending New Needs Assessment

The council considered a resolution to temporarily suspend sewer impact fees. An update to the comprehensive needs assessment in 2022 identified projects eligible for collection of impact fees for future development. Based on these findings, the revised sewer impact fee has been collected. The city has reached the necessary collection amount for the identified projects from the 2022 study. Therefore, the recommendation is to suspend these fees temporarily until a new needs assessment is conducted. Other impact fees (transportation, police, storm, water utility, water, and library) remain in effect. An updated needs study for sewer, parks and trails, and transportation is budgeted for this year. The suspension is effective upon the passage of the resolution and will last until a new study and fee structure are established. Concerns were raised about the financial impact of this suspension on the city's revenue and the short notice provided to developers.

Fire Department Acquires Three New Radios to Address Staffing and Equipment Needs

The City Council approved the purchase of three additional radios for the fire department at a cost of $19,124.01. This purchase is necessary due to three new hires and failures in existing radios. These new radios will be compatible with the upcoming countywide radio system transition, preventing the need for replacement once the new system is implemented in the next couple of years. The Fire Advisory Board recommended approval.

First Quarter Financial Report Shows Strong Revenue Collection and Standard Expenditures

The council received the first quarter financial report. As of the first quarter, the city had collected just under $4.7 million in revenues, representing 46% of budgeted revenues. Property taxes are the largest source of revenue for the general fund. Other collections include county library funding ($465,000), interest earnings ($100,000), state aid disaster funds through FEMA ($38,000), reimbursements for storm damage ($48,000 total), building permit fees ($56,000), and right-of-way permits (just under $40,000). Total expenses for the first quarter were just under $3 million, or 28.6% of the budget. Higher initial expenses are noted due to upfront costs like ambulance service fees and the first library building lease payment. The report also detailed park fund expenses ($122,000, 23% of budget) and general obligation payments ($639,930, 24.3% of total debt service payments). The financial status is described as similar to prior years with no notable variances.

City Authorizes Bids for Fiber Installation to Water Tower and Wells

The City Council authorized staff to solicit bids for fiber installation to extend the city's private fiber line from the police station to the water tower in the southwest part of the city. This extension will also connect to five wells. The bids will be reviewed by the Utility Commission and then presented to the Council at a future meeting, likely in June. This action is part of improving the city's communication infrastructure.