Weekly digest: Property tax talk, car fees, a car(s) fire at Froedtert and 15 mph cycling

We are entering municipal budget season, which surely means an increase in tax talk over the next couple months.

The Wauwatosa School Board kicked off the talk of taxes Monday evening by inviting City of Wauwatosa officials to explain how they negotiate with large property owners contesting their tax bills. The outcome of those negotiations, and in some cases lawsuits, could have a big impact on all taxing jurisdictions in the city.

Tosa Forward News summarized that discussion here.

School district could owe millions in refunds if city loses several remaining tax cases

The Wauwatosa School District faces the biggest potential fiscal impact from what are known as “chargebacks,” because the district’s tax levy forms the largest portion of Tosa property owners’ tax bills, about 37%.

Tosa Forward NewsDavid Paulsen

The City of Wauwatosa began the public-facing phase of its 2027 budget process on Tuesday, with a presentation of the Executive Budget. That is the draft released by the mayor and city administrator for consideration by the Common Council.

One highlight is a proposed $5 increase in the city vehicle registration fee, which was first adopted two years ago. As for property taxes, the city portion of homeowners' bills is expected to go up 3% on average.

And the Common Council approved a $95,000 worker's compensation settlement with former police officer Joseph Mensah, who resigned in November 2020 amid scrutiny of three fatal shootings in five years while he was with the Tosa department.

Sip Thursdays coming to Tosa Village

There has been a lot of buzz this week about the Wauwatosa Village's upcoming "Sip Thursdays," which start Oct. 29. This is the first use of a new city ordinance allowing what are referred to informally as "social districts."

During these permitted events, bar and restaurant patrons will be able to purchase beer and wine in designated cups to carry along the sidewalks and crosswalks from business to business within the district boundaries. Cheers!

Wisconsin Bike Fed raises objections to proposed 15 mph limit on Oak Leaf Trail

The cycling organization issued a statement saying a strict speed limit could have unintended negative consequences and “reasonable and prudent” would be a better speed standard for county trails.

Tosa Forward NewsTosa Forward News Staff

Milwaukee County's Oak Leaf Trail also passes through Tosa Village, and County Parks officials have proposed a new 15 mph speed limit on the trail to address concerns raised by the use of high-speed electric bicycles, or "e-motos."

The Wisconsin Bike Federation raised objections to that plan, citing a variety of concerns, and the County Board decided this week the county needed more time to deliberate before acting on the proposed speed limit.

Several new restaurants are planned across Wauwatosa, including tacos in Tosa Village and Mexican brunch on 60th street. Here are snapshots of some of the proposed businesses.

A car fire in a parking structure at Froedtert Hospital turned into a nine-car fire in the parking structure. An 88-year-old man reportedly was injured and took himself to the nearby emergency room, before firefighters responded and extinguished the fire.

Budget forum Wednesday

If you are looking for an overview on how budgets are developed across Tosa jurisdictions, put an upcoming joint town hall event on your calendar.

County, city and school leaders are planning to speak at the event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, in the Firefly Room at the Wauwatosa Public Library, 7635 W. North Ave.

The listed participants are Milwaukee County Budget and Strategy Director Nick Sinram, Tosa Schools Superintendent Demond Means, Tosa School Board President Lynne Woehrle and Tosa Common Council President Joe Phillips.

Other upcoming events

• Pop-Up Market — At Hoyt Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, shop with over 30 talented Wisconsin artists, makers, bakers, growers and small businesses for art, pottery, jewelry, clothing, accessories, home goods and décor, body care goods and so much more at the TOSA Locally Made Fall Pop-Up Market.
• Secrets of the Autumn Woods — Explore the fall colors at the Forest Exploration Center off Swan Boulevard during a guided photo and nature walk on Sunday, Oct. 4, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. led by master naturalist Danielle Pahlisch of Milwaukee County Parks and Kimberly Mackowski of TheParkNextDoor.
• Former Gov. Martin J. Schreiber — Schreiber, who served briefly as governor in the late 1970s, will discuss his book "My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer's Caregiver" at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the Wauwatosa Woman's Club, 1626 Wauwatosa Avenue.