Village of Hortonville Village Board Highlights from the approved minutes from the January 15, 2026 meeting found at https://www.hortonvillewi.org/meetings/
The Hortonville Village Board moved forward with a significant economic development initiative on Thursday, unanimously approving the creation of Tax Incremental District (TID) No. 7. This decision sets the stage for the “Natures Haven” subdivision, a project expected to generate millions in tax increment revenue over the coming years.
Economic Development and TID No. 7
The central item of the evening was a presentation by Ariana Schmidt of Ehlers Advisors regarding the establishment of Tax Incremental District No. 7. This mixed-use district encompasses approximately 91.61 acres (excluding nearly 10 acres of wetlands).
The primary driver for this district is the proposed Natures Haven Unit Subdivision, which is slated to produce 104 residential units. Key financial projections shared during the meeting include:
- Revenue Generation: The subdivision is expected to account for 80% of the tax increment revenue.
- Projected Value: The future value of the district is estimated at approximately $8.2 million.
- Incremental Growth: Tax increments are projected to reach roughly $6–7 million starting in 2028, increasing annually as property values rise.
The Board unanimously approved Resolution R-1-26, formally creating the district and establishing its boundaries. Administrator Nathan Treadwell noted that he is currently finalizing the development agreement for the project.
Infrastructure and Main Street Planning
The Board reviewed 90% engineering designs for the Main Street reconstruction project between Cherry and Nash Streets. Discussion focused on intersection safety and signage:
- Visibility Concerns: Chief of Police Brian Bahr highlighted visibility issues approaching the Mill and Main Street intersection from the east.
- Traffic Control: The Board discussed a missing stop sign at Mill and Main. It was noted that rapid flasher lights cannot be installed if stop signs are present, leading to further deliberation on the best safety configuration.
- Next Steps: Administrator Treadwell and Public Works Director Aaron Steber will meet with county officials and engineers to address these design questions.
Public Safety and Departmental Updates
The meeting included the formal swearing-in of Officer Jack Johnson, bringing the Police Department to full staffing levels. Chief Bahr reported on his attendance at a statewide training in Milwaukee, noting that Hortonville is in a “really good situation” regarding recruitment and retention, which remain significant challenges for other departments.
Other departmental highlights included:
- Fire/EMS: The Hortonville-Hortonia Fire District reported 92 fire calls and approximately 300 EMS calls for the previous year. Fire Chief Kuhnke is exploring a free notification system for residents regarding open burning.
- Finances: Clerk-Treasurer Jane Booth reported that the Village has received $20,371.90 in ambulance fees to date.
- Library: Library Director Alexandrea Krause announced that the library is finalizing plans for “big events” scheduled for the upcoming summer season.
Administrative and Executive Session
The Board entered a closed session to deliberate on a Developers Agreement. Upon returning to open session, no formal action was taken regarding the closed-door discussions. Additionally, Administrator Treadwell informed the Board that he has met with developers interested in purchasing the former BMO building.
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