Proposed site of a new Municipal Hall in the Village of Weston. Image courtesy: WAOW TV/Chase MaCamara
WESTON, WI (WSAU-WAOW) — A $14 million question in Weston could be answered Monday evening.
Will the Village Board vote to accept a bid from Miron Construction for $14,372,787 to construct a new Village Hall in 2021 or not? Many on the Village Board say now is the time to replace their aging facility.
“We have to be ready for the future. The building is 70 years old, and we need something that’s ready for 60 to 70 years in the future,” Village President Mark Maloney told WAOW TV.
Village leaders say the current municipal hall and garage has outlived its useful life; both in terms of efficiency in office space and in garage space for street and utility crews. Additionally, they cite decreasing village debt and competitive interest rates as reasons to act now on the project.
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But residents have balked at what the project would do to their village property taxes. If passed by the Board on Monday residents living in a $150,000 home can expect to pay an extra $130 annually. Maloney says he feels that weight, as those voting on the board will also be paying into the project. “I’m listening. When people call about taxes, I’m with them on that. I would very much enjoy doing this without raising taxes but it’s inevitable,” he said.
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Many have complained to WAOW TV that the issue wasn’t put up to a vote earlier this month. Maloney says since it’s considered a public works project, no referendum was necessary.
The issue is up for debate as part of Monday’s regular Village Board meeting which will be held at 6 PM in the current Village Hall. Public comment is part of Monday’s agenda.
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