The Viroqua Public Record: March 31, 2026
"Grandstay hotel headed to Viroqua's Business Park, city spent $451,980 in Feb, and higher fines for parking violations."
Your plain-English guide to what happened at City Hall — Late February / Early March 2026
The Big Takeaway
A Grandstay hotel is coming to Viroqua's Business Park. After years of trying to land a hotel developer (talks started back in 2021 with other companies that fell through), the Council unanimously approved a predevelopment agreement with Marketpointe to build the branded hotel. Chan Johnson presented the Grandstay concept, and the Viroqua Development Association is on board. Some details were hashed out in closed session, but the key takeaway is this: if the feasibility study checks out, Viroqua is getting a hotel — something that could reshape tourism dollars and how visitors experience the area.[1]
Money Watch
$25,036 for new garage doors at the city street shop, paid from non-lapsing funds (money set aside in prior years that doesn't expire). Swenson Doors and La Crosse Glass are doing the work.[1]
$256,959 (pay request #3) and another $181,600 (pay request #4) approved for the Hanson Farm project, which resumes construction this month. That's nearly $440,000 in recent payments on this ongoing infrastructure project.[1][4]
Road salt locked in at $99.81/ton — the city ordered 480 tons total for the 2026–2027 season.[4]
West South Street reconstruction is on the table with price tags ranging from $800,000 (the stretch near Park Bowl) up to $1.5 million (the portion needing water and sewer replacement too). The city secured state LRIP discretionary money capped at $400,000 with a 40% local match, and Public Works Director Sarah Grainger is now authorized to chase federal appropriation grants through Congressman Van Orden's and Senator Baldwin's offices to close the gap.[4]
The city is pursuing a $50,000 WEDC grant for redevelopment of the old City Hall site.[2]
Total bills paid in late February: $451,980.[1][2]
Coming Up
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — think granny flats or backyard cottages — are moving through the pipeline. The Plan Commission is supportive of a draft ordinance that would allow these on parcels with existing homes. It still needs to go back to the Housing Advisory Committee, but this could meaningfully expand housing options.[5]
Short-term rental regulations (Airbnb-type rules) are also being drafted. Expect a licensing process with a calendar-year permit. Still being refined to comply with state law.[5]
A public input session on the city's future land use map (part of the Comprehensive Plan update) is coming — no date announced yet, but watch for it. This is your chance to weigh in on what Viroqua looks like in 10–20 years.[5]
Parking ordinance fine increases for winter snow events were tabled at Council — expect this back on a future agenda. The proposal: fines that escalate by $20 for each violation within a six-month period.[1][3]
The Northpointe daycare has a potential March opening.[2]
Xcel Energy will be moving utility poles on Center Avenue and lines crossing Main Street soon. They may briefly close Hwy 14 for about two minutes during the work.[4]
The Quick Rundown
Fire Department news: The ladder truck is back in service after a $10,000 repair. Five new members joined the department, and Josh Brown was selected as the new Fire Captain, starting March 2, 2026. Entry-level firefighter classes begin March 10.[3]
National Guard Readiness Center: Colonel Bill Benson presented to Council — construction wraps up fall 2026 with occupancy in 2027. Expect 3–4 full-time staff and about 140 soldiers training there once a month.[1]
Noxious weed ordinance updated on the recommendation of municipal prosecutor Bruce Hart to make it more enforceable in court. Passed unanimously with the second reading waived.[1][3]
Fire contract with surrounding towns was approved after closed-session negotiations, with optional administrative fees included.[1][3]
Temporary beer licenses approved for the Viroqua Fire Dept. fundraiser (March 14) and the Hockey Association Founders Cup Tournament (March 23–27).[1][3]
One More Thing
The city lost its towing company for winter snow events. Legacy Towing was bought by Sleepy Hollow, and they don't want to do overnight tows anymore. So if you're wondering why the parking fine discussion got heated — that's why. Without a tow truck on call, escalating fines are basically the city's only tool to get cars off the street when the plows need through.[3]
Sources
[1] Common Council Minutes – Feb. 24, 2026 — View Document
[2] Finance/Personnel Minutes – Feb. 24, 2026 — View Document
[3] Public Safety Minutes – Feb. 17, 2026 — View Document
The Viroqua Public Record is an independent community summary of public meetings. It is not affiliated with the City of Viroqua.