Village Hall Question of the Day
How do cities and villages grow?
Cities and Villages grow by annexing adjacent town territory. Annexation is the process by which parcels of land in unincorporated areas come under the jurisdiction of adjacent cities or villages. Annexation in Wisconsin is a landowner-driven process. Landowners are motivated to annex their land into a city or village for different reasons, but generally it is the desire to obtain higher levels of service, such as a sewer or water, than the town is able or willing to provide. Cities and villages cannot unilaterally annex town territory unless the parcels are town islands in existence on December 2, 1973 or are owned by the municipality.
Source: League of Wisconsin Municipalities
Must Cities and Villages adopt an annual budget?
Yes, all cities and villages must adopt an annual budget. Wisconsin cities and villages operate on a calendar fiscal year. Municipalities typically adopt their budgets in October and November. Wisconsin Stat. sec. 65.90(2) specifies what information must be included in a municipal budget. A municipal governing body must, before adopting the annual budget, hold a public hearing on the proposed budget to allow citizen comments. To inform the public about the proposed budget, the municipality must publish a budget summary and notice of the public hearing on the budget at least 15 days before the hearing. Sometime after the public hearing, either at the same meeting or at a subsequent one, the budget ordinance or resolution is formally adopted by the governing body.
Source: League of Wisconsin Municipalities
What are Cities and Villages?
Cities and villages are general-purpose units of government providing essential urban services like police, fire, water, and sewer in a defined geographical area. Cities and villages in Wisconsin are incorporated municipalities and are created at the request of their inhabitants.
Source: League of Wisconsin Municipalities
What's the name of the waterway that runs through the Village of Waunakee?
Sixmile Creek.
My family is looking to move to Waunakee. I have two home businesses and was wondering if the Village has laws about home based businesses?
Please visit our Code of Ordinances and key in "Home Occupation".
What is 2-1-1 Wisconsin?
2-1-1 Wisconsin is a simple way to connect people in need with human services. Simply by dialing 2-1-1, people are linked to information about local resources, from both government and nonprofit organizations. From the single mother seeking food for her children to the senior citizen looking for in-home care, 2-1-1 brings people and community resources together.http://www.211wisconsin.org/index.html
How can I sign up for Dane County Alerts?
Signing up for various Dane County Alerts is just a click away! Please visit the following website for more information:
https://em.countyofdane.com/emergency-alerts
I am looking for an apartment in Waunakee. What are some possible resources?
Check out local grocery stores, restaurants or gas stations. Typically they will have flyers and brochures in their entrances. Waunakee has several real estate agents that may be helpful in locating an apartment. To search for apartments online click here.
How do I complete a name change on my property tax bill?
This can be completed by contacting the Dane County Register of Deeds, City County Building Room 110, 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Madison, WI 53703. Telephone Number: (608) 266-4141 and website of:https://rod.countyofdane.com/
What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?
When conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop, a WATCH is issued. As storms develop National Service personnel use information from weather radar, storm spotters, and other sources to issue Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado WARNINGS for areas where severe weather is imminent or already occurring.
When is peak tornado season in Wisconsin?
The peak tornado season in Wisconsin is April to August, but tornadoes can occur at any time of the year.
What is the role of the assessor?
The assessor is a state-certified professional whose duties are to discover, list, and place a value on all taxable real and personal property in the village in a uniform manner. The assessor is not involved in the collection of the property tax.
How do I find my property lines?
Locating property iron stakes is the responsibility of property owners; however, these tips may make the process easier:
- Typically, iron stakes are located 6-12" behind the sidewalk
- A medal detector may be useful in locating the corner pins
- Check with your neighbors to see if they have had a survey completed, which may help you locate your corner pins
- A surveyor may need to be hired to locate your corner pins
Is there a taxi service in Waunakee?
Van Go Taxiis available by calling (608) 849-7070.
Where is Govenor Nelson State Park located?
The entrance to Governor Nelson State Park is on the southeast side of County Highway M, about 2 miles west of State Highway 113 and 4.7 miles east of U.S. Highway 12. Geographic coordinates are 43° 8' 14.24" N, 89° 26' 31.49" W. Click Here for more information.
Can you provide a brief history of the Waunakee Public Library?
The first library formed in Waunakee in 1909 when a group of fifteen local ladies created a small lending library. It was initially housed in a club member’s home. When the group had amassed one hundred titles, the collection was moved to the hat shop of Mrs. Michael Simon which was located in a building that later became Mcllwee’s Bar on Main Street. In 1914 the library was moved to the second floor of the Koltes Building and open hours were increased to three nights a week. In 1927, the library - seeking larger quarters - moved to a location that would later become Miller Hotel and Bar. It would stay at this location until the end of Prohibition when it was moved to the first floor of the Odd Fellows Hall at 113 East Main Street. In 1943 Eleanor Carberry took over the operation of the library and worked very hard to repair the collection and facility. During the fifties the library continued to grow. In the 1960s the village opened a new Community Building and in 1966 the library moved into new quarters with 2,100 square feet in that building. In 1982, former Waunakee Assemblyman Dave O’Malley donated a lot for a new library facility and in 1985, the building was construction. The new facility was 11,972 square feet on two levels. The collection was 21,600 volumes, the population was 4,695 and circulation 51,066.
