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2 weeks ago

West Bend staff announce $500,000 anonymous matching commitment for new skate park; city to seek matching funds Parks staff announced a $500,000 anonymous matching commitment toward a planned 9,000-square-foot skate park phase 1. City staff said the gift is conditional on raising an equal amount and that they will pursue matching funds, possible impact-fee use and further fundraising.

A generous anonymous donor has pledged $500,000 to kickstart West Bend's new skate park, but there's a catch: the city needs to match it dollar for dollar!

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal #WestBendSkatePark #CommunityRecreation #PublicFunding

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1 month ago

Finance committee: unaudited 2025 shows $2.6M shortfall; health‑insurance overrun flagged City finance staff reported an estimated $2.6 million unaudited net loss for 2025, driven by a $2.2M land purchase for a new fire station and a $1.17M health‑insurance overrun; officials said expected SAFER grant and flood‑insurance reimbursements (about $810,000 combined) should partially restore fund balance in 60–90 days.

West Bend City is facing a staggering $2.6 million shortfall for 2025, largely due to a major land purchase for a new fire station and rising health-insurance costs.

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #HealthCareCosts #CitizenPortal #FiscalAccountability #PublicSafety

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1 month ago

West Bend approves $3.1 million Kilborn reconstruction, other public‑works contracts and permits The council and Board of Public Works approved the low bids for two street‑reconstruction projects, authorized advertising a waterline extension for a future park, and approved a summer outdoor‑dining permit for Duallys. The Kilborn project will include lead‑lateral work and contingency funding.

West Bend is set to invest over $3 million in critical infrastructure upgrades, including major street reconstructions and essential utility improvements!

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #InfrastructureImprovements #WestBendPublicWorks #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment

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1 month ago

Finance committee: city reports an estimated $2.6 million unaudited net loss for 2025; $2.2 million of fund balance used to buy land for Fire Station 1 At a March 2 Finance Committee meeting staff reported an estimated $2.6M net loss for 2025, a decline in undesignated fund balance to about 25.13%, $2.2M used to acquire land for a new Fire Station 1, a $1.17M health-insurance overage, and delayed federal SAFER grant and flood-insurance reimbursements that staff expect within roughly 60–90 days.

West Bend City faces a staggering estimated $2.6 million net loss for 2025, driven by land purchases and unexpected health-insurance costs—what's next for the city's finances?

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #HealthOverage #WestBendFinance #EmergencyServices

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1 month ago

West Bend Plan Commission approves two conditional uses and Kohler Credit Union site plan On March 3, 2026, the West Bend Plan Commission approved conditional use permits for Meadow Bliss Beauty LLC (a major home-occupation aesthetic studio) and Shiny Ink Lounge (a tattoo/microblading relocation) and carried a site-plan approval for a 4,792 sq ft Kohler Credit Union branch at 18th and Washington.

Exciting developments are underway in West Bend as the Plan Commission greenlights a new Kohler Credit Union branch and local businesses expand their services!

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #PublicParticipation #LocalBusinessGrowth

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1 month ago

West Bend awards two street-reconstruction contracts to Mueller Excavating; approves waterline bid advertisement to serve Parkside The Board of Public Works approved awards to Mueller Excavating for Kilborn Avenue (phase 2) and Heather Drive reconstruction, and authorized advertising a waterline extension to serve a planned Parkside development. Staff said the projects will upgrade utilities, replace lead laterals and repair sidewalks; funding sources include water and sewer utilities and capital engineering funds.

Major upgrades are coming to West Bend as the Board of Public Works awards contracts for crucial street reconstruction and a new waterline for the future Parkside development!

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #UtilityUpgrade #WestBendPublicWorks #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

West Bend approves conditional contract with Make My Move to pursue state relocation grant Finance committee approved a conditional public‑private contract with Make My Move to pursue a Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) talent attraction grant that would fund a relocation incentive program; the state would cover the majority of program costs and the city’s share was estimated at $5,000–$10,000.

West Bend is taking a bold step towards attracting new residents with a conditional contract for a relocation incentive program that could transform the community!

