The Viroqua Public Record: March 11, 2026
"Covering landfill gas mitigation costs, approved construction project payments, and upcoming city projects!"
Your weekly digest of city business, in plain English
The Big Takeaway
Last night's Common Council meeting included a public hearing on the old Sands Road landfill — specifically, a gas mitigation system needed there and whether to pursue a USDA Rural Development grant and loan to pay for it. If you missed it: closed landfills don't just disappear. Landfill gas needs to be managed, and the city is exploring federal money to help cover the cost rather than leaning entirely on local taxpayers. We'll report back on what was decided once the minutes are published.[1]
Money Watch
Several spending items went before the Council last night:
- Pay request #4 for the Hanson Farm project was up for approval. This went through Public Works committee review on March 3 and moved to the full Council on March 10. No dollar amount was listed on the agenda, but this is a construction progress payment — essentially the city paying the contractor for work completed so far.[1][4]
- Pay request #5 for the Welcome Center project was also before the Council. Another progress payment on an ongoing build.[1]
- The Library's Vibrant Spaces grant contract for project furniture needed Council sign-off. This is grant-funded, meaning outside money coming into Viroqua — always nice.[1]
- Parks & Rec is looking to buy both a UTV (utility terrain vehicle) and a field drag for maintaining ball fields and parks. These purchases were discussed at the Parks & Rec committee meeting on March 3 as part of a broader capital equipment update that also includes a zero-turn lawnmower replacement.[1][3]
- Public Works discussed placing the city's salt order for 2026-2027 — the road salt that keeps your streets passable every winter.[4]
- The Tourism Commission meets this morning at 10:00 AM to decide what percentage of grant funds to set aside for Event Grant Window #2 (covering October through March) and whether to earmark a portion specifically for new events in Viroqua.[5]
What Happened Last Night
Common Council & Finance/Personnel Committee
The Finance/Personnel Committee met at 6:15 PM, followed by the full Common Council at 6:30 PM, including the Sands Road landfill public hearing. The agenda was posted day-of, so we're covering it today. Minutes will follow once they're published.[1][2]
Tourism Commission Meeting
Tourism Commission meets this morning to discuss grant funding allocations and review tourism grant requests.[5]
- The Council may have gone into closed session to negotiate the fire contract with surrounding towns — a recurring topic about how the city and neighboring townships share the cost of fire protection. Any action taken would have happened back in open session.[1]
- West South Street Reconstruction was discussed at Public Works on March 3. No final decisions yet, but if you live on or near West South Street, this is one to watch.[4]
- Tourism Commission's next meeting after today: Wednesday, April 8 at 10 AM.[5]
The Quick Rundown
- Randy Skinner is being appointed to the Tourism Commission, replacing Kathryn Ashley-Wright, for a one-year term expiring April 30, 2027.[1]
- The Eckhart Playground project got an update at Parks & Rec — details weren't on the agenda, but this is an ongoing improvement effort worth following if you have kids or grandkids.[3]
- Parks & Rec discussed whether volunteer youth sports coaches should get their registration fees waived, plus reviewed proposals for youth sports t-shirts and hats. Small-town rec league season is gearing up.[3]
- The Tourism Commission's amended agenda includes a welcome for the new commission member and a thank-you to the outgoing one.[5]
One More Thing
Buried in the Parks & Rec agenda: the city is apparently shopping for a field drag — that's the big rake-like contraption you pull behind a vehicle to smooth out baseball and softball infields. Spring is coming, Viroqua. ⚾[3]
Sources
[1] Common Council Agenda – March 10, 2026 — View Document
[2] Finance/Personnel Committee Agenda – March 10, 2026 — View Document
[3] Parks & Recreation Committee Agenda – March 3, 2026 — View Document
[4] Public Works Committee Agenda – March 3, 2026 — View Document
[5] Tourism Commission Amended Agenda – March 11, 2026 — View Document
The Viroqua Public Record is an independent community summary of public meetings. It is not affiliated with the City of Viroqua.