Mayor’s Column January 14th, 2023
Rohn Bishop, Mayor of Waupun
Hello Waupun!
I want to bring to everyone’s attention an issue that’s important to Waupun, and how it’s hurting us, and how you can help.
The issue is Mutual Services Provider Payments that the State of Wisconsin has agreed to pay us. This is a payment made to the City of Waupun for the city services that state owned buildings use. However, since 2016, the state has only been paying us an average of 37% of what they’re supposed to, adding up to almost $400,000!
The State also contributes nothing, that’s right-nothing- towards our EMS services, even though 20% of our EMS calls are to state owned buildings.
This isn’t right! You and I aren’t allowed to only pay a third of our taxes, and the state shouldn’t be allowed to get away with it either. The money Waupun is owed would make a nice down payment of the fire truck we need, or could pay for the showers that we should install for the firefighters.
What can you do to help? Please contact our state legislators: Senator Feyen and Rep. Schraa. Please be respectful as both are working to help Waupun, but keeping this issue on their radar is key to Waupun getting the money it is owed.
Rep.Schraa@legis.wisconsin.gov 608.267.7990
Sen.Feyen@legis.wi.gov 920.952.7001
In other news, Waupun’s Fire and EMR Department had a very busy December, in fact, it was their busiest month since the tornado outbreak of 2018. I want to thank all the volunteers on both our EMR and Fire Department for their efforts.
Want to donate a tree? As you know, the 2018 tornado and the Emerald Ash Borer wiped out a lot of the trees at city parks. If you wish to donate a tree for a park, Danny McGurk at Rens Nursery is offering half-price trees.
On Tuesday we hosted the first of two ARPA listening sessions. The second session is Tuesday at 1pm at the Waupun Senior Center. We have identified close to $20 million in needs throughout Waupun. It’s actually a lot harder to spend a million dollars than I ever thought it would be!
Finally, planning is continuing for the Centennial Re-dedication ceremony for the Recording Angel sculpture. If you would like to help, donate, or sponsor the event please let me know.
Thank you and God Bless,
Mayor Rohn