How can I become a Peer Support Team Member?
Looking for an opportunity to give back to your community? Do you have a desire to help others? Peer Support Team Members are needed to provide friendly home visits to adults in the Waunakee area. Peer Support of Dane County connects adults with mental illness with a peer volunteer. Call today to learn more about the Peer Support program at (608) 249-7188 or Peer Support and Education for Adults.
What is a Daily Track Pass Punch Card?
The Daily Pass Punch Card allows the card holder 10 separate visits to utilize the indoor walking/running track at the Waunakee Village Center.
What is the Creative Economy Initiative?
Waunakee's Creative Economy Initiative is an effort to identify existing sources of creativity and innovation in the Village, and foster their growth into a formidable sector of our local economy. This effort is currently being spearheaded by a task force with representatives from the Village, its residents, and a number of organizations devoted to enhancing Waunakee's profile as a creative, innovative place.
What are the responsibilities of the Senior Services Committee?
The Senior Services Committee responsibilities include:
- Advocating for the Senior Center and the services provided to older adults.
- Assisting staff in establishing policy and procedures that maintain high standards of operation.
- Assisting with the Senior Center annual budget process by making recommendations and approving the final budget.
- Reviewing and making recommendations relating to Senior Center services and programs.
What is a Short Term Village Center Pass?
The singe month, three month or six month pass offers pass holders access to the recreation areas during open use-times and is valid from the date of purchase. The pass is ideal for a patron who only wants a pass for a few months during the year. All short term passes must be paid in full.
Where is the Cherokee Marsh Fishery Area?
The Cherokee Marsh Fishery Area is located in Westport Township (T 8N, R 9E, sections 12 and 13) and overlaps into Burke Township (T 8N, R 10E, sections 5, 6, and 7) in Dane County.
Road access is from River Road, off State Highway 113 on Madison's north side. Water access is from the confluence of the marsh with Lake Mendota or from the School Road launch in the Cherokee park on the property's east shore.
How can I make a donation to the Waunakee Fire Department?
Please view thedonations webpage for more information.
What are the responsibilities of the Boards, Commissions and Committees?
The mission of each committee, commission, or board is to support the Village Board in managing the affairs of the Village and meeting the needs of its residents.
A number of municipal boards and commissions are defined under state law. Some are mandatory while others are optional. Optional boards and commissions, like committees, may be created at the discretion of the Village Board. Boards and commissions are typically established to supervise and manage special municipal activities and report to the Village Board.
What are some of the oldest established businesses in Waunakee?
Michael F. Simon Builders, Inc. - Established in 1893
Endres Manufacturing Co. - Established in 1924
Do I need a membership to use the Fitness Center at the Village Center?
No. You can use the fitness area by purchasing a daily pass. The daily pass rates are:
Youth: Resident $3/Non Resident $5
High School: $3/Non Resident $5
Adult (18-54): Resident $5/Non Resident $7
Older Adult(55+): Resident $3/Non Resident $3
Family: Resident $10/Non Resident $15
What is the Waunakee Economic Development Commission (WEDC)?
The Village Board created the Waunakee Economic Development Commission (WEDC) on September 8, 2009. The WEDC replaced the Development Advisory Committee (DAC) previously dissolved by the Village Board.
The purpose of the WEDC is to set economic development policy for the Village of Waunakee and to establish annual goals and objectives for economic development. The WEDC is also responsible for accomplishing the objectives outlined in Waunakee's Strategic Vision Implementation Plan (PDF).
What is the purpose of the Parks and Recreation Committee?
The Parks and Recreation Committee was established to plan for, provide direction, and develop the village's park and recreation programs. The committee's responsibility includes making recommendations regarding the care, maintenance, and development of village parks. The committee provides feedback to the Village Board and recreation director about future recreational programs.
The Parks and Recreation Committee consists of seven voting members. Three trustees and four citizen representatives make up the voting body. The community services director serves as an ex-officio, non-voting member on the committee.
How can I volunteer to serve on a Committee?
If you are interested in serving the community as a committee member, please review the application form (PDF).
How can I become a Poll Worker?
The Village of Waunakee is currently looking for dedicated, detailed-oriented individuals to serve as poll workers for upcoming elections. This is a two-year commitment. If you are interested, please fill out an application, contact the Clerk’s Department at 608-850-2827 or 608-850-2829 or stop in at Village Hall, 500 West Main Street, Waunakee, Wisconsin.
Source: Village of Waunakee Website
Where is the Dane County Clerk's Office located?
Dane County Clerk's Office, 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Room 106A, Madison, Wisconsin 53703. The telephone number is (608) 266-4121.
Source: 2010-2011 Dane County Director
