As the Village of Lac La Belle and the Town of Oconomowoc move toward a proposed merger, discussions have grown lively among residents and officials.
The merger, which would bring roughly 9,117 residents together under the Village of Lac La Belle name, is facing scrutiny for the speed of the process and limited communication, according to The Oconomowoc Enterprise.
In a recent letter, Oconomowoc Mayor Bob Magnus urged the municipalities to “slow down,” pointing out that both are financially stable and have their 2025 budgets set. Magnus voiced concerns over the limited notice to the public and other local officials, which he believes “should raise several concerns for all area residents.” He argues that working collaboratively with the city could yield cost savings and improve service sharing without needing a merger.
Many residents are curious about the potential changes and long-term impacts. Town Supervisor Erik Mullett has fielded questions about the merger’s history, noting that such discussions have been ongoing for decades. He explained that the plan is to “solidify all the benefits of working together” and preserve local autonomy.
One of the central points for both communities is the impact on property taxes. Village residents may see a slight decrease, while town residents might face a small increase. The merger aims to secure long-term services for the village while granting town residents the protections of an incorporated area, such as zoning and annexation safeguards.
Public feedback will be essential in the upcoming joint hearing on Nov. 13, where residents can voice their opinions and learn more about this major change. As Magnus put it, “Collaboration among local governments is essential for fostering sustainable, balanced growth.”
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