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #CommunityGrowth #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #WestBendTalent

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2 months ago

West Bend finance committee approves conditional Make My Move contract tied to WEDC grant The finance committee approved a conditional product-and-services agreement with Make My Move and the West Bend Chamber to seek a WEDC relocation grant that would fund a roughly $370,000 talent-attraction program; the city’s exposure is estimated at $5,000–$10,000 if the grant is awarded.

West Bend is taking a bold step towards attracting new talent with a conditional partnership that could unlock $370,000 in state funding!

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #WestBendTalentAttraction #CitizenPortal #JobMarket #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityOutreach

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2 months ago

County and partners present NextGen concept for about 200 owner-occupied homes; commissioners raise buffer and traffic concerns Washington County and partners presented a three-area NextGen housing concept for roughly 200 owner-occupied units on county and partner land in West Bend; the commission directed staff to set public hearings for associated comprehensive plan and zoning amendments and asked for more detail on buffering, traffic and utility capacity.

Washington County is unveiling a bold 'NextGen' housing initiative aimed at creating 200 owner-occupied homes that could reshape West Bend's landscape, but concerns over industrial proximity and traffic loom large.

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

County presents NextGen housing concept; Plan Commission directs staff to set public hearings on land‑use changes Washington County presented a NextGen housing concept targeting roughly 200 owner‑occupied units with affordability targets; the West Bend Plan Commission heard the concept, raised questions about buffering and enforceable owner‑occupancy guarantees, and voted to direct staff to schedule public hearings for related comprehensive plan and zoning amendments.

Washington County is pushing for a groundbreaking NextGen housing initiative that could bring 200 affordable homes to West Bend—will this reshape the community?

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment #ZoningAmendments

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3 months ago

Planning commission reviews 72.3‑acre mixed residential concept in TID 18; NextGen units and ownership model debated Developers presented a 72.3‑acre concept in TID 18 proposing 382 units across single‑family, ranch villas, townhomes and multifamily lots with a mix of NextGen (price‑capped) and market‑rate homes; commissioners discussed clustering vs. interspersing NextGen units and deed restrictions to ensure owner occupancy.

A groundbreaking 72.3-acre mixed residential development in West Bend is set to reshape the community with 382 new units, parks, and a unique ownership model—how will it change the neighborhood?

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #SustainableNeighborhoods #CommunityIntegration

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3 months ago

Plan Commission approves PS Seasonings 184,000‑sq. ft. site plan subject to traffic study The commission approved a site plan for a roughly 184,000‑square‑foot industrial and office building for PS Seasonings on a 60‑acre M‑2 parcel, conditioned on receipt of a traffic impact analysis expected within weeks.

The City of West Bend has greenlit a massive 184,000-square-foot industrial building for PS Seasonings, but a crucial traffic impact analysis is on the horizon!

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #TrafficSafety #IndustrialGrowth #WestBendIndustrial #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Plan commission approves 184,000-square-foot PS Seasonings industrial building; TIA required The commission approved a site plan for an approximately 184,000-square-foot industrial and office building for PS Seasonings in an M-2 zoned parcel, with staff imposing a traffic impact analysis (TIA) as a condition of approval to study potential intersection impacts.

The West Bend Plan Commission just greenlit a massive 184,000-square-foot industrial building for PS Seasonings, but a traffic impact analysis is in the works to tackle potential congestion concerns!

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #CommunityPlanning #WestBendIndustrial

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3 months ago

Commission reviews 72.3-acre concept plan tied to NextGen program; commissioners press for mixed unit placement Planning staff and a developer presented a concept for a 72.3-acre mixed residential development in TID No. 18 that would include market-rate and 'NextGen' owner‑occupied units, townhomes and parks; commissioners said they prefer NextGen units be interspersed rather than clustered and discussed deed restrictions, HOA maintenance and TIF implications.

A bold new mixed residential development is on the horizon in West Bend, featuring diverse housing options, parks, and a unique 'NextGen' housing initiative that aims to reshape the community.

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #WestBendCity #CommunityPlanning #ParksDevelopment

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3 months ago

West Bend council tables resolution backing Washington County membership in Sewer Pack, seeks more information After a presentation from Sewer Pack representatives and questions about costs and funding, the West Bend Common Council voted to table Resolution No. 52 to gather more information and invite Sewer Pack to an informational session.

