Warm enough for everyone? Egad, it’s cold out there. But, nice to see some snow on the ground to start December off…
It was another busy week in the Town of Grant. Last evening we held our budget hearing which was well-attended by residents – nice! Our thanks to Clerk Stefanie Schlapa who prepared not only the required summary budget but also a detailed version so residents could see all suggested changes and their rationale. There were several questions about the budget but overall was acceptable. Once we are into 2026 there may be small changes per the suggestions.
Following the budget hearing there was a Town Meeting of the Electors where the levy was set. That determined how much everyone will pay on their tax bill per $1000 of valuation of property/improvements based on how your land is valued (for example, woodland vs. ag land, etc.). Last we held a Town Board meeting where the board members approved the 2026 budget.
There were also two formal presentations last evening. Jon Baker, VP for Development at Doral Renewables LLC gave an update on the Vista Sands Solar (VSS) project. He provided a preliminary map depicting the changes to the primary and alternative sitings following the settlement with the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation. Once a final map is available, we will post it on our website and have one available at the Town Hall. He anticipated that construction would begin by July 1, 2026 for Doral to qualify for 30% incentive from the Inflation Reduction Act on this 1-1.5-billion-dollar project.
Our last presenter of the evening was resident and recently hire Public Works employee Brian Kulmann and his daughter Sophie. They are proposing a pump bike track on the strip of land just west of the town hall between 90th Street S and the tall pines (proposal attached). There were several excellent questions about this idea. Please take a look and let me know what you think at chair@townofgrant.portage.wi.gov
Enjoy the weekend and stay warm, Sharon