Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in De Pere, WI public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in taxes budget with high priority
2027 Employee Benefit Renewal
City employees' health insurance rates rise 6% in 2027 — below market trend of 8.5–12% — thanks to prior plan changes like Garner Health, which saved an estimated $320,000. Dental rates stay flat and orthodontic coverage extends to age 26 at no extra cost.
2025 Tax Increment District performance and the 12% cap
The city's total tax increment hit 11.2% of equalized value, closing in on the state's 12% cap — at which point De Pere couldn't create any new TIDs. Several districts are projected to close with millions in surplus, but TID 7 is projected $2 million in the red.
MSC Expansion Cost Growth
Bids for the MSC expansion were so favorable the city expects to bond $6-7 million less than anticipated. The board recommended the award to SMA Construction Services.
2027 Budget Under Levy Limit Pressure
The state levy cap is 2.29% this year — below inflation and below what city operations actually cost. Staff still expects a balanced budget without cutting service quality, but the squeeze tightens every year. Budget study session is October 14.
TIF district boundary amendments (Districts 9, 15, 17)
The council approved boundary amendments to three tax incremental financing districts, adjusting where the city can use TIF tools to support development.
Classification and compensation study
The city is updating pay for about 103 non-represented employees using an outside study that found De Pere's pay plan already competitive. Implementation costs $88,415 and takes effect January 2, 2027, pending the 2027 budget.
2026 General Obligation Borrowing Plan (Series 2026A, B, C)
The city's 2026 borrowing list came in far below the roughly $40 million budgeted. This year's borrowing becomes next year's debt payment, and a Moody's credit rating review is set for July.
2026 Property Assessment Increases and Appeal Outcomes
Residential values jumped 8.24% citywide this year, and homeowners who felt left behind came before the Board of Review. The board cut two assessments but affirmed most values, leaning on the rule that a recent purchase price sets your assessment no matter what the neighbors' houses look like.
Replacement of the city's financial and payroll software (ERP)
The city's 17-year-old INCODE system handles payroll, budgeting, accounts payable, and even building permits. The city is hiring BerryDunn to assess needs and run the RFP for a new ERP system, which could cost roughly half a million dollars to buy and implement later. Better reporting and transparency for alderpersons and departments is the promised payoff.