September 10, 2021 – Village of Richfield, WI – The Village of Richfield has recently engaged again in discussions with the Village of Germantown for the extension of sewer and water utilities to the lands north of the Kwik Trip which border 41/45.
This limited area for light industrial development has the potential, if developed appropriately, to contribute significantly to our tax base. The result for our residents, commercial property owners, and vacant landowners is the long-term reduction of their share of the property tax burden.
If developed appropriately, this area could help grow our small business community and contribute in real and meaningful ways to our regional economy. For decades, this land has long been discussed as being critical to helping the Village maintain its responsible tax rate. In search of achieving the highest and best use for this property, the lack of sewer and water is the leading contributing factor as to why it has taken this special real estate this long without being developed.
The market is speaking loud and clear.
These discussions have long been going on in the community and if we are ever going to
capitalize on the inherent uniqueness of this property, I believe that it is in the best
interests of the taxpayers to continue to research and do our due diligence. That must
include having conversations with area communities to explore these potential
intergovernmental partnerships.
Over the years, the Village has undertaken numerous studies to further analyze the opportunity before us. These studies have been on our website for public consumption for years.
In it, I believe you will find consistency in our mission and scope for this Northeast Corridor.
In order to further ease some of the concerns expressed by residents over the years, the Village Board adopted an Ordinance that prohibits the extension of sewer and water utilities west of STH 175 without the taxpayers first voting for it to occur with the passage of a referendum.
This policy decision was “bootstrapped” with the requirement of the passage of a Village-wide referendum before there was any potential chance it could occur because we felt so
strongly that we did not want sewer and water utilities anywhere west of STH 175.
While the Village is still a long way away from any sort of potential for a negotiated deal
to provide sewer and water utilities to this area, it is important we continue to be
transparent in our operations to help foster discussions on why this corridor’s strategic
growth will help serve and contribute to our community’s overall prosperity for
generations to come.
Note: The above article was published in a quarterly newsletter by the Village of Richfield. The September/October 2021 letter was mailed to residents in the Village of Richfield this week.