Highlights from the Town of Center Town Board Meetings of October 23 and November 10, 2025 using the unapproved minutes found at: https://centerwi.gov/agendas-minutes/
Executive Summary: The Town of Center Board held a special meeting to address a specific drainage concern and, in its subsequent November session, formally approved the 2026 Town Budget and expanded the local ATV/UTV route ordinance. The Board also approved two special exception permits for local businesses.
Financial Decisions: 2025 Tax Levy and 2026 Budget Approved
A Special Town Meeting of the Electors was convened to address the upcoming tax levy and budget.
- Tax Levy Approval: The electors approved the 2025 Tax Levy of $$712,396 to be collected in 2026. The estimated town mill rate for the upcoming tax year is $$1.41.
- 2026 Budget Approval: The Town Board, following a public hearing where no comments were received, unanimously approved the Town’s 2026 Budget.
- Financials Reported: The financial report for the period of October 14 to November 10, 2025, showed expenses of $$94,716 and revenue of $$23,868. The checking account balance was reported as $508,754$.
Ordinance Revisions and Route Expansion
During the public hearing and regular meeting, the Board addressed revisions to two key ordinances, both of which were unanimously approved:
- ATV/UTV Route Expansion (Chapter 21): Revisions were approved to expand the ATV/UTV route to include County Road PP from Krueger Road to State Highway 47 and County Road O from Mayflower Road to Twelve Corners Road. This change included incorporating language from the Outagamie County ATV/UTV ordinance to facilitate applying to open county roads.
- Heavy Traffic Routes (Chapter 25): Revisions to the ordinance designating Heavy Traffic Routes were also approved, with no public comments or questions received during the public hearing.
Special Exception Permits Granted
The Board approved two Special Exception Permits following discussion and recommendations from the Planning Committee:
- Dog Kennel Permit (Louise Torkelson): An application was approved for a special exception permit for a dog kennel to allow the resident to occasionally foster rescue dogs and watch friends’ dogs. The approval followed a discussion on neighbor concerns and was granted with a limit of a total of five dogs on the property, as recommended by the Planning Committee. The Town clarified that the County is currently holding special exceptions to the applicant, not the property, as the conditions are agreed upon by the current permit holder.
- Trailer Repair Business (Frank & Joey Taycher): A permit was approved for a trailer repair business (including suspension, electrical, and minor repairs, but no sandblasting or painting) to be located at N3115 Twelve Corners Road. The applicants stated they would not make noise before 8:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m.
Drainage and Roadway Concerns Discussed
A special meeting was held on October 23 on the roadside at W3983 Krueger Road to discuss specific ditch and drainage problems.
- Individual Drainage Solution: Following an analysis by Cedar Corporation and a discussion of five options, it was determined that the most cost-effective and impactful solution for the property owner at W3983 Krueger Road would be for the owner to install drain tile on their property to divert water to the creek.
- Area-Wide Drainage: Roads Report Tom Brown identified the area between County Road A, Twelve Corners, Wege Road, and Rock Road as a priority for future focus due to its wet condition and water nearing homes.
- Action Item: Tom Brown inquired about setting up a meeting with Land Conservation, the DNR, the County Drainage Board, County Zoning, and the Town to address the issue.
- Funding Outlook: Al Kramer noted that the area does not have legal drains, but it could potentially benefit from the Bear Creek Watershed Grant, which is currently seeking state funding.
- Infrastructure Updates: The new pipe for Center Valley Road, east of Meade Street, is scheduled for installation the following week. The salt shed is also currently being constructed.
Other Key Announcements and Discussion
- First Responders: Reported 5 calls in October.
- Grant Opportunity: The Clerk-Treasurer reported that the county is now accepting applications for its Greenway Funding Grant, offering up to $55,000, with a deadline of March 2, 2026.
- County Issue: Supervisor Klemp expressed frustration regarding the county’s approval of a $20 million maintenance building at Plamann Park, noting his unsuccessful attempt to scale back the project as part of the oversight committee.
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