Friday, September 21, 2012
Interest in business renovations accompanies Janesville Road facelift, prompting city planners to consider extending special taxing district so businesses would be eligible for loans.
Some businesses along the Janesville Road corridor have come under fire for looking like eyesores, so the city is considering helping them out by extending a special taxing district - which would make them eligible for low-interest loans. Tax incremental financing districts are set up by cities to encourage business development. Typically, TIF districts are used to fund public improvements, like sewers and roads, on new development. However, Muskego and other cities also use TIF funds to make loans to businesses within a TIF district, Owners use that money to make improvements to their businesses, which should boost their property values. The additional tax revenue generated by the improvements then goes toward paying off the loans. …
Thursday, August 30, 2012
The Muskego Common Council approved 2 percent cost of living increases for 2012, but increased employee contributions to health care and retirement benefits will result in about the same take home pay.
If you work for the city of Muskego, the good news is that your wages will increase 2 percent retroactive to January 1 of this year. However, a new resolution passed by the Common Council Tuesday night will also require higher contribution levels for benefits like health insurance and retirement, netting no gain in take home pay. Employees currently paying into their health insurance will be asked to up the ante to 9 percent, up from about 6 percent, effective with their next paycheck. That increases to 10 percent in 2013. Those who hadn't participated before and want to join going forward will be asked to kick in 12 percent of their monthly premiums, and 13 percent in 2013. Alderman Dan Soltysiak was the most vocal in questioning the …
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Wow, where to begin? If you've been busy with your own news, here's what we covered in the past week.
June 23 From our blogs, Lisa Alberte asked for your help in celebrating a local vet who's been recovering from a brain injury suffered in battle. Say Happy Birthday to Local Veteran at Jammin' on Janesville June 26 It was a full slate of meetings and equally big agenda Tuesday night at City Hall, with Fireworks Continuing to Spark Debate, as a former fire fighter and Muskego resident asked for the ordinance allowing fireworks with a permit to be reconsidered. In addition - June 27 June 28
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Four candidates stepped forward for consideration, but CDA Chairman receives an easy majority of votes by council.
Rob Glazier, who has served on Muskego's Community Development Authority for the past 10 years, will be the 4th District's alderman until the term expires in 2013. Glazier is completing the term left vacant by Keith Werner, who resigned in May as he was facing a recall election. He explained that "community service has always been engaging to me, but I realize the big decisions get made at council. I'm the kind of guy who likes the behind the scenes of small government, and even have been known to read the municipal codes." The candidates included Blaise DiPronio, a semi-retired attorney, who felt his background in law would help the council adopt a preventative stance. Reno Berg also applied for the position, and as a realtor, explained …
Monday, June 25, 2012
Tuesday night meetings will cover issues on rezoning DJ's property on Janesville, the amendment to an ordinance for cell 911, and the hiring of a new alderman in District 4.
Three public hearings will be held during Tuesday night's Common Council meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall, covering rezoning, the city's 911 fight with Waukesha County and the city's comprehensive plan. In addition, the vacancy on the council after the departure of Keith Werner as alderman for the 4th District will be filled as the four candidates interested will be vetted by the council. A recent request by resident Dan Hewitt, who owns the property that DJ's Pub and Grill sits on along Janesville Road, could have the land rezoned for business. Although there has been a business on that land for about 90 years, city planners said it was always considered a residential parcel. The rezoning will allow Hewitt to rebuild the …
Saturday, June 23, 2012
The vacancy created by Keith Werner's resignation will be filled Tuesday night; here are the candidates.
Four candidates have stepped forward for the 4th District Aldermanic seat on the Common Council to serve out the term of Keith Werner, who resigned about a month ago. Werner was facing a recall based in large part on his 'yes' vote for a lake park purchase earlier this year. The district includes a large portion of lake residents, who were vocal in their opposition to the purchase of land on the lake by the city for future use as a public park. The following candidates will appear before the Common Council, which will decide by paper ballot after an interview process who will fill the remaining term of 4th District Alderman. The term expires April of 2013. Reno Berg - A resident of Muskego since 1975, and in the 4th District since 1986; …
braasch0074
10:26 am on Saturday, September 1, 2012
I agree with csbothsides. I have found that the people that belly ache the most about municipal/government/school district employees making a liveable wage are the ones driving the most expensive cars and living in the biggest houses. "Joe the plumber" types can appreciate what it's like to be truely middle class wage earners. more ›