The Viroqua Public Record: May 9, 2026
Viroqua's on the hunt for a new city admin, eyeing hefty purchases, and preserving history!
Your neighborhood guide to what's happening at City Hall
The Big Takeaway
The City of Viroqua is gearing up to hire a new city administrator — and they're bringing in a professional recruitment firm to do it. At the May 12 Council meeting, alderpersons will vote on selecting a recruitment firm, approve the administrator job description, and green-light the job posting. This is a big deal: the city administrator runs the day-to-day operations of local government, so whoever fills this seat will shape how Viroqua functions for years to come. If you have opinions about what kind of leader the city needs, Tuesday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m. is the time to speak up — there are two public comment periods on the agenda.[1]
Money Watch
Several spending decisions are on the table this week:
Two new police squad cars are up for approval. The exact price tag wasn't listed in the agenda, but squad car replacements typically run $45,000–$55,000 each — so expect a six-figure purchase. The Finance Committee reviewed this before sending it to Council.[1][2]
Pay request #6 for the Viroqua Welcome Center project is due for approval, meaning another chunk of that construction budget is being released to contractors.[1]
The city's SMRT Bus contribution for 2026 — the rural transit service — needs a vote. This is the bus system that connects Viroqua to surrounding communities.[1]
The Historic Preservation Commission will discuss its annual $1,000 donation to the Vernon County Historical Society and whether to send members to two conferences: one in Minneapolis in July (where they're up for a Commission Excellence Award — congrats!) and another in Appleton in October.[3]
The Finance Committee will review first-quarter 2026 financials — essentially a check-up on how the city's budget is holding up three months in. They'll also discuss a brokerage change for Globe Life insurance policies, which could affect how employee benefits are managed.[2]
Coming Up
Historic Preservation Commission
Meets to review a Certificate of Appropriateness (a required approval for changes to buildings in the historic district) for a new awning at the Viroqua Public Market.[3]
Common Council
Key votes on the Capital Improvement Plan process, the old city hall site design firm (a Parks & Rec project that will determine what happens with that property), and the transportation resolution. Join via Zoom[1]
Next HPC meeting
[3]
The Quick Rundown
Old City Hall site: The Council will pick a design firm and approve a service agreement for reimagining the old city hall property. This came through Parks & Rec, so expect a community-oriented use.[1]
Capital Improvement Plan process: The city is discussing how it plans and prioritizes big infrastructure investments — roads, buildings, utilities — over the coming years.[1]
Transportation resolution: Details weren't spelled out in the agenda, but this likely relates to regional transit or road funding advocacy.[1]
Historic landmark candidates: The HPC has a long list of potential landmark properties under discussion, including Clyde's Grocery Store (now Rhythm Bakery), the Courthouse Lynching Tree Site, Mark Lee's Childhood Home, and the Old Opera House (Mr. G's). These are in various stages of research.[3]
One More Thing
Buried deep in the Historic Preservation Commission agenda: member Aaron Parker is working on a new plaque for the Gilman Bur Oak Tree Historic Designation — yes, a single tree with its own historic landmark status. Meanwhile, Karen Innis is finalizing a recognition plaque for Gigi Macasaet. Between the trees and the thirteen (!) buildings being researched for landmark status, Viroqua's HPC might be the busiest seven-person volunteer committee in western Wisconsin.[3]
Sources
[1] Common Council Agenda – May 12, 2026 — View Document
[2] Finance/Personnel Committee Agenda – May 12, 2026 — View Document
[3] Historic Preservation Commission Agenda – May 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.