Pewaukee · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pewaukee public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Parks and Recreation budget
Splash pad popularity pushed the 2026 water bill over budget, though other line items are expected to absorb it. The 2027 budget is moving through city and village approvals with no changes requested.
Proposed 2027 City Budget
The proposed 2027 budget raises the tax levy about 1% to $13.12 million, adding roughly $6 on a $250,000 home. Big line-item swings — building services wages, capital equipment, debt service — are mostly reallocation and accounting changes rather than new spending.
2027 Utility and Public Works Budgets
The committee advanced every 2027 budget — storm water, sewer/water, engineering, highway, and bike/ped — to the council. Residents should note a storm water rate study is coming (the fee hasn't changed since 2010), a sewer rate increase goes to the council October 5, and the sewer/water capital plan roughly doubles in 2028 to about $33 million.
2025 City Audit
The city's 2025 audit is nearly done but delayed by ambulance billing data and fixes to last year's capital asset allocations. The report should be issued around September 11 and presented to the Council before budget season.
ARPA interest funding City Hall remodel
The city earned about $209,000 in interest while holding its federal pandemic relief money. That money now goes toward the City Hall remodeling project, which came in higher than expected.
Fall Budget Calendar
Budget season is starting: an extra workshop October 12, no meeting November 2 (election), and the budget public hearing plus regular meeting on November 9 starting earlier at 6 p.m.
2027 Tourism Grant Allocations (~$492,000)
The commission handed out roughly $492,000 in hotel-tax-funded grants for 2027, funded by about $630,000 of projected allocable revenue. Decisions shape which events, marketing, and sports tournaments bring visitors — and hotel stays — to Pewaukee.