Janesville City Council Regular Meeting – October 12, 2026

The Janesville City Council met on October 12, 2026, to address a range of items including a pedestrian safety proclamation, public comments on a proposed multifamily development, a school district referendum presentation, approval of police vehicle purchases, an extension of the alcohol management agreement at the Woodman's Center, and a detailed presentation on the proposed 2027 city budget. Key decisions included unanimous votes on proclamations and contracts, as well as a discussion on the city's financial trajectory and potential future referendums.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of the September 28, 2026, regular meeting and workshop were approved.
• Licenses and recommendations (as per license agenda) were approved.
• Final Certified Survey Map 26013-C (Campbell Trust, 1 lot along Greenwood Drive) was approved.
• Financial statements for August 2026 were approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Gary Krause (Northeast Janesville resident) opposed a proposed 208-unit market-rate multifamily development above Sand Hill Drive (Hume's Road), calling it a violation of the city's comprehensive plan. He argued it would clash with existing single-family homes, increase traffic, and disregard citizen input. He urged the council to reject the land use change when it reaches them.
• Sarah Zarling (Watertown, WI) commended the council for its unanimous vote on a data center moratorium at the prior meeting and for recognizing White Cane Safety Day. She highlighted the importance of planning accessible communities for all.
• A second public speaker (unidentified) raised disjointed concerns about the GM site, development options, and historical grievances, but no clear position on an agenda item was discernible.

Discussion Items

• Recognition – Pedestrian Safety & White Cane Safety Day: Councilmembers expressed strong support for the resolution, with one member noting that designing for accessibility benefits everyone. Students from the Wisconsin School for the Blind and Visually Impaired spoke; student Elias Tyser requested a crosswalk and stop sign near the school bus stops to improve safety for blind and low-vision pedestrians. The resolution passed unanimously.
• School District Referendum Presentation: Superintendent Mark Holzman presented a request for a non-recurring operational referendum on the November 2026 ballot, seeking $18.5 million per year for four years to close a budget gap. He explained that Janesville’s spending per pupil is the lowest among peer districts while student outcomes are competitive. The average homeowner would pay about $150 annually. In response to council questions, Holzman clarified that $1.4 million in local tax dollars go to private school vouchers, and that the referendum would not fund vouchers. He noted that if the referendum fails, Washington Elementary and other schools may be at risk of closure.
• Police Vehicle Purchase (Consent Item C): The council considered a resolution to purchase nine police vehicles and equipment, with intent to borrow funds. Finance Director Dave Godek explained the 2027 budget eliminates cash funding for these vehicles, so borrowing is necessary. Police Chief Chad Pearson stated that delaying replacement would increase maintenance costs and that Ford Explorers are the most durable choice for the fleet. The council approved the resolution unanimously after discussion.
• Woodman's Center Alcohol Sales Extension: The council approved extending the alcohol management agreement with Sports Facilities Food & Beverage Wisconsin, LLC through May 2030, aligning with the facility management contract. The monthly user fee was reduced from $2,700 to $2,500 based on first-year experience. A semi-annual review process was included. Councilmembers requested more frequent financial reporting on the Woodman's Center; staff agreed to provide quarterly summary reports.
• 2027 Budget Presentation: Finance Director Dave Godek presented the proposed $146.75 million budget (6.3% increase). The operating budget is $120.85 million (7.1% increase). The city faced a $1.8 million deficit, closed by eliminating cash funding for police vehicles ($398,000), reducing animal control ($51,000), and using $621,989 in fund balance. The property tax levy increases 3.3% ($1.4 million), adding $47.08 to the median home’s tax bill. Utility rates will rise: wastewater (+10.9%), stormwater (+24.2%), and solid waste (+2.8%). Water rates will increase November 1, 2026, after a delayed PSC approval. Godek noted that spending and property tax per capita are among the lowest in comparable cities, but state shared revenue is inadequate. He warned that 2028 will require difficult choices, likely a public safety referendum. No action was taken; a budget study session is scheduled for October 22, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2026-2466 (Pedestrian Safety Month and White Cane Safety Day): Passed unanimously.
• Resolution 2026-2643 (Police vehicle purchase & intent to borrow): Approved unanimously.
• Resolution 2026-2459 (Woodman's Center alcohol management extension): Approved unanimously.
• Consent Agenda Items A, B, D, E: Approved as a group.
• Closed Session: A motion to enter closed session under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(e) and (g) regarding litigation and bargaining strategies (case DJF) passed unanimously. The council did not intend to return to open session.
• Budget Timeline: Public hearing on November 9, 2026; adoption scheduled for November 23, 2026; levy adoption on November 30, 2026.