Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lake Geneva public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in taxes budget
2027 Budgets and Capital Improvement Planning
The city's annual budget process has begun, which ultimately shapes property taxes and city services, including library funding.
Cemetery fee schedule updates
Proposed updates to the cemetery's fee schedule were on the agenda — these cover what residents pay for graves, niches, burials, and foundations. No outcome is known.
Cemetery Stewardship Fund creation
Cemetery fees are going up — plots here cost hundreds while Chicago-area cemeteries charge tens of thousands. A cemetery stewardship fund (a more flexible perpetual care fund) goes to the cemetery board October 26.
Water & Sewer Rate Study
The utility hasn't raised rates in years and is debt-free, but with ~$3.5 million in capital coming, Ehlers will study long-range cash flow and whether rate increases are needed.
Public Works Mechanic Position
Council approved a mechanic job description Monday, but there's no money in the 2027 budget for the position. There's also talk of moving trail maintenance from streets to parks.
Government transparency — livestreaming committee meetings
The council unanimously agreed to have the city attorney draft rules requiring every standing committee meeting to be livestreamed and recorded — closing the gap that left the personnel committee unrecorded.
Alder agenda item request process
A proposed ordinance change would let any two alders place agenda items directly on any committee, commission, board, or council agenda — bypassing committee chairs. The city attorney will draft language.