The Viroqua Public Record — February 18, 2026
The Viroqua Public Record
February 18, 2026
The Big Takeaway
It's been a busy week at City Hall with four meetings packed into two days, and the thread running through most of them is growth and infrastructure. Tuesday night's Public Works and Public Safety committees have already met — we'll have meeting minute summaries in upcoming editions. Today, the Viroqua Development Association is heading into closed session to discuss development proposals for the Hanson Farm property and the Business Park, meaning there are active negotiations happening about what gets built on some of the city's key parcels. If you care about where Viroqua is headed physically and financially in the next few years, today's VDA meeting is the one to watch.
Money Watch
• The Hanson Farm pay request #2 was on the agenda at Tuesday's Public Works meeting. This is the second round of payments for infrastructure development out there — roads, utilities, the works that make the land buildable. The exact dollar amount wasn't listed on the agenda. A summary of what was approved will appear in a future edition.
• The committee also reviewed a USDA application for landfill financing and was expected to set a public hearing date for the City Council. Translation: the city is looking at federal loan or grant money to deal with landfill needs, and you'll eventually get a chance to weigh in at a Council meeting. We'll report back on what was decided.
• The VDA Treasurer's Report (Wednesday, 1:30 PM) will cover current bills and spending related to the city's development arm.
Coming Up
The Public Works Committee is expected to set a date for a City Council public hearing on the USDA landfill financing application. Watch for this if you have opinions about how the city handles solid waste costs.
Next Tourism Commission meeting at City Hall.
Viroqua Fire Department Association Annual Fundraiser — the temporary beer license is on the Public Safety agenda for approval.
Viroqua Area Hockey Association Founders Cup Tournament — also needs a temporary beer license, also up for a vote Tuesday night.
According to the city's public meeting calendar, there are no other meetings currently scheduled for the remainder of February.
The Quick Rundown
Public Safety Committee (Tues. Feb. 17, 6:30 PM) — Already Met
• The committee tackled winter parking enforcement — specifically, fines and towing options for people who leave cars on the street during snow events.
• Amendments to the noxious weed ordinance were on the table.
• The Police Department's 2025 year-end report was presented — a look back at crime stats, calls for service, and department activity for the full year.
• A closed session on fire contracts with surrounding towns was scheduled, suggesting the city is negotiating what it charges (or shares) for fire protection services with neighboring townships.
Meeting minute summaries will be included in a future edition of The Viroqua Public Record.
Public Works Committee (Tues. Feb. 17, 5 PM) — Already Met
• A garage door replacement at the street shop needed approval — keeping the city's maintenance facility functional.
• The Lincoln Street lift station (a pumping station that moves sewage uphill through the system) is moving into the design phase.
• Brush and compost site changes were under discussion, including chipping of brush and wood waste.
Meeting minute summaries will be included in a future edition of The Viroqua Public Record.
Tourism Commission (Wed. Feb. 18, 10 AM) — Today
• The big item is agreements with the Chamber of Commerce regarding the Viroqua Welcome Center. Details aren't spelled out, but this likely involves who runs it, who funds it, and how it operates going forward.
Viroqua Development Association (Wed. Feb. 18, 1:30 PM) — Today
• Beyond the Hanson Farm closed session, the VDA board (chaired by Jacob Kanis) may revise its bylaws and articles of incorporation — the organizational housekeeping that governs how the development authority itself operates.
One More Thing
Today's VDA and Tourism Commission meetings round out a packed week at City Hall. Look for meeting minute summaries from all four sessions in upcoming editions. You can keep tabs on what's next on the city's public meeting calendar — though as of now, the rest of February is clear.
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The Viroqua Public Record is an independent community summary of public meetings. It is not affiliated with the City of Viroqua.