The Viroqua Public Record: June 27, 2026
"Viroqua's borrowing $2.5M for landfill and Hanson Farm is closer to reality; Budget goals for 2027 starting."
Your neighbor's guide to what’s happening at City Hall this week
The Big Takeaway
The City of Viroqua is about to borrow $2,518,000 for its landfill project, and that's the headline from a packed Tuesday, June 30 Common Council agenda. The council will vote on a USDA loan resolution for that amount, hire the law firm Quarles to handle the borrowing paperwork, and approve an engineering services agreement with TRC for landfill construction. If you've been wondering where your tax dollars are headed in the next couple of years, this is a big piece of the puzzle. Meanwhile, the Hanson Farm development continues to move forward with new road names, construction pay requests, early occupancy agreements, and a closed-session negotiation — signs that new homes and lots are getting closer to reality.[1]
Money Watch
$2,518,000 USDA loan for the landfill project — that's roughly $2,500 per household spread across the city's approximately 1,000 households, though the repayment timeline and terms will determine the actual annual impact. The council will also approve engagement letters with Quarles (for the borrowing) and Ehlers (a municipal financial advisory firm).[1]
Pay request #8 for the Hanson Farm project and pay request #7 for the Center Avenue project are up for approval — these are progress payments to contractors for work already completed.[1]
The Fire Station is wrapping up: the council will consider a final pay request to contractor Keller, plus change order #5 and a warranty extension agreement. If approved, this likely marks the financial close-out of the fire station build.[1]
A taxi cab replacement purchase is on the table — no dollar figure listed yet, but worth watching if you or someone you know relies on the city's cab service.[1]
The Finance/Personnel Committee will begin discussing goals and priorities for the 2027 budget — this is the very early stage of next year's spending plan.[2]
Coming Up
Finance/Personnel Committee
Finance/Personnel Committee meets to start shaping 2027 budget priorities. Join via Zoom[2]
Common Council
Common Council tackles a 32-item agenda including the landfill loan, Hanson Farm decisions, and two closed sessions. Both meetings include public comment periods — your chance to speak up. Join via Zoom[1]
Tractor Pull
The Vernon County Agricultural Society is hosting a tractor pull and has applied for a temporary beer license. The council votes on that June 30.[1]
The council will also discuss an interim capital improvement plan — essentially a wish list and timeline for the city's big-ticket infrastructure projects. If you care about roads, parks, or buildings, this is worth following.[1]
The Quick Rundown
Vernon Memorial Healthcare has submitted a preliminary certified survey map (a formal land-division document) for Plan Commission and council review.[1]
Alcohol license renewals for the 2026-2027 year are up for approval — this is the annual re-up for bars, restaurants, and retailers.[1]
Board appointments: AJ Bergum and Chuck Driscoll are being appointed to the Plan Commission, replacing Tanja Birke and David Levin. Amanda Hautanen and Seth McClurg join the Housing Advisory Board after Chris Rozeske's resignation.[1]
Silverthorne development — the council will consider an addendum to the development agreement involving 50 yards of black dirt, likely for grading or landscaping.[1]
Two closed sessions are planned: one involving Joe Gundersen and the Hanson Farm project, and another about a potential purchase or lease of 40 acres of VFW land. Both involve competitive or bargaining matters.[1]
One More Thing
Buried in that 32-item agenda is a vote on road names for the Hanson Farm development. No names were listed in the agenda itself, so we'll have to wait and see — but if you've ever wanted to live on a street named after a local landmark, historical figure, or someone's favorite cow, this is how it starts. Stay tuned.[1]
Sources
[1] Common Council Agenda – June 30, 2026 — View Document
[2] Finance/Personnel Committee Agenda – June 30, 2026 — View Document
The Viroqua Public Record is an independent community summary of public meetings. It is not affiliated with the City of Viroqua.