The Whitewater Common Council met Tuesday, Nov. 4, to discuss financial tools for development projects, receive updates from the city’s departments and approve city actions. The meeting also recognized Native American Heritage Month and provided a detailed preview of the 2026-27 draft budget.
Greg Johnson of Ehlers & Associates Inc. provided the featured presentation outlining how they assist Wisconsin communities with evaluating economic development projects. Johnson explained that Ehlers performs pro forma reviews to determine what level of public participation is appropriate for different projects. Ehlers also helps determine the appropriate level of Tax Incremental Financing participation.
“We’re working on behalf of the municipality to look at the developer’s financials to determine what level of TIF assistance is appropriate and how that should be structured,” Johnson said. “We do that by going through several different metrics to determine if the project is profitable or not.”
Finance and Administrative Services Director Rachelle Blitch gave an overview of the 2026-27 draft budget explaining property tax projection and an increase on mill rates. The 2026 mill rate is expected to increase for Walworth County by 95 cents while Jefferson County’s will increase to $1.60 due to differences in equalized property values. The budget review has been completed by the finance committee, however, the hearing has been rescheduled to Dec. 2.
City Manager John Weidl presented the American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage proclamation, acknowledging Whitewater residents who identify as such. November 2025 was proclaimed National Native American Heritage Month in the city of Whitewater.
“Whitewater joins the rest of the nation in recognizing a unique and vital role in our economy, workforce, education, and faith communities, these American Indian and Alaska Native residents contribute,” Weidl said.
Weidl also provided department updates such as construction projects such as the asbestos removal on the reservoir tank and the water department performing hydrant flushing, but most excitingly, the Whitewater Public Library renovation is nearing completion. The grand reopening is planned for Dec. 8.
The council approved its consent agenda which included approval of the 2025 audit engagement letter from Johnson & Block, a one-year extension to Brown Cab Services’ rideshare contract, and the 2026 spring election announcement.
Other highlights include the hiring of Ashwini Rao as Whitewater’s new economic development coordinator, stormwater management projects progression and preparation for the annual Christmas at Cravath Park celebration.
The Public Works Department shared that work is continuing to be done regarding water infrastructure, leaf collection and roadwork including street sweeping, concrete pours and placing mulch for new trees.
The council approved ordinance updates regarding parking restrictions and public comment was allowed from a resident concerned about stormwater drainage and pond maintenance on Waters Edge Drive. He was assured his issues were being taken care of and that work on the pond is scheduled for 2026.
The conclusion of the meeting saw the appointment of council members Neil Hicks, Brian Schanen and Orin Smith to serve on the advisory committee for Whitewater’s comprehensive plan, which will unfold across several meetings next year.
