The Viroqua Public Record: March 24, 2026
"Big week in Viroqua, but why is the VDA MIA? From work spending and future housing plans, to a possible solar project at the library."
Your plain-English guide to what's happening at City Hall
The Big Takeaway
It's a four-meeting week in Viroqua, and the decisions on the table range from how much the city will spend on street work to where future housing gets built. Today (Tuesday), the Public Works Committee opens bids for asphalt and concrete on East South Street, followed by the Public Safety Committee reviewing the Fire Department's full 2025 year-end report. Then on Thursday, the Housing Advisory Board takes up what may be one of its last discussions on the Comprehensive Plan's housing section and Future Land Use Map — the document that will guide Viroqua's growth for years — while the Library Board explores bringing solar energy to the library. If you care about roads, housing, or how your tax dollars get spent, this is the week to pay attention.[1][2][3][4]
Money Watch
Several financial items hit the table this week:
Asphalt bids for both general city paving and the East South Street project will be reviewed and potentially approved at today's Public Works meeting. Street resurfacing projects in a city Viroqua's size can easily run into six figures, so this is real money.
Concrete bids specifically for East South Street are also up for approval, meaning this project likely involves both road surface and curb/sidewalk work.
The committee will also vote on opening a Debt Reserve Money Market account — essentially a savings account where the city parks money set aside to pay off bonds or loans. Moving reserve funds into a money market account typically earns a bit more interest than a standard checking account. A small but smart move with public dollars.[2]
Coming Up
Public Works Committee
Meets at City Hall's lower-level community room (124 W Decker Street). Can't make it in person? Join via Zoom (Meeting ID: 849 2734 0949). There are two public comment periods — one near the start and one before adjournment.
On the agenda: asphalt and concrete bids for East South Street, the brush and compost plan, hydrant flushing communications, landfill gas mitigation system design update, and construction project status reports.[2]
Public Safety Committee
Reviews the Fire Department's 2025 year-end report — expect a full rundown of last year's call volumes, response times, and department activity. The committee will also handle operator license approvals and get police and fire updates. Join via Zoom[1]
Library Board
The board has a packed agenda featuring both long-term planning and 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 review an updated Mission Statement and handle board reappointments.[4]
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. If you have opinions about housing density, where future development should go, or short-term rental policy, this is the night to show up. Viroqua City Hall, lower level. Two public comment periods built into the agenda.[3]
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. Sharp-eyed readers may have noticed the agenda was amended — item 9 originally said "landfill gas extraction design" and was changed to "landfill gas mitigation system design update." "Extraction" means actively pumping gas out; "mitigation" means managing it so it doesn't cause problems. A subtle word swap that hints at how the city's approach to the old landfill may be evolving.[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 state of the department.[1]
Operator license approvals — Public Safety will approve licenses for people who serve alcohol at local establishments. Routine, but required by state law.[1]
Library solar energy exploration — The Library Board will discuss whether solar power makes sense for the facility — an early-stage conversation, but one worth watching if you're interested in the city's sustainability direction.[4]
Viroqua Development Association — quiet week — The VDA is typically scheduled to meet this week, but as of publication, no agenda has been posted. It's also worth noting that the minutes from January's meeting still haven't appeared — unusual for a body that plays a key role in downtown and economic development. The VDA's President seat is currently open, so if you've been looking for a way to get involved in shaping Viroqua's business community, this would be a great time to step up and reach out.
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 evenings to hash out housing policy. Chaired by Sonya Newenhouse, the board includes names you might recognize from around town.
Thursday's meeting may be one of the last opportunities for public input before the Comprehensive Plan's housing section moves to the next stage. If you've ever had opinions about housing costs, availability, or where new development should go 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.