Finance Committee

PUBLIC NOTICE Finance Committee Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM City Hall Council Chambers, 410 E Leffler St, Dodgeville, WI AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Meeting called to order at 5:00 PM. Members present: Sersch, DeVoss, Johnson-Solberg Also present: Chief Cushman, Chief Wilhelm and Mayor Hottmann II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from January 13, 2026. Motion by DeVoss; Seconded by Johnson-Solberg; motion carried 3-0 III. OLD BUSINESS IV. NEW BUSINESS 2. Discussion and possible recommendation to the common council to consider multiple officer positions for DPD. Discussion: Vacancy exists following officer resignation in November Two strong candidates identified after recruitment challenges Chief proposed options: Hire one full-time officer (current budgeted position) Hire two full-time officers (proactive staffing approach) Combination of full-time + part-time Rationale: Long hiring/training timeline (~1 year) Ongoing turnover (approx. one officer/year) Current staffing shortages causing operational strain Financial considerations: Estimated $60,000 budget flexibility in 2026 Potential to use carryover funds with budget amendment Legal/union concern addressed: No requirement to permanently maintain increased staffing level City of Dodgeville | 410 E Leffler St | Dodgeville, WI 53533 | www.dodgevillewi.gov | 608-930-5228  Future vacancy could remain unfilled Action: Motion to recommend to Council to hire 2 officers with one immediate hire; second contingent on Council approval Motion by Sersch, seconded by Johnson-Solberg, motion carried 3-0 3. Discussion and possible recommendation to common council for needed EMS positions and funding. Discussion: Significant staffing shortage and burnout among volunteers: Volunteers reduced from ~41 to ~26 Many working excessive hours (90–120 hrs/month) Service challenges: High call volume (~3 calls/night) Majority Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement (~40–50% recovery) Increasing demand (aging population, nursing home calls) Current needs: Filling existing part-time EMT positions Request for 2 additional part-time positions Long-term outlook: Potential need for 2 full-time + 2 part-time positions Consideration of regional or county EMS models Action: Motion to recommend the approval of 2 additional part-time EMS positions Motion by DeVoss; seconded by Johnson-Solberg; Motion carried 3-0 4. Discussion and possible recommendation to the common council for TID 3 upfront paygo. Discussion: Developer requires $25,000 upfront pay-go to engage contractor Current agreement requires “shovel in ground” before payment Proposed solution: Use room tax funds (not property tax) Risk acknowledged but considered low City of Dodgeville | 410 E Leffler St | Dodgeville, WI 53533 | www.dodgevillewi.gov | 608-930-5228  Project tied to: Potential Idle Sites Grant Significant future room tax revenue Action: Motion to recommend to common council to use room tax funds for $25,000 upfront pay-go Motion by DeVoss; second by Johnson-Solberg; motion carried 3-0 5. Discussion and possible recommendation to common council for use of TID 2 affordable housing. Discussion: Proposal to extend sewer infrastructure (~$82,000 estimate) Remaining affordable housing funds: ~$20,000 Developer interest in: Housing development (including potential senior/accessible housing) Concerns: Cost vs. benefit Precedent for public infrastructure support Committee preference: Further negotiation and cost refinement Action: Motion to authorize Mayor to engage in negotiations with developer (Jason Reed) Motion by Sersch, second by DeVoss; motion carried 3-0 6. Discussion of the use of carryovers and the process moving forward. Key issues identified: Lack of historical financial transparency Unclear distinctions between: Carryover funds Restricted funds Capital outlay accounts Opportunities identified: Potential to reduce future borrowing Better use of existing reserves City of Dodgeville | 410 E Leffler St | Dodgeville, WI 53533 | www.dodgevillewi.gov | 608-930-5228  Need for clearer financial structure and policies No formal action taken. Informational discussion only V. ADJOURN 7. Motion to Adjourn by DeVoss, seconded by Johnson-Solberg. Motion carried 3-0 Meeting adjourned at 7:02 PM. Any person who has a qualifying disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires the meeting or material at the meeting to be in an accessible location or format, must contact the City Clerk at the address listed above or call 930-5228, prior to the meeting so that any necessary arrangements can be made to accommodate each request. City of Dodgeville | 410 E Leffler St | Dodgeville, WI 53533 | www.dodgevillewi.gov | 608-930-5228