The West Bend Common Council has hit pause on a resolution supporting Washington County's membership in Sewer Pack, seeking clarity on costs and funding after a revealing presentation.

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #MunicipalPlanning #LocalGovAI #WestBendSewerPack

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4 months ago

West Bend council approves dispatchers/clerical CBA and 2026 TID budgets, then adjourns into closed session on TID developments The Common Council approved a 2026 collective bargaining agreement with dispatchers and clerical union Local 503 and adopted 2026 budgets for multiple Tax Increment Districts; the council then voted to enter closed session to discuss possible development agreements for TIDs 17 and 18.

West Bend's council just approved a significant collective bargaining agreement for dispatchers and clerical workers, alongside key budget plans for future developments!

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #BudgetTransparency #CitizenPortal #WestBendDispatchers

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4 months ago

West Bend council approves 2026 TID budgets, votes to enter closed session on two developer agreements Council approved 2026 budgets for multiple tax increment districts — including TID 3 (~$751,000), TID 4 (~$1.6M), TID 5 (~$1M) and TID 9 (~$1.9M) — and later voted to adjourn into closed session under Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(e) to discuss possible developer agreements for TID 17 and TID 18.

The West Bend council just greenlit significant budgets for key development districts and took a step into closed session to discuss potential game-changing agreements!

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #GovernmentTransparency #WestBendTaxIncrements

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4 months ago

Consultant: Washington County and West Bend face large shortfall of midmarket housing A consultant told the West Bend council that Washington County’s rental and for‑sale markets are severely undersupplied at mainstream price points, estimating roughly 725 unit demand annually (about 3,600 units through 2030) if supply were aligned; he recommended targeted product types and public–private coordination.

Washington County’s housing market is facing a critical shortage, with experts urging immediate action to meet the demand for affordable mid-market homes.

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #MarketAnalysis #AffordableHousing #WestBendHousing

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4 months ago

Consultant: West Bend and Washington County face tight rental market and a gap in ‘mainstream’ for-sale housing A housing market study presented to the West Bend Common Council found very low rental vacancy, a shortage of mainstream for-sale product, and recommended a mix of higher-density for-sale and larger-scale rental projects, value-engineering and public–private coordination to meet demand.

Washington County's rental market is tighter than ever, with a staggering 1% vacancy rate, and a major gap between incomes and new home prices—what does this mean for future housing?

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5 months ago

West Bend approves update to Mid-Moraine joint municipal court agreement as two communities join The council approved updates to the Mid-Moraine Municipal Court agreement to add Fredonia and Sheboygan Falls and to clarify committee roles, vacancy procedures and judge-salary language consistent with Wisconsin statutes.

West Bend's council just greenlit a major update to the Mid-Moraine Municipal Court agreement, welcoming two new communities and streamlining operations for greater efficiency!

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5 months ago

West Bend council adopts balanced 2026 operating budget with slight tax-rate increase The City of West Bend adopted its 2026 operating budget (Resolution 43), setting a $28.3 million levy and a city tax rate of $6.46 per $1,000 of valuation; staff said the budget funds ongoing services and capital work including roads and the new fire station.

West Bend has officially approved its 2026 operating budget, balancing a $28.3 million levy while funding essential projects like road improvements and a new fire station!

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #TaxTransparency #WestBendBudget #MunicipalFunding

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5 months ago

Council approves campus street vacation, road dedication, property sale and rezoning to support redevelopment Council approved Resolution 44 vacating Campus Drive to facilitate redevelopment of the UWWC campus area, Resolution 45 dedicating Forge Place right-of-way, Resolution 46 authorizing sale of city property to PKH Holdings LLC, and Ordinance 21 permanently rezoning 159.07 acres for future single-family subdivision development.

West Bend is gearing up for a major transformation with the Common Council's recent approvals for campus redevelopment and new residential zones!

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #CommunityReinvestment #LandUse #UrbanDevelopment #WestBendCity

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5 months ago

West Bend BID approves up to $6,000 to co-sponsor Discover Wisconsin segment The West Bend Downtown Business Improvement District board voted to authorize up to $6,000 from its marketing funds to help underwrite a Discover Wisconsin episode segment intended to highlight downtown West Bend and the Riverwalk. The full episode package costs roughly $52,000 and is sold in four $13,001.20 segments; the chamber and other partners

West Bend is set to shine on the small screen as the BID approves $6,000 to co-sponsor a promotional package with Discover Wisconsin, promising to showcase the beauty of our downtown and Riverwalk!

