Government

The Village of Black Earth will be updating its software, giving newly promoted Clerk/Treasurer Dani Fields and the board the ability to look at individual invoices and peer closely into the village’s finances. The software upgrade will cost roughly $11,000, and training for staff will come in at $6,000.

A proposed driving range in Sauk City is poised to go forward, pending approval of the village board. The Plan Commission approved the rezoning at their meeting and the board will take it up in two weeks.

The Village Board of Prairie du Sac reviewed initial plans for their village hall remodel and expansion at their meeting last week. The proposed layout presented to the board is an early sketch, and was brought before them to “make sure we’re on the right track,” according to Village Administrator Alan Wildman.

The Village of Mazomanie had a productive village board meeting last week, approving the purchase of new mowers, as well as the demolition and replacement of a storage shed.

The Arena Centennial Celebration recognizing the village’s 100 years of incorporation will take place this summer with a series of events. At their January meeting, the village board approved the annual Mary Jones & Yolanda Peterson Memorial event on Friday and Saturday, July 7 and 8, including fireworks and a liquor license. 

Black Earth residents have the chance to name a new village park. The Parks Committee has put out a call for name submissions for the park, which will be located on land north of Kwik Trip. The Committee will decide at their March meeting on the name. Resident are encouraged to write a letter to or email the village with name suggestions.

The Sauk City village board made a parking change on Water Street. The board voted, with Amy Krumenauer opposed—to add four spots to the west side of the 600 block of Water Street. Given two options, one with more spaces but worse visibility, the board chose the safe option.

Prairie du Sac’s village board welcomed a new member at their January 10^th meeting. Michael Gesicki, who had expressed interest in serving, was elected to the board. Gesicki’s term will end this April. Board member Jim Witecha said that “due to his employment with the Wisconsin Election Commission,” he would abstain from the vote.

The village board of Mazomanie approved an official snow removal policy at their meeting on January 10.

At their January meeting, the Black Earth Village Board heard from Jeff Stanek, who reviewed the finances of their electric utility. This goes back to the board’s August special meeting, when Village President Mitch Hodson said in regard to the electric utility, “I want to understand all the numbers.”