Monroe Common Council Meeting – June 1, 2026

The Monroe Common Council met on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered the 2025 financial audit, recognition of retiring Green County EMS Chief Dan Nufer, appointment of a new alderperson to fill a vacancy, approval of special events and alcohol licenses, and an amendment to the city's fund balance policy. All votes were final unless noted.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from May 18, 2026, were accepted as presented.
• Consent agenda (miscellaneous licenses and claims list) was approved unanimously (8-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public appeared to speak.

Discussion Items

• Recognition of Green County EMS Chief Dan Nufer: Mayor Miller and Donna Douglas presented a certificate recognizing Chief Nufer’s 20 years of service. Nufer thanked staff, volunteers, and his wife, and introduced his replacement, Hanna (started January 5, 2026).
• 2026 Final Financial Audit Presentation by Baker Tilly: Justin Hoglam, principal, provided an overview. The audit went smoothly with only a few adjusting entries. Expenditures exceeded budget primarily due to a $1.58 million purchase of 50 acres for the industrial park, causing a net loss in the general fund and reducing unassigned fund balance from ~$2 million to $243,000. The city’s unrestricted fund balance equaled 31.8% of expenditures (about 3.5 months of cash on hand). Debt capacity usage was at 38% of the maximum allowable. Utility metrics: Water – 16.74 months cash on hand, 79% capital equity; Wastewater – 39.13 months cash, 56% equity; Stormwater – 24.02 months cash, 95% equity. Council asked about financing the upcoming wastewater plant project; the city plans to apply for a Clean Water Fund loan and maintain adequate reserves.
• Council of the Whole – Alderperson Vacancy: The council discussed two applicants, Dave Mosher and Maxwell Brooks. A roll-call vote resulted in Mosher receiving 4 votes (Thoman, Treuthardt, Wartenweiler, Franke) and Brooks 3 votes (Sheaffer, McGuire, Vestin). Mayor Miller did not need to break a tie.
• License Committee – Cheese Days Temporary Beer License: During discussion, Alder Wartenweiler expressed concerns about open container enforcement in the large tent area and voted no; the resolution passed 7-1.
• Finance and Taxation Committee – Fund Balance Policy Amendment: Administrator Rindy explained the amendment clarifies that the 25% fund balance policy applies only to operational expenditures, excluding debt service and one-time capital investments (e.g., the industrial park land purchase). This aligns with existing practice.

Key Outcomes

• Alderperson Appointment (Resolution H.2): Dave Mosher was appointed to fill the vacancy for a term ending April 20, 2027, by a unanimous vote of 7-0 (one absent). He was sworn in immediately.
• Special Events Resolution (J.1): Approved four events: Green County Cheese Days (Sept. 14–20, 2026), Move it Forward’s Summer Series (June 20 & July 14, 2026), Green County Latino Health Fair (June 2, 2026, 3–7 PM), and Cactus & Co’s “Cheers Bartel’s” Fundraiser (June 14, 2026, 2–6 PM). Vote: 8-0.
• Temporary Class B Wine & Beer License for Cheese Days (K.1): Approved 7-1 (Wartenweiler opposed). The license covers a tent in the 1600 block of 11th Street, Sept. 17–20, 2026.
• Temporary Outdoor Beer Garden License for Cactus & Co (K.2): Approved 8-0, allowing a roped-off area on the sidewalk and three parking stalls north of 1610 11th Street for the special event.
• Fund Balance Policy Amendment (L.1): Approved 8-0, amending Section 5.8 of the Comprehensive Finance Policy to specify that the 25% fund balance requirement is calculated only from operational expenditures.
• The meeting adjourned at 7:22 PM.