Amery reviews $20 wheel tax proposal, $11.5M sewer bond, and golf cart rules
Amery's Common Council and two standing committees met July 14–15, with agendas covering a proposed $20 annual vehicle registration fee, an $11.5 million sewer utility bond issuance, and new operating rules for golf carts and electric bicycles. Minutes from all three meetings have not yet been published; the following is based on agendas.
Streets funding and wheel tax
The Common Council agenda for July 15 included a five-year streets funding model covering 2027–2031, which projects a $1.29 million shortfall without additional revenue. Staff recommended preparing a wheel tax ordinance at $20 per eligible vehicle, projected to generate up to $73,560 annually starting in 2027. No vote was recorded on the agenda; the item was listed for informational review.
The council was also scheduled to review FEMA draft flood risk maps for Polk County and Amery. The agenda notes that two parcels near the Apple River Flowage are currently affected, with no new parcels added to the flood zone.
A closed session was scheduled under Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(c) for Fire Chief employment interviews.
Finance Committee: audit and sewer bonds
The Finance Committee's July 14 agenda centered on the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. According to the agenda, Lauterbach and Amen, LLP issued an unmodified (clean) audit opinion on May 21, 2026.
The agenda lists a $250,780 restatement of the General Fund beginning balance due to land reclassification, and an $11,997 immaterial difference in taxes receivable. The committee was also set to review the Sewer Utility's $11,526,201 Clean Water Fund Revenue Bonds issuance.
Internal control findings regarding GAAP conversion capacity were listed for discussion. The agenda describes the session as a technical review of the annual financial report.
Public Safety: golf carts, LSVs, and e-bikes
The Public Safety Committee agenda for July 14 included proposed operating conditions for golf carts and low-speed vehicles (LSVs) on city streets. Proposed hours of operation are sunrise to sunset. The agenda also lists discussion of local registration requirements, insurance, and lighting requirements for street vehicles.
For electric bicycles and scooters, the committee was set to review potential updates to Chapter 180 of the municipal code, including helmet requirements and Class 3 e-bike access to bikeways. No ordinance changes were listed as decided on the agenda.
Coming up
The Plan Commission meets July 23 to consider a rezoning request for 1101 Cornwall Ave (PID 201-100776-2000) from C-2 Central Business to I-1 Light Industrial. The agenda also includes a zoning permit application for a 32'x18' lean-to and a 64'x40' shed at the same address, an update on the city's zoning code rewrite, discussion of accessory structure provisions in the zoning ordinance, and a public comment period before adjournment.