Town of Center | Public Meeting Highlights — April 21 & May 11, 2026- minutes found here: https://centerwi.gov/agendas-minutes/
The Town of Center Board deferred action on the Center Valley Road reconstruction project following the discovery of an estimated $400,000 budget shortfall caused by omitted storm sewer work. In concurrent town proceedings, officials approved key local infrastructure spending, finalized future town official compensation, and reviewed potential involvement in a national manufacturing class-action lawsuit.
Infrastructure Overruns Stall Center Valley Road Progress
The Center Valley Road Reconstruction Agricultural Road Improvement Program (ARIP) project faces significant delays after omissions in the initial engineering phase came to light. The town received competitive bids for the project, with MCC submitting the lowest bid at $1,147,000. However, total project costs escalated sharply after it was discovered that critical storm sewer work had been left out of the initial grant scope.
The town originally expected a 90/10 cost split through the grant. Dan Rammer of MSA Engineering acknowledged the omission, explaining that tight grant application timelines frequently require estimates to be submitted before a project’s full scope is finalized. Rammer noted that while the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) will not adjust the overall grant award amount, the town could choose to shorten the project’s geographic scope—starting at County Road A and continuing until funding runs out.
Board members expressed sharp disappointment regarding the oversight, noting concerns that the added financial burden could halt other local road infrastructure projects for years. Supervisor Travis Thiel requested an official letter of accountability from MSA. Ultimately, the board voted unanimously to table the matter until formal legal guidance is received from Town Attorney Chuck Koehler.
Public Works and Capital Equipment Upgrades
Despite the setback on Center Valley Road, several local public works expenditures and maintenance projects were approved to move forward:
- Snowplow Procurement: The board approved a $19,900 contract with Service Motor Company to purchase a new snowplow. The equipment will pair with a new town tractor scheduled for delivery this November. The final price reflects the trade-in value of the town’s current plow.
- Ditch Repairs: A $12,175 contract was awarded to Hintz Trucking for three targeted ditch repairs along Wege Road and Meade Street. The measure passed 4-1, with Supervisor Thiel dissenting.
- Private Ditch Reshaping: Resident Marshal Noeller was granted permission to clean and reshape a ditch at his own expense along W3983 Krueger Road to fix standing water issues. Due to concerns over flat grading and potential runoff impacts on neighboring properties, the approval (passed 4-1, with Chairman Gary Timm dissenting) requires Noeller to follow strict engineering guidance and sign a liability waiver.
Town Governance, Finance, and Legal Reviews
During annual town governance structuring, the board finalized measures to secure municipal financial flexibility and set upcoming leadership wages. The town passed a formal measure granting authorization to borrow funds should unexpected financial shortfalls occur.
Additionally, the board voted to maintain the current compensation rates for town officials who will be elected in April 2027 (covering the town chairman and supervisors one and three). Wages will remain at $25 per hour, with monthly board salaries set at $250 for supervisors and $500 for the town chairman.
The board also evaluated whether to join an ongoing class-action lawsuit against Pierce Manufacturing and other emergency vehicle producers over alleged price-fixing of fire rigs. After reviewing findings from Attorney Chuck Koehler, town leaders expressed concern over potential legal fees and the low probability of asset recovery. No formal action was taken.
Community Input and Board Actions at a Glance
Public Input Themes
- Property Rights: Resident John Baum voiced opposition to proposed regulations prohibiting holding tanks for new construction, citing negative impacts on property rights and local tax revenue.
- Drainage and Signage: Outagamie County Drainage Board President Al Kramer reported that the Bear Creek Watershed Grant remains under active federal review. Kramer also flagged a rising safety hazard regarding commercial advertising signs placed illegally within town road right-of-ways.
Key Voting Records & Resolutions
- Resolution 3-2026: Unanimously approved to support the Wisconsin Town’s Association’s initiative for a comprehensive and sustainable state transportation funding solution.
- Town Representation: Chairman Timm was reappointed as the Fox Cities Metropolitan Planning Organization Representative, and Supervisor Gary Blank was appointed as the Center Community Foundation’s 501(c)(3) Representative.
- Financial Approvals: The board accepted the monthly financial report (April 14 – May 11, 2026), noting total expenses of $60,547, revenues of $24,042, and a closing checking account balance of $783,957.
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