Click here to view the Stormwater Utility webpage.
Click here for an FAQ on this project.
The Town has made several stormwater improvements in past years; however, significant flooding events in 2025, 2026, and more frequent and intense storm events have highlighted the need to implement additional improvements. The Town obtained a new MS4 Permit through the Wisconsin DNR in 2023 and through that process adopted an updated Stormwater Management Plan. This permit is accompanied by stormwater requirements and programs that work to ensure water quality standards are met for water that flows into the watershed, including Cedar Creek. The Stormwater Management Plan update was a $109,500 project that was 50% grant funded, with the other 50% being funded from ARPA funds.
The Town maintains over 66 miles of roadways, which translates to 132 miles of ditches that require roadside mowing, ditching to maintain water flow, and tree trimming and brush removal to avoid obstructions.
The establishment and implementation of a Stormwater Utility will provide an additional stable and sustainable revenue stream for funding stormwater improvements, maintenance and operational costs of the stormwater infrastructure, ditches, drainage easements, culverts, drain tiles, right-of-way tree trimming and removal, roadside mowing operations, and shoulder repairs as allowed by statute and rules. Expenses related to these activities are rising at a rate that is outpacing General Fund revenue increases due to Wisconsin Levy Limit laws (details on levy limits included in the above FAQ).
Stormwater Utility Overview
What is a Stormwater Utility?
A dedicated funding source authorized under Wisconsin Statutes used to manage, maintain, and improve the Town’s stormwater system. It keeps those revenues separate from general tax revenues. The Stormwater Utility collects a fee based on an impervious surface area assessment made on a property-by-property basis. The utility funds work that maintains stormwater flow in an effort to reduce flooding, protect water quality, maintain infrastructure, and meet regulatory requirements. Among other things, it:
- Provides a dedicated funding source for managing stormwater.
- Supports maintenance of ditches, culverts, drainage easements, ponds, and other infrastructure and facilities.
- Funds work that helps reduce flooding, erosion, and water quality impacts.
- Ensures compliance with state and federal stormwater regulations.
Public Information Meetings: the Town will be hosting two meetings for public information on September 2nd at Town Hall. One session will be held from 2:00pm-3:30pm and be geared toward non-residential property owners. The second session will also occur September 2nd, from 6:00-7:30pm and be geared toward residential property owners.