Highlights from the Town of Center Board Meetings — April 9, 13, and 16, 2026 found at: https://centerwi.gov/agendas-minutes/
The Town of Center Board addressed a significant financial hurdle regarding the Center Valley Road Reconstruction project this month, alongside enacting new fiscal oversight policies and navigating a contentious land-use variance request. While infrastructure costs dominated the discussion, the Board also took steps to formalize purchase authorizations and support local emergency services.
Infrastructure Crisis: Center Valley Road Reconstruction
The Board was informed by MSA Professional Services that the Center Valley Road project is projected to be approximately $400,000 over budget. The discrepancy is attributed to two primary factors: the inadvertent omission of storm sewer replacement expenses in the original ARIP grant application and a sharp increase in asphalt prices.
During a deep-dive discussion on April 16 with MSA representatives, it was revealed that the project scope shifted from a standard “mill and overlay” to a more intensive full reconstruction on the eastern portion of the road.
- Bidding Strategy: Despite the projected deficit, the Board moved to have MSA proceed with bidding out the full scope of the original project. This will provide “hard numbers” to determine the actual market cost before the Board decides whether to reduce the project scope or seek amended grant funding.
- Grant Funding: MSA is currently investigating whether the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) will allow for a “change of scope” amendment to the ARIP grant to cover the added costs.
- Project Timeline: Under grant guidelines, the project must be completed by June 2028. Phasing the work over two years remains a potential cost-saving strategy.
Land Use and Variance Disputes
The Board deliberated on a variance request from Tyler Beckman regarding a parcel on Corey Road. The applicant sought permission to install a holding tank after the property failed a “perk test,” rendering it unbuildable under current standards.
A significant debate emerged regarding the Town’s 2024 ordinance, which prohibits holding tanks for new construction to prevent development in saturated, low-lying areas.
- Opposition: Chairman Timm and others argued the ordinance is essential to prevent future flooding issues for neighboring properties. “This is our only mechanism that we have as a town to prevent you from building in [a swamp] place,” Chairman Timm noted.
- Support for Variance: Supervisor Thiel expressed concern that the ruling effectively makes the property unsellable and argued the variance process exists for these specific hardships.
- Outcome: A motion to approve the variance failed due to lack of a second. Subsequently, the Board voted 4-0 to deny the request.
Fiscal Governance and Policy Changes
To ensure greater transparency and accountability, the Board passed Resolution 2-2026, establishing a formal purchase authorization limit of $5,000.
Any non-emergency town purchase or contract exceeding this amount now requires prior approval from the Town Board. Supervisors noted the policy is intended to protect department heads and ensure all members are “on the same team” regarding the town’s checkbook.
Public Works and Emergency Services
- Storm Reimbursement: Public Works Director Tom Brown reported that the Town is eligible for a 70% reimbursement from the state for expenses incurred during a recent major snowstorm. The claim, based on state equipment rates, is estimated at just under $24,000.
- Ice Machine Contribution: The Board voted to contribute $1,250 toward a new ice machine for the Fire Department and EMS, matching a grant and existing department funds.
- Planning Committee: The Board appointed Steve Schmeichel, Al Kramer, and Norarius Gaggaras to the Planning Committee.
- Community Use: The Board approved a request for a local group to use the ball diamond for eight Sunday evening games this summer at a rate of $25 per night.
Public Safety and Maintenance
The Sheriff’s Department and local staff noted recent issues with graffiti on stop signs at the intersection of Mville Road and Main Street. Public Works confirmed that new UTV signs have been installed on County Roads O and P. Additionally, the town has coordinated with Harters to provide a larger, two-yard recycling bin for town facilities at no extra charge.
“Even if we disagreed, I think we still made some good changes,” noted Supervisor David Vander Bloomen during his final meeting on the Board.
The next regular Town Board meeting is scheduled for May 11, 2026.
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