Janet, a Town of Brookfield resident, has lived in the Elmbrook area for nearly 40 years and is an avid gardener and volunteer. Her blog focuses on the city and town of Brookfield – past, present and future.
Shortly after posting my blog suggesting that the City of Brookfield acquire the Town of Brookfield to achieve ‘economies of scale,’ I heard from Rick Czopp. Rick is the administrator of the Town of Brookfield.
My last blog, “City vs. Town”, was spurred on by a Journal Sentinel article about the city’s annexation of a development near Capitol Drive and how the town was trying to recoup its investment in the sewage infrastructure for the area.
Here are some clarifications:
The city hired a consultant to study merging the two Brookfields. The consultants concluded that it was not prudent to do so. Czopp added that it is not legal for the city to annex the town.
As a town resident, I know there are benefits to not being a city resident. The town’s property taxes, sewer and water charges are all lower than the city’s. The town's 2005 sewer rates dropped 30%.
Unlike the city, the town does not have to worry about its source of water. It has six wells.
The town’s fire department and paramedics are equal to those of the city.
The town has a $1 billion tax base; and it is one of the highest valued towns in the state.
Town government is promoting businesses that add value to the town, without the use of TIF (tax incremental financing districts). The new Monsoon Restaurant is an example, as is the Marcus Theaters mega-complex being built on Springdale Road. Additionally, Menards’ pending move to a new facility (beyond Barker Road on Bluemound) will provide an opportunity for redevelopment along Bluemound.
The town has not raised property taxes for two years.
The town of Brookfield is a small community with small government.
