La Crosse Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey in studio breaking down two major issues facing the city: competing proposals for a city administrator and finalizing the 2027 budget.

The City Council takes up the administrator proposals Thursday, including the mayor's non-charter ordinance and a competing charter ordinance from council members Larry Sleznikow and Aaron Newberry. Washington-Spivey explains why he believes a city administrator could help city operations, but why he doesn't support the charter version.

Washington-Spivey also talks about his priorities as mayor and what he would do with more time if a city administrator took on some of the city's day-to-day responsibilities.

The conversation also turns to the city's budget, which is expected to be finalized Monday. The proposed property tax increase has climbed from $13.60 to $18.10 per $100,000 in assessed value since last month's discussion. We discuss the idea of using reserve funding versus raising taxes — or a combination of both.

There's also a discussion about the city's decision to end its Flock camera contract, a major Army Corps of Engineers floodplain study planned for La Crosse's north side, and a proposal to eliminate certain building permit fees. 

Topics covered:


City administrator debate: Why the mayor supports creating the position but opposes the competing charter ordinance, and how the two proposals would change the reporting structure.


2027 city budget: The proposed $18.10 property tax increase per $100,000, the mayor's plan, and Monday's final budget meeting.


Flock cameras: Why the city is ending its contract with the license plate reader company and what options might exist for a city-controlled camera system.


North side floodplain study: The Army Corps of Engineers study, which could help determine whether portions of La Crosse can be removed from the floodplain.


Building permit fees: A proposal to eliminate fees for certain window and door replacements, while retaining requirements for properties in the floodplain.

La Crosse Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey in studio breaking down two major issues facing the city: competing proposals for a city administrator and finalizing the 2027 budget.
The City Council takes up the administrator proposals Thursday, including the mayor's non-charter ordinance and a competing charter ordinance from council members Larry Sleznikow and Aaron Newberry. Washington-Spivey explains why he believes a city administrator could help city operations, but why he doesn't support the charter version.
Washington-Spivey also talks about his priorities as mayor and what he would do with more time if a city administrator took on some of the city's day-to-day responsibilities.
The conversation also turns to the city's budget, which is expected to be finalized Monday. The proposed property tax increase has climbed from $13.60 to $18.10 per $100,000 in assessed value since last month's discussion. We discuss the idea of using reserve funding versus raising taxes &mdash; or a combination of both.
There's also a discussion about the city's decision to end its Flock camera contract, a major Army Corps of Engineers floodplain study planned for La Crosse's north side, and a proposal to eliminate certain building permit fees.&nbsp;
Topics covered:
<ul>
<li>
City administrator debate: Why the mayor supports creating the position but opposes the competing charter ordinance, and how the two proposals would change the reporting structure.
</li>
<li>
2027 city budget: The proposed $18.10 property tax increase per $100,000, the mayor's plan, and Monday's final budget meeting.
</li>
<li>
Flock cameras: Why the city is ending its contract with the license plate reader company and what options might exist for a city-controlled camera system.
</li>
<li>
North side floodplain study: The Army Corps of Engineers study, which could help determine whether portions of La Crosse can be removed from the floodplain.
</li>
<li>
Building permit fees: A proposal to eliminate fees for certain window and door replacements, while retaining requirements for properties in the floodplain.
</li>
</ul>

Listener conversations about the days events in and around the La Crosse area.  Weekdays from 5-6pm on WIZM 1410AM and 92.3FM

La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

Rick Solem talks about the days events in and around the La Crosse area. Weekdays from 5:07-6pm on 1410 WIZM

Rick Solem talks about the days events in and around the La Crosse area. Weekdays from 5:07-6pm on 1410 WIZM