The Town of Oconomowoc and the Village of Lac La Belle are moving forward with a potential merger that could unite the two communities under the Village of Lac La Belle, effective January 1, 2025.
According to The Waukesha Freeman, the merger would solidify long-standing service partnerships between the municipalities, including police, public works, and administrative services, which the town currently provides to the village under separate agreements.
If approved by both the Town Board and Village Board, the merger would offer several advantages. The town would gain protections afforded to incorporated municipalities, such as boundary security and control over zoning and shorelines.
“A smooth and seamless transition for all of our property owners has been a major objective to ensure that all current services are continued and extended well into the future,” noted Town Chairman Robert Hultquist and Village President Tim Clark in a joint statement.
Currently, the village has a slightly higher tax rate than the town, and each area would maintain its budget-based tax rate for 2025. In 2026, a unified budget would determine a single tax rate for the combined community.
The merger would address longstanding concerns over potential annexation by the City of Oconomowoc, with both communities working together to ensure the continuity of essential services. “My hope is that from a year from now, people won’t notice a difference,” Clark stated, emphasizing the focus on preserving the communities’ shared history and future needs.
A public hearing is scheduled for November 13, allowing residents to voice their thoughts on the merger.
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