Mayor’s Column November 18th, 2023
Rohn Bishop, Mayor of Waupun
Waupun has got it going on!
This past week the council approved the proposed 2024 budget, a budget that invests in Waupun’s future, and is one of the most optimistic budgets passed in years! This budget is largely possible because 2023 was a year full of accomplishments, that provide a strong foundation on which our new 2024 budget is built, here a few of the highlights:
Construction is underway on a new $4.9M senior/community center that will be opening in late 2024.
We have a fire staffing study that we will be completing yet this year, to help us identify any actions needed to strengthen the long term sustainability of our emergency response services in Waupun. Along with this, Waupun was awarded an EMS Flex Grant and Healthcare infrastructure Grant which allowed us to secure and equip both our EMR program and two ambulances as 911 calls for service continue to increase.
Wilson and Shaler Drives in the Waupun Industrial Park were extended, and Phases 1 and 2 of the United Cooperative project are well underway.
All Phase Heating and Cooling opened in the Heritage Ridge Business Park, and the Bayberry Lane extension and storm water infrastructure is now complete. This paves the way for new construction that includes a truck wash and a facility that will be home to Eric Mulder Construction.
The Tanager Drive subdivision on the City’s west side completed builds ahead of schedule, adding $5.8M of new valuation and some badly needed housing here in Waupun.
The K9 Police program was restored with citizen support.
The city is investing in youth sports with $100,000 towards baseball turf, $100,000 towards the new hockey floor, and a $75,000 allotment to create a youth sports grant that is being introduced in 2024.
A Childcare Stabilization Grant that allocated $250,000 of funds to help increase licensed childcare space in Waupun was launched. The first award from that program supports a renovation at Wee Care to bring additional licensed childcare slots to the community. We’re also working on bringing a second childcare provider to Waupun.
A Vibrant Spaces Grant was awarded from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, and a new food truck alley will be constructed in Downtown in 2024!
Design WI completed a workshop with community stakeholders and presented ideas to advancing Capital improvement ideas in our Central Business District using the downtown Tax Increment.
Maybe the most substantial win for Waupun came from the state budget, a budget that saw the first increase in state shared revenues in over 20 years! That increase in funding laid the foundation for a strong 2024 budget that is focused on moving Waupun forward!
In other news… Christmas is coming! The Waupun Christmas Parade is Friday night December 1 at 6:30! Can’t wait to see you all there!
This week I had the privilege of joining the crews from Waupun Utilities and Public Works to help install the Christmas Angel decorations that make Waupun look beautiful. Thank you to both our utilities and public works for your work on the Christmas decorations!
Finally, I want to wish all you deer hunters good luck, be safe, and have fun! And I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Thank you, Waupun and God Bless,
Mayor Rohn
