Monroe · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Monroe public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Budget
City employees would see a 2.8% cost-of-living raise on the pay scale in 2027, on top of their roughly 2.5% annual step increase. The figure falls within the 2.5%–3% range the committee directed in September.
2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustment to Pay Scale
The committee was scheduled to weigh a COLA increase to the 2027 compensation pay scale, with 2.5% and 3.5% scenarios among the options. The decision shapes city employee pay and the city's future budget.
Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Monroe is spending a $1 million federal grant (plus about $200,000 city match) to replace lead water lines on both public and private sides, starting with grant-designated streets. The full city replacement is expected to take until the EPA's 2037 deadline, and residents can check the city's online inventory to see what their property has.
Industrial Park contamination investigation on 3rd Street North
The city is moving forward with reporting contamination at its Industrial Park property on 3rd Street North to the Wisconsin DNR, with Fehr Graham handling the site investigation work plan and report. Cleanup obligations could carry cost implications for taxpayers depending on what the investigation finds.
2027 City Budget and Fee Schedule
A presenter explained that state levy limits cap Monroe's tax increases at net new construction (1.443% in 2025), forcing the city to bond for capital projects as costs outpace allowed revenue. The council also adopted an intent-to-reimburse resolution to preserve flexibility for future bonding up to $60 million.
Monroe Botanical Garden project support
A nonprofit botanical garden with free admission is proposed for 1311 13th Avenue, featuring gardens, greenhouses, and an education center designed to be walkable from downtown. Commissioners must weigh reduced parking and zero setbacks against the community benefit of a downtown destination attraction.
Comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning for Monroe Bible Church parcel
A rezoning request came in that doesn't match the future land use map, triggering the required public participation plan before a comp plan amendment can be considered. A public hearing is expected in September.
2027 Fee Schedule
The airport's draft 2027 budget now goes to the Finance & Taxation Committee before any final city approval. With fuel sales down about 22% from last year, revenue trends could shape the fees and spending that end up in the final budget.
2027 Employee Health Insurance Renewals
Renewal of the city's employee health benefits package was up for discussion, with a USI presentation and a draft resolution in the packet. Premium changes here affect the city's budget and what employees pay out of pocket.