Welcome To The Town Of Buffalo 

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THIS WEBSITE IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF:

DENNIS MICHAEL SEMLING

1960-2021

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THE ABCs OF TOWN GOVERNMENT

#18 MAY, 2022, TOWN BOARD POWERS AND DUTIES

After several supplemental postings concerning the broadband project (I will update as appropriate) it is time to get back to town board board powers and duties. The State of Wis Constitution mandates "one system of town government, which shall be as nearly uniform as practicable" (Article IV ss.23)  Wisconsin State Statutes define a "town" as "...a body corporate and politic, with those powers granted by law." (Wi.ss 60.01(1).  Application of the law is the responsibility of the elected town board.  As shared in a previous post, the Town of Buffalo Board consists of three (3) supervisors who meet monthly (open to public) for the purpose of initiating powers and duties in accordance with Wis. State Statutes. The specific statutes that provide directives and limitations for town boards includes:: Chapter 60 (general and miscellaneous powers and duties), Chapter 66 (municipal law), Chapter 82 (town highways) and Chapter 125 (regulation of alcohol beverages.) My intent, with continuing postings, is to provide a summary of what applies to the Town of Buffalo from each of these statute chapters.

VOLUNTEER CALL:

The town anticipates heavier use of the park/ball field this summer and some work is needed in preparation:

1.  The field wood plank bleachers are in need of attention. We would like to reverse the planks (they are quite good on underside) and add sealer.  The metal bleacher also needs power wash or power clean.

2.  Have a tiller? we would like to till the playground sand as a temporary fix for weeds and grass. We continue to explore the replacement of the sand but that is likely at least another year away.

If you can help out, contact Claire Waters 608.687.8419 or Steve James 608.687.7591.

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The TOB Town Hall is again available for rental purposes, depending on dates and with certain conditions, limitations applied. Contact Claire Waters for availability and details. 

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Occasionaly, there is an issue or announcement related to town business that seems to rise to the need to make contact with as many citizens as possible. One timely way to do this is through email contact. If you are not on the town's contact email list and would like to be, please contact [email protected]  This is used for emergency/important town business ONLY.

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UPDATE ON ON FLOOD DAMAGE:  I am pleased to report that  this past week, the town received the final FEMA payment ($6,167.44) for damages from the June 2017 storm. Took almost five years but we can finally close the project.  We received a total of $129,516.30 or 87.5% of the $148,018.63 damage assessment approved by FEMA.

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There have been some questions about the new fire station (Officially it is the Ft. City Public Safety Bldg) now in construction.  In June 2019, our town and each of the other muncipalities that form the Fountain City Fire Assn., made a commitment of up to $200,000 toward the development of the new fire station.  As of July 21, our town will have made payments of $175,000 ($87,500 each from the town and CAPX). Fortunately, we have been able to do this without borrowing funds and/or adding special tax assessments but it will be a strain on the town budget.  Donations of any amount are encouraged and very welcome as each dollar will potentially help with this significant commitment. Donations can be made to the Ft. City Fire Assn or to the Town of Buffalo. We thank several local residents/businesses who have made donations.

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You may have heard, or read, about funds coming to local muncipalities (cities, towns, villages) by way of the March, 2021, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). ARPA set aside $2.5 billion for the State of Wisconsin with $411.6 million designated for non-entitlement units (NEUs) defined as municipalities with less than 50,000 people. There is a published chart that indicates the Town of Buffalo would qualify for approxmately $72,000. On June 25, the town received the first payment of just over $36,000. The 2nd payment of equal amount is scheduled for one year. We know that the funds were(are) intended for Covid19 related response but specifics are still unclear so the funds have been placed in a separate account pending the board plan for disbursement as per guidelines.We know it is likely that we will not be able to use the funds for usual/common town business nor can we reduce tax/or debt obligations however, there is a formula that will allow an amount  toward government services  as "replacement of lost public revenue." The Towns Assn promises guidance for us in this - so far they advise patience as we will have over three years to "obligate" the funds and 5 years to complete any projects that are funded.

UPDATE:  The board was recently informed that the "final rule" for ARPA funds clears the way for most towns to use their entire ARPA amount for "government services."  This will be effective as of April, 2022. We still have three years to decide how the funds are to be distributed and five years to actually spend the money (In other words, we cannot hold on to it as an investment.)

Guess what?  Have a reunion, birthday party, graduation or just a plain ole family gathering? Are you aware the town hall is available for rent?

Full kitchen, RR facilities, air conditioning, plenty of tables & chairs, use of park.  Special rate for multiple days

Contact Claire Waters at 687-8419 for details.

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