Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Antigo public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
19 issues in taxes budget
Potential Property Purchase or Sale
The city owns four lots from Langlade County tax deeds and is getting two ready for bid, while recommending buyers be required to build so small lots stay available for starter homes.
Guidelines for Nonprofit Contributions
Alderperson Edwards is pushing for clear rules on which nonprofits get city money, with a proposal coming to the finance committee.
2027 City Budget Development
The 2027 budget is delayed by new staff and rising costs, with levy limits blocking revenue growth without new construction. A full budget discussion is set for September 30.
Capital Equipment/Improvement Plan (CIP) draft
The city's multi-year equipment and improvement plan is still in rough draft. Expect this to come back for discussion before the budget is finalized.
Audit Closing-Entry Deficiencies
The city's finances got a clean bill of health: a clean audit opinion, no federal single-audit findings, and about $4.5 million in general fund reserves. The one warning: stormwater revenue is thin, and a rate increase may be coming.
Land Surveyor/Project Manager Position Transition
Land Surveyor/Project Manager Charley Brinkmeier is leaving. A July 15 committee meeting will address the position's future, and a July 29 Committee of the Whole meeting will kick off budget season.
City Hall Repairs and Storm Damage Funding
City Hall has a moisture problem, and the council approved an $11,580 assessment by Building Envelope Consultants to figure out what's wrong before repairs.
Ward Consolidation for August Primary
To save money on a low-turnout primary, the city's nine wards will vote at just three combined reporting districts on August 11. Voters should check where their polling place is.
Livestreaming Council Meetings
Council meetings will be live-streamed starting in June, with new name tags and a requirement that audience speakers state their name and address on camera.
Police union contract 2026-2028
The city's contract with its police union expired at the end of 2025, and a new three-year deal with annual wage increases was on the agenda for final approval. It affects public safety staffing costs and the city budget.
Spring clean-up tipping fees
A bid from GFL Environmental at $95 per ton for spring clean-up tipping fees was on the agenda — this affects the cost of the city's annual spring clean-up program.
Sale of 1035 8th Avenue
The city was set to consider selling a property it owns at 1035 8th Avenue through an offer to purchase.
Public access to meeting minutes and live-streaming
A resident pressed the city on when council meetings will be live-streamed and minutes posted promptly, suggesting at minimum recording meetings and posting video online.
Three-year fuel contract award
The city will buy its gasoline and diesel from local Wagner Shell for three years at a $0.14 discount — less generous than Kwik Trip's $0.18 offer — on the theory that supporting a local company pays off for the community.
Community Participation Policy Change
City employees can now spend up to 12 hours a year of work time helping at community events, and those events no longer have to be inside city limits.
Committee Structure and Open Meeting Law Questions
Alderperson Dieck raised whether having a majority of council members on a single committee raises open meetings law concerns; the city attorney cited a League of Municipalities opinion saying communities can set their own committee composition.
Bill Pay Vendor Change Consideration
The city may switch credit card and utility bill processing from PSN to Springbrook's Xpress Bill Pay — but only if staff can negotiate the higher price down.
2025 Budget Carry Forwards and Transfers
Unfinished 2025 projects and purchases — about $2.5 million total — roll into 2026, and year-end budget transfers were approved. A final cleanup list comes in February.
Combining Wards for February 17 Primary Election
Only the Antigo School Board race is on the February 17 primary ballot, so all nine wards will vote as one unit in the Council Chambers. It's a cost-saving move for a low-turnout election.