Fitchburg Finance Committee Meeting - February 10, 2026

The Fitchburg Finance Committee met on February 10, 2026, at 5:49 PM (adjourned) to approve minutes, receive the finance director's report including the treasurer's report as of November 30, 2025, review bills, and vote on four resolutions related to a USGS monitoring station, a park shelter design, picnic tables and benches, and credit card processing fees. All action items passed unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The committee approved the draft minutes of the January 27, 2026 finance meeting by unanimous voice vote (motion by Alder Jetzer).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public appeared or registered for non-agenda items.

Discussion Items

• Finance Director Report (including Treasurer's Report as of November 30, 2025): Finance Director Misty reported that the November 2025 treasurer's report was delayed due to property tax collections and end-of-year processing. Key points: a negative balance in the neighborhood engagement account (a timing issue that will clear by year-end), and a community bank CD that matured in November but was renewed in December (will appear in the December report). Property tax collections through the grace period (ending the prior Friday) totaled $86 million across all taxing jurisdictions, representing 68.1% of total, consistent with recent years. Payment methods: 92% check, 7.5% online (credit card/ACH), 0.2% cash. Discussion noted that the city is exempt from IRS cash reporting requirements for government entities.
• Review of Bills:
  • Checks issued #129887–130058 from January 16–31, 2026, totaling $3,861,871.89. Alder Meg inquired about tax overpayment refunds; Misty explained that most result from escrow overpayments, and 105 refunds were processed in January and February.
  • ACH payments from January 1–31, 2026, totaling $717,298.51. No further questions.
• Resolution R2626 – USGS Swan Creek Monitoring Station: Staff member Tim presented a joint funding agreement with the USGS and Town of Dunn for operation of the Swan Creek monitoring station. The city's share for 2026 is $19,541.84 from the stormwater professional services account. Alder Laddice noted support for the USGS and appreciation for Town of Dunn's contribution. Resolution approved unanimously.
• Resolution R3326 – Inclusive Playground Shelter at McKee Farms Park: Parks staff member Eric presented two concept options: Option A (grain bin silo style, $148,282.50) and Option B ($170,285.50). The CIP budget was $170,000, so Option B is slightly over. Misty noted sufficient park fees available to cover any overage, with final cost known upon bidding. Alder Bill suggested the design choice should be made by the full council, not the finance committee. The committee voted unanimously to approve the resolution, allowing the project to proceed with design selection deferred.
• Resolution R3726 – Picnic Tables and Benches Replacement: Eric proposed amending the 2026 TID closure fund and capital projects fund budgets to install six picnic tables and four benches at Stoner Prairie, South Dill, and Tower Hill parks. All tables will be handicap accessible (approximately $1,800 each for non-accessible, slightly more for accessible). The majority of the purchase is from the Town of Madison Parks budget line for Southdale Park. Approved unanimously.
• Resolution R3926 – 2026 Payment Service Network (PSN) Fees: This annual pre-approval authorizes credit card acceptance fees for utility bills, split equally between sewer and water utilities. Discussion confirmed that PSN also handles property tax credit card payments, which carry a 3% fee. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• All resolutions passed unanimously: R2626, R3326, R3726, and R3926.
• Next Meeting: The next finance meeting is scheduled for February 24, 2026.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 5:49 PM.