Greenfield · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Greenfield, WI public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 City Budget and Property Tax Levy
The mayor called out a contradiction in state law: the ERP formula says the city can grow spending by $1.3 million a year, but the levy limit — based on net new construction — only allows $130,000 in new taxes. The city maxes out the ERP to protect about $684,000 in state aid, but the math keeps getting tighter.
2027 UnitedHealthcare benefits renewal
The Council approved the 2027 UnitedHealthcare benefits package, but Mayor Neitzke warned it will cost the city $2M to $2.5M more — while state levy limits allow only about $130,000 more next year. He flagged this as a serious problem heading into the 2028 budget.
Commercial assessment challenges by Walmart and MMAC
Two big commercial property owners are contesting their assessed values. The board subpoenaed records from both — and from Aurora, which leases the MMAC building — before deciding whether hearings go forward.
Reserve Use Climbing Toward $2.4 Million
The budget plans to use about $2.4 million of reserves — up from $1.7 million budgeted this year. That drops the reserve ratio from 25% to about 22%, and health insurance could push it further.
Health insurance costs and property taxes
The mayor flagged rising health insurance premiums and property taxes, and floated a possible special meeting with a closed session on contract negotiations.
FEMA flood reimbursement denied
FEMA rejected Greenfield's request to be reimbursed for last year's flooding damage. The governor and both senators and local congressmen are working to overturn it — the first FEMA aid since roughly 2008-09.
$7.27M note sale at favorable rate
The city borrowed $7.27 million for planned projects and got a great deal — 3.23% interest with a premium bid that trims about $220,000 off interest costs.
Special assessments for street reconstruction on the south side
Homeowners on 88th, 89th, 90th, 91st Street, 91st Place and Plainfield Avenue will be assessed for street reconstruction — Phase 1 builds in 2026 with payments due 2027, Phase 2 in 2027 with payments due 2028. Payments can be spread over ten annual installments with interest.