Town Board Meeting for Adoption of 2026 Budget — Minutes

MINUTES PUBLIC HEARING on 2026 BUDGET and BUDGET SUMMARY FOR THE TOWN OF NEW HOPE, PORTAGE COUNTY , WI Wednesday, November 19, 2025 6:00 p.m. Members Present: Chair Todd Knepfel, Supervisors Timm Raddatz and Ray Reser Also Present: Treasurer Dorene Stolpa and Clerk Pat Zellmer Guests: Norm Groshek, Dave Swenson Agenda: 1. Call to order, followed by Pledge of Allegiance. Chair Knepfel called the public hearing to order at 6:00 pm, followed by the pledge of allegiance. 2. Discussion and review of proposed 2026 Budget. The 2026 proposed budget was posted on the town website (tn.newhope.wi.gov), a budget summary was posted on the town website and the two kiosks at Sunset Lake and North New Hope Church. Both documents were sent via email to the board for review prior to the meeting. Chair Knepfel summarized all changes to the group for review, with explanations on any differences. Discussion ensued, with no follow-up questions. Of note were the following: a. Recycling Grant (due to a agreement with Portage County Solid Waste), and Special Recycling Event b. Increase in household trash/recycling costs from $216.96 to $228.96 per household (5.5% increase due to increased landfill charges), attached as a special assessment to all permanent and seasonal homes in New Hope. c. Added trainings, meetings, workshops, dues d. Increase in the cost of anticipated elections (postage, ballots, poll-workers) e. Increase in website, server, and software f. 2% fire dues = revenue equals expenditures – per state g. Tax collection and special charges – omitted in error on 2025 budget h. Capital Improvement Project – Town Hall – in separate interest-bearing account to cover future plans for the town hall – 5 years i. Capital Improvement Project – Voting Equipment – in separate interest-bearing account to cover costs of replacing mandatory voting equipment – 5 – 10 years 3. Adjournment The public hearing was adjourned at 6:10 pm, with the Special Meeting of Town Electors to follow immediately after.