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #TourismDevelopment

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5 months ago

West Bend BID approves up to $6,000 to join Discover Wisconsin promotional package The West Bend Downtown Business Improvement District approved up to $6,000 from BID marketing funds to contribute to a Discover Wisconsin episode segment showcasing downtown West Bend. The full episode package costs about $52,000; the Chamber committed to one segment and staff will seek additional partners. The BID vote was by voice and was carried

West Bend is gearing up for a spotlight moment with a $6,000 investment in a Discover Wisconsin episode that promises to showcase its vibrant downtown!

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #LocalBusinessSupport #WestBendDowntown #EconomicDevelopment

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5 months ago

West Bend BID OKs up to $6,000 for Discover Wisconsin segment to promote downtown The West Bend Business Improvement District board approved up to $6,000 from marketing funds to co-sponsor a Discover Wisconsin episode segment highlighting downtown West Bend, contingent on partner contributions and staff coordination. The full project is priced at about $52,000 (four $13,000 segments); the Chamber has committed to one $13,000 seg

West Bend is gearing up to shine on the small screen with a $6,000 investment in a Discover Wisconsin promotional package that promises to showcase the heart of downtown!

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #TourismInitiatives #WestBendDowntown

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5 months ago

Council approves TIF‑14 developer agreement with PKH Holdings LLC including $250,000 incentive and $1 sale of 60 acres The Common Council approved a development agreement tied to TIF‑14 allowing sale of 60 acres (for $1) and a phased $250,000 infrastructure/site‑preparation grant. The agreement includes a $15 million minimum assessed‑value guarantee for the initial phase and other financial protections.

West Bend's Common Council just greenlit a groundbreaking deal that sells 60 acres for just $1 and backs a $250,000 grant to boost local manufacturing—big changes are on the horizon!

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5 months ago

Council approves rezoning for 64‑acre Paradise/River Road apartment project; developer outlines two‑phase, market‑rate plan Fiduciary Real Estate Development won council approval to reclassify 64.13 acres at East Paradise and South River Road for multifamily use. The developer presented a two‑phase, market‑rate townhouse‑style apartment community (about 230 units in phase one), preserving wetlands and a historic home and not seeking TIF assistance.

Exciting news for West Bend! The Common Council has just approved a transformative 64-acre multifamily residential development that promises to blend single-family charm with modern conveniences.

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #HousingDevelopment #CitizenPortal

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5 months ago

Council approves TIF-14 development agreement with PKH Holdings including land sale and incentive grant The Common Council voted to approve a developer agreement for TIF-14 with PKH Holdings LLC that includes the sale of 60 acres (nominal $1 sale), a $250,000 infrastructure grant paid in two phases (77%/23% if built in phases), and a minimum property valuation guarantee of $15 million for the initial phase.

The Common Council just greenlit a groundbreaking $1 land sale to PKH Holdings, paving the way for a major manufacturing facility that promises to reshape our community's economic landscape!

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #InfrastructureInvestment #CitizenPortal

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5 months ago

Council rezones 64-acre Muth property for RM3 multifamily after developer presentation The Common Council approved a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning for about 64.13 acres at Paradise Drive and South River Road to allow a two-phase, market-rate multifamily development by Fiduciary Real Estate Development; the developer said phase one would be about 230 units, with preserved wetlands and a preserved historic house to be sold.

A major transformation is underway in West Bend as the Common Council approves a 64-acre multifamily development that promises to blend modern living with preserved wetlands and a historic charm.

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #HousingDevelopment #CitizenPortal

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6 months ago

Safety Commission recommends further study on Barton Avenue parking restrictions Commission discusses visibility concerns and potential parking restriction adjustments on Barton Avenue.

The Traffic Safety Commission of West Bend is taking bold steps to revisit and improve parking restrictions on Barton Avenue—could this change make your daily commute safer?

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#WestBendCityWashingtonCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #TrafficSafety