Friday Memo

 

 FRIDAY MEMO

 

 

To:                  Town Board Members

From:  John Olson, Town Administrator

Date:   November 21, 2025    

 

 

Please take time to read this week’s Friday Memo- -a general recap of the week and upcoming news.  As always, should you like more information, I ask that you call the office, e-mail or stop in.  Thanks for your continued support. 

    1. The 2026 Budget Hearing was held on earlier this month.  Electors attending approved the requested tax levy of $5,625,176, which represented an 8.1% increase over last year.  The Mill Rate was increased from $2.84/1K to $3.05/1K, or .21/1K.  This should be close to a $21 increase on a $100K Assessed Property, or a $105 increase on a $500K Assessed Property, or a $210 increase on a $1M Assessed Property.  And please remember that Town taxes make up approximately 21-22% of your total tax bill.  All budget information and spreadsheets are available by request and can be emailed as well.  Thanks to Darlene and the Finance Committee for all their hard work in budget preparation and planning.
    2. The City of Elkhorn just requested an extension of the EMS Mutual Aid agreement for 2026.
    3. Lakeland Community Church, N3181 STH 67, has applied for a Conditional Use Permit Amendment & Variance to allow a building and parking expansion.  Plan Commission tabled to allow for more review of the septic system capacity.  This planned for consideration again at the January 6 Plan Commission.
    4. Interior inspection request letters were mailed to 1250 or 1/3 of property owners a few weeks ago.  The remaining 2/3 of property owners will be receiving letters next year after Board of Review.  The Town has not received a total revaluation, including interior & exterior inspections, since before Accurate began assessment work in 2012.  And property owners have the right to deny access for the interior inspections, but the goal of the revaluation for the 2025-2028 Assessment Contract is to update the property records for accuracy.  https://townofdelavan.com/2025/10/21/did-you-recieve-a-notice-from-accurate/
    5. The Town Board is still planning an August, 2026 Referendum for Police & Fire staffing.  The question for the August ballot will need to be known by April and, if approved by the voters, would be a tax increase added to the following year’s tax levy helping to fund the 2027 & future years budgets. 
    6. Private Road Maintenance & Snow Plowing has been discussed at the August Public Works Committee and Board Meeting.    You also reviewed and discussed Attorney Koch’s legal opinion recommending contracts with property owners for this service.  Comments were made that advance notice will be given to all Private Road property owners receiving plowing and maintenance services so they can prepare for the 26/27 season.  Contracts with all associations desiring to continue the municipal services is the goal.  No immediate action was taken and tabled to the discretion of the Town Chair.   
    7. Complimentary Thanksgiving Dinner is scheduled for Thursday from 11am-2pm at Waters Edge.  https://townofdelavan.com/2025/11/04/complimentary-thanksgiving-dinner/
    8. Short Term Rental Complaint Hotline is now available 24/7 at 866-257-0149 or online at https://www.harmari.com/tipform-delavan
    9. All Assessed Values for the Town are available online at accurateassessor.com.    
    10. The Highway Shop is a “free drop-off site” for Waste Oil that is used for heating purposes.  We are currently in low supply.
    11. Enjoy your weekend!                                   

     

     

    Meetings next week:  None scheduled at this time.