Monroe Common Council Meeting – June 1, 2026
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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.
Meeting Transcript
Welcome everybody. It is 6 30, and I'll call the Monroe City Council meeting to order. Let's all stand for the Pledge Legions. Would the clerk call a roll, please? Alder Tolman? Here. Alder True Hart? Here. Alder Whartonweiler? Here. Alder Schaefer? Here. Oh, there, Frankie? Here. Alder McGuire? Here. Alder Vestine? Here. And Alder Volkley. Okay, we do have a quorum. Correction minutes from May 18th, 2026 meeting. If none stands approved, it is presented. We're going to do a little change in the agenda tonight. We're going to move to business by Mayor up next. And first up is recognition of Green County EMS Dan Newfer. Well, Dan, I know you don't like to be on the spotlight, but this will probably be one of your last times you are. And for what you have done for this county. No, you're going to do volunteer work, but you've done so much for the county and Green County EMS. And we just like to thank you. And I've got a lady that you have known ever since you came to Monroe. I'd like to say a few words. Donna. Whoops. Which way are we gonna go? Is it on? Okay, Dan. You already I gave this to him as a personal note, but I think everyone should hear it. To our incredible Green County EMS director. That's you. It's hard to believe that some 20 years have passed since we sat in that interview room. As a member of the selection committee back then, I remember it like it was yesterday. The moment you walked out of the room, I turned to the rest of the EMS board and said, if we don't hire him as our director before he leaves Monroe today, I am off of the EMS board. He is the person we need. Looking back over the last two decades, those words have never rung true. You were exactly who we needed. Thank you for your unwavering dedication, your exceptional leadership, and the profound impact you have made on the safety and well-being of Green County. You have built a legacy to be immensely proud of. Wishing you a wonderful relaxing and well-deserved retirement. Thank you. All right.
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