The budget discussions this year have brought up the issue of new growth and the classic problems of paying for new infrastructure and the necessity of increasing staffing levels.  Recently, we have heard that for every new tax dollar raised by new construction, it takes $1.33 in tax revenue to pay for the increased services.  The city maintains it's a wash with a home valued at $400,000.  The University of Wisconsin put together a powerpoint to explain this phenomenom of growth and taxes.  It can be accessed here.  What is noteable is that residential growth does not pay for itself due to the increased cost of community services.   If development is blended-commercial, residential, industrial, etc. it may be a wash.  If development heavily favors business and industry, Waukesha could see lower taxes--not just lower rates. 

Below are the highlights from the tour of the city. 

 Highlights-Current and Projected Growth and Development in the City of Waukesha 

1. Pewaukee Road has seen some redevelopment of existing vacant businesses.
2. The Airport, due to it changing from a ‘hobby' airport to a corporate airport, the City of Waukesha Fire department has requested consideration of adding specialized fire apparatus to the CIP budget this year.
3. On Golf Road, east of Country Springs, LifeCare Acute Care Hospital a private for profit center will be built. 
4. The impact of the water park addition at the Country Springs Hotel increased the room tax collected from $177,000 in 2004 to $299,000 in 2005. The 2006 year to date figure is $249,000, a 28% increase over the same time last year.
5. In the Boarder Adjustment Agreement area to be annexed from the City of Pewaukee by January 1, 2008 in the northeast part of the City there is an additional 200+ homes and businesses which will come into the City. There are a total of over 400 developable lots approved in the subdivisions in the area east along with over 200 condominium units.
6. On the corner of Meadowbrook Rd and Northview Rd, behind the City of Pewaukee Fire Station will be a new City of Waukesha Community Park.
7. The city is considering building a Fire Station in Oliver Park.
8. Currently the response time to the Northwest area of Waukesha is over 7 minutes.
9. The Hwy TT (Meadowbrook Rd) bypass is being worked on with the State of Wisconsin, Town of Waukesha, the City of Waukesha and Waukesha County. Something should be presented by the end of the year.
10. The City of Waukesha anticipates that the School District of Waukesha will sell a portion of the land owned on Merrill Hills Rd and that this land will be annexed into the city via McArthur Road for future development.
11. The former Flemming property (Sunset Drive) is currently designated for industrial use. The city expects heavy pressure for commercial development this next year.  The City is concerned that there is a lack of proper roadway and infrastructure to accomdate commercial development.
12. Pick & Save has purchased the property on the SE corner of Hwys 59 and X (former Jewel Osco property).
13. There is a subdivision planned on the 40 acres across from West High School for single family homes homes.
14. Fox Lake Village Subdivision (Lawnsdale & Oakdale) has a manmade lake and homes that range from $700,000 to $1,000,000. There are 273 developable lots and a proposed condominium project.
15. Currently lots are selling in the $150,000-$200,000 and above range.
16. North of Oakdale and River Place Blvd is where a fire station is under consideration to be built.
17. West Ave. Landfill is where a police substation is under consideration to be built.
18. Weldall (Prairie Ave) is adding 43,500 square feet to their building and creating 20 new jobs.  Profile Finishing will occupy the remaing 60,000 square feet in the same building and will create 40+ new jobs.
19. The City of Waukesha is projecting that Block Grants will continue to be reduced in the future. These grants are used for historic preservation, neighborhood planning, infrastructure construction, housing rehabilitation, park programs and downtown revitalization.
20. Due to the financial reality of budget pressures, the city will continue to rely on TIF (Tax Incremental Financing) and redevelopment districts to develop and restore areas.
21. Demands of maintenance and enforcement of building codes and standards in older areas of the city will increase as the housing stock ages.  This will create challenges of where tax dollars are spent.
22. The Grand Ave (District 8) redevelopment plan will be brought to the council in November.
23. TIF #11 in downtown Waukesha has grown $30 Million since 1997.
24. The Library is a gem.  Phase two and three are planned but not funded to date.
25. The former Walgreens (Barstow and Main Street) will be developed next year with 9000 square feet of retail space and 26 residential units.
26. Rivers Edge III is a $2.5 Million addition to Rivers Edge (Main Street).
27. The Landing (Main Street & East Ave. extended stay hotel) is being refurbished into condos. This should increase the value of the property.
28. Redevelopment District #7, Whiterock and Main Street redevelopment area will be presented to the council in the near future.
29. The City of Waukesha has maintained their bond rating with Moody's, currently AA2. The higher the rating, the lower the interest rate the city pays on borrowed money.  Currently, the reduced bond rating adds approximately 2/10 of a percent (approximately $5000 per $1 Million borrowed).