The Viroqua Public Record: May 23, 2026
City Hall's big plans: 2027 budget, capital improvements, and granny flats; plus, have your say in hiring the next City Administrator!
Your neighbor's guide to what happened at City Hall this week
The Big Takeaway
The City of Viroqua is laying the groundwork for two big-picture planning efforts at once: the 2027 budget and a capital improvement plan (CIP) — essentially the city's wish list and timeline for major projects like roads, utilities, and facilities. The Council will be selecting teams to lead both processes at its May 26 meeting. If you've ever wondered why a particular street hasn't been repaved or why a project keeps getting delayed, this is the behind-the-scenes moment where those priorities get set. Meanwhile, the city is also looking at whether to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — think granny flats, garage apartments, or backyard cottages — on properties that already have a house. That could meaningfully change housing options in Viroqua.[1]
Have Your Say
The City of Viroqua is recruiting its next City Administrator and wants resident input on what skills, leadership style, and personal qualities matter most for the role. The survey — run by Public Administration Associates, the firm leading the search — asks you to rank top skills, weigh in on key personal qualities, and identify the biggest issues and opportunities facing Viroqua over the next five years. Your responses will help shape who ends up in one of the most consequential jobs at City Hall. Survey closes end of day Tuesday, May 26. Take the survey
Money Watch
• The Council will review Pay Request #6 for the Hanson Property Contract A and Pay Request #1 plus Change Order #1 for Contract B (Railroad Storm Pond). The exact dollar amounts aren't listed in the agenda, but change orders mean the project scope or cost has shifted from the original contract — worth watching.[1]
• The Finance/Personnel Committee will discuss a general capital improvement project priority list at its 6:00 p.m. session, which will feed directly into the Council's CIP discussion later that evening. Translation: this is where the city starts deciding which expensive projects get funded first.[2]
• The Council will also review the 2026 Water & Sewer budgets and forecast, which directly affects utility rates.[1]
• The SMRT Bus 2026 contribution — the regional transit service — was tabled from the May 12 meeting and is back on the agenda. The city's annual contribution helps keep the bus running, so if you or someone you know relies on it, this vote matters.[1]
• Payment of bills will be reviewed by both the Finance Committee and the full Council.[1][2]
Coming Up
Common Council
Starting with a public hearing on a conditional use application at 519 E Decker Street to allow a residential duplex in a B-2 (commercial) district. If you live nearby or have opinions about mixed-use development downtown, this is your moment. Join via Zoom[1]
• The ADU ordinance discussion could come to a vote or get sent back for more work — either way, it's still in the "possible action" stage, meaning public input can still shape the outcome.[1]
• Alcohol license renewals for the 2026-2027 license year are up for review — this is the annual batch approval for bars, restaurants, and liquor stores in town.[1]
The Quick Rundown
• Viroqua Legion Baseball and Softball are both requesting temporary alcohol licenses for games in June and July 2026. Standard summer fare — beer at the ballpark.[1]
• Operator license approvals — these are the individual "bartender licenses" for people who serve alcohol. Routine but required by state law.[1]
• The city's 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) on drinking water quality is up for approval. This is the annual report that tells you what's in your tap water — federally required and typically mailed or posted online.[1]
• A sewer interceptor capacity evaluation scope of services is on the table. In plain English: the city wants to hire someone to figure out whether the main sewer pipes can handle current and future demand. Important infrastructure homework.[1]
One More Thing
Both meetings on May 26 are open to the public — in person and via Zoom — and both have two separate public comment periods (one near the start, one near the end). That's relatively unusual and worth noting: you literally get two bites at the apple if you want to speak up. [1][2]
Sources
[1] Common Council Agenda – May 26, 2026 — View Document
[2] Finance/Personnel Committee Agenda – May 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.