Annual Meeting — Minutes

ANNUAL MEETING TOWN OF LAFAYETTE APRIL, 21,2025 5765 197TH ST 6:30PM CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI 54729 The annual meeting for the town of Lafayette was called to order at 6:30 PM. The chairperson welcomed the attendees and explained that this was a public meeting where anyone could make comments or motions, which may or may not be binding depending on the nature of the motion. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Minutes Of The 2024 Meeting - The minutes of the 2024 Annual Meeting, dated April 16, 2024, were presented for approval. Motion to approve the 2024 Annual Meeting minutes was made by Supervisor McIlquham and seconded by Brennan. Approve Bank Depository, Posting Places and Web Site - The current bank depository is Citizens State Bank. Posting places for notices are the town hall and the website. It was decided to maintain the current arrangements. Motion to approve the bank depository, posting places, and website was made by Supervisor McIlquham and seconded by Larson. Assessor's Report - The assessor's report was presented, showing the assessed value of all property in Lafayette as $1,169,264,200. The equalized value was reported as $1,252,766,900. 2023 was the first year the assessed value in Lafayette exceeded $1 billion. 2024 Financial Report - The 2024 financial report was presented. The chairperson highlighted a few significant changes: The levy increased in 2024 compared to 2025. Shared revenue increased by approximately $190,000. Miscellaneous revenue was higher than usual due to a transfer related to a bridge account, which was essentially an in-and-out transaction. No questions were raised about the revenue or expense sides of the report. Motion to accept the 2024 financial report as presented was made by Supervisor McIlquham and seconded by Brennan. The motion passed unanimously. Fire Department Report/Emergicare Report - The Fire Department's annual report was available for review. A question was raised about the disproportionate number of calls to the Village of Lake Hallie compared to other areas. Chairman Dave explained that the budget is split based on equalized value, not per capita. He provided a breakdown of calls: Village of Lake Hallie - 125 calls, Town of Lafayette - 68 calls, Town of Howard - 9 calls. It was noted that many calls were related to Walmart, nursing care centers, and Marshfield Clinic in the village. The funding arrangement was established by an MOU in 2003, initially based on population but changed to equalized value around 2017-2018 when Wheaton left the arrangement. Chairman Staber mentioned that Lafayette currently pays about 48.5% of the budget, while the Village of Lake Hallie pays about 47.5%, based on equalized values. However, it was noted that this might change in the coming year. No formal action was taken on the Fire Department Report. Road Reconstruction and Maintenance Plans For 2025 - The chairperson mentioned that road bids had been received and would be awarded at the regular meeting later that day. The focus for the current year's road work would be on roads in the northeast section of the township, along with work on 40th and 50th Avenues. Specific roads mentioned included 70th, 72nd, and 73rd Streets east of K, which are part of the old Ridgeway Drive area. Town Board Appointment of Clerk and or Treasurer if a Vacancy Should Occur - The chairperson explained the current situation regarding the clerk and treasurer positions: Both positions are currently elected offices. An advisory referendum was held approximately 4 years ago regarding this issue. If a combined clerk-treasurer position is created, an annual audit would be required. Appointed positions do not require residency within the township, unlike elected positions. Any mid-term vacancy for the current elected positions must be filled by a township resident for the remainder of the term. The town is considering changing to appointed positions for the next election cycle in 2027. It was decided that a special town meeting with proper notice would be needed to make any changes to these positions. The board emphasized the importance of having more residents present for such a decision. Public Comments, Questions & Concerns - No specific public comments, questions, or concerns were raised during this portion of the meeting. Date & Time For 2026 Annual Meeting – Was set for Monday April 20, 2026 at 6:30PM Adjourn - Motion to adjourn the annual meeting was made at 6:48pm by Supervisor Mathwig and seconded by Sedlacek.