The Viroqua Public Record: March 21, 2026
"Big week for Viroqua with critical decisions on street bids, city's comprehensive plan, and solar for the library."
Your neighbor's guide to what happened (and what's about to happen) at City Hall
The Big Takeaway
Viroqua's got a busy week ahead with four meetings packed into two days. The biggest items on the table: asphalt and concrete bids for East South Street are up for approval at Public Works, and the Housing Advisory Board is finalizing the housing section of the city's Comprehensive Plan — the document that will shape where and how Viroqua grows for years to come. If you have opinions about housing density, short-term rentals, or where future development should go, Thursday, March 26 is the night to show up.[1][2][3]
Money Watch
The Public Works Committee will review and vote on asphalt bids for both general city paving and the East South Street project, plus concrete bids specifically for East South Street. No dollar figures are listed on the agenda yet — those will come from the bids themselves — but street reconstruction projects of this scope typically run into six figures, so this is real money. The committee will also vote on opening a Debt Reserve Money Market account, which is essentially a savings account the city uses to set aside money earmarked for paying off debt, keeping it separate (and earning a little interest) rather than sitting idle in the general fund.[2]
Coming Up
Public Works Committee
Public Works Committee meets to tackle asphalt bids, concrete bids, the brush and compost plan, and a landfill gas mitigation system design update. Join via Zoom[2]
Public Safety Committee
Public Safety Committee reviews the Fire Department's 2025 year-end report and gets police/fire updates. Join via Zoom[1]
Housing Advisory Board
Housing Advisory Board takes up short-term rental and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules — that's things like backyard cottages or garage apartments — and wraps up discussion on the draft Comprehensive Plan's housing section and Future Land Use Map. This is likely one of the last chances to weigh in before it moves forward. Viroqua City Hall, lower level.[3]
Library Board
The board has a packed agenda featuring both long-term planning and unique new community services. High on the list is a discussion about exploring solar energy for the library, potentially bringing sustainable power to the facility. The board will also work on refining the library's identity by reviewing an updated Mission Statement and handling board reappointments.[4]
The Quick Rundown
Hydrant flushing communications — Public Works will discuss how the city notifies residents when fire hydrants are being flushed. If you've ever been startled by rusty-looking water from your tap, this one's for you.[2]
Brush and compost plan — The committee will discuss and possibly approve the city's approach to yard waste collection. Spring is coming, and so are your branches.[2]
Landfill gas mitigation system — An update on the design of a system to manage gas from the old landfill. This is an ongoing environmental and safety project.[2]
Fire Department 2025 year-end report — Public Safety will hear a full rundown of last year's fire department activity — call volumes, response times, and the like.[1]
Operator license approvals — Public Safety will approve licenses for people who serve alcohol at local establishments. Routine, but required by state law.[1]
One More Thing
The Housing Advisory Board has eight members, which for a city Viroqua's size is a genuinely robust group of people volunteering their Wednesday evenings to hash out housing policy. Chaired by Sonya Newenhouse, the board includes names you might recognize from around town. If you've ever grumbled about housing costs or availability in Viroqua, these are the folks trying to do something about it — and they have two public comment periods built right into the agenda.[3]
Sources
[1] Public Safety Committee Agenda – March 24, 2026 — View Document
[2] Public Works Committee Agenda – March 24, 2026 — View Document
[3] Housing Advisory Board Agenda – March 26, 2026 — View Document
The Viroqua Public Record is an independent community summary of public meetings. It is not affiliated with the City of Viroqua.