The Viroqua Public Record: June 13, 2026
"Viroqua's preparing for 2027 budget and future land use, alongside ongoing construction payouts!"
Your neighbor's guide to what's happening at City Hall
The Big Takeaway
The city is officially in 2027 budget season. Three separate committees meeting this week — Public Safety, Public Works, and Plan Commission — are all starting to hash out what next year's spending should look like for police, fire, and streets. At the same time, the Plan Commission is deep into updating Viroqua's Comprehensive Plan, including a new future land use map that will shape where development can and can't go for years to come. If you care about your property taxes or what gets built near your neighborhood, the next few weeks are the time to pay attention.[1][2][3]
Money Watch
The Public Works Committee will vote on pay request #8 for the Hanson Farm project and pay request #7 for the Center Avenue project — two ongoing construction efforts. The agendas don't list dollar amounts, but these are progress payments to contractors, meaning the work is moving forward and the bills are coming due.[2]
All three committees are beginning to set goals and priorities for their 2027 draft budgets. Public Safety will tackle both the Fire Department and Police Department budgets in a single meeting. These early conversations set the ceiling for what departments ask for, so they matter more than they sound.[1][2]
Coming Up
Public Works Committee
Public Works Committee meets to review construction payments and start 2027 budget planning. Join via Zoom[2]
Public Safety Committee
Public Safety Committee takes up alcohol license renewals, a tractor pull beer license, a proposed change to the fire department's officer structure, and 2027 budget priorities for police and fire. Join via Zoom[1]
Plan Commission
Plan Commission reviews TID #7 Amendment #2 (Tax Increment District — a tool the city uses to fund development in a specific area by capturing future property tax growth). They'll also discuss setting a public hearing date for that amendment, plus continue work on the Comprehensive Plan's future land use map and goals. Join via Zoom[3]
All meetings are at City Hall, lower-level community room, 124 W. Decker Street. Each one has a public comment period — you can show up or join online.
The Quick Rundown
Tractor pull beer license — The Vernon County Agricultural Society wants a temporary Class "B" beer license for their tractor pull on July 18, 2026. Public Safety will vote on it.[1]
Alcohol license renewals — It's that time of year. The committee will review and approve the annual batch of 2026-2027 liquor and beer license renewals for local bars and restaurants, plus individual operator licenses.[1]
Fire department officer structure — There's a proposed change to how the fire department's leadership is organized, potentially requiring an ordinance update. No details yet on what specifically would change, but it's on the table for discussion and possible action.[1]
Comprehensive Plan updates — The Plan Commission is reviewing draft goals, objectives, recommendations, and a future land use map — essentially the blueprint that guides zoning decisions. If you've ever wondered why a certain business can or can't go on a particular lot, this is the document behind it.[3]
One More Thing
The Plan Commission currently has a vacancy. So if you've ever thought about having a direct say in how Viroqua grows and develops — rather than just commenting from the audience — there's literally an empty chair with your name on it. Contact City Hall at (608) 637-7186 if you're interested.[3]
Sources
[1] Public Safety Committee Agenda – June 16, 2026 — View Document
[2] Public Works Committee Agenda – June 16, 2026 — View Document
The Viroqua Public Record is an independent community summary of public meetings. It is not affiliated with the City of Viroqua.