Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  The Village of Wind Point, WisconsinDecember 2014
2014 Tax Bill Information
Residents should receive their 2014 property tax bill by the second week of December. Tax payment options will be same as prior years. The first installment or full payment is due to the Wind Point Treasurer by January 31. Payments may be made by mail or in-person at the Wind Point office or Johnson Bank on Three Mile Rd.

On average, Wind Point tax bills will show a decrease of 4.4% compared to 2013, largely due to decreases in Racine Unified School District and Gateway Technical College tax levies. See the chart below for a breakdown of taxing jurisdictions. Property owners are assessed about $1,562 per $100,000 of assessed value (not including first dollar or lottery credits).

2014 Wind Point Tax Bill Composition


Rate Increase in Effect for 4th Quarter Water Bills
An 11% rate increase set by the Public Service Commission (PSC) will be in effect for 4th quarter water bills. The bills will be mailed out on or around December 15. To view the new rate schedule, click here.
New FAQ Brochure
A new Frequently Asked Questions brochure is available online and at the Village office. The brochure was developed to assist new residents and to also provide information to existing residents on recurring questions. The brochure covers various topics as collections, licenses/permits, parking and voting. To download the brochure, click here. Please let us know if you have a suggestion on a question to add!
Architectural Review Guidelines Adopted
The Village's Architectural Review Board (ARB) has adopted a set of guidelines to help inform residents about its role and review process. ARB approval is required for every new structure or alteration to at least 20% of the face of an existing structure before a building or zoning permit is issued. The ARB also established that approval is not necessary for exterior re-painting projects alone, however, residents are asked to be mindful of their neighbors when selecting colors. To review the ARB guidelines, click here.
Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing
Preparation is the best way to prevent frozen pipes. Some of these tips may require some time to complete ahead of cold weather, but they all can keep to keep water flowing: 
  • Disconnect all garden hoses and install covers on outside faucets.
  • Keep your house temperature at 55 degrees or higher, even if you are leaving the house for an extended period of time.
  • Open cabinet doors below sinks to allow heat from the home to circulate.
  • Identify the location of the main water valve and the valve on your water heater. Apply oil such as WD-40 to the shut off valve before operating it to prevent the valve from breaking. (Learning the location of these valves may come in handy during an emergency).
  • Wrap pipes nearest exterior walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation or with heating tape. This could prevent freezing, especially for interior pipes that run along outside walls.
  • Close all windows near water pipes; cover or close open-air vents. Freezing temperatures combined with wind drafts can cause pipes to freeze more frequently.
  • Heat your basement and consider weather sealing your windows.
  • If you plan to be away from your home for an extended period of time, shut off water supply valve. (be cautious if in a multi family home, so you don't shut off water to neighbor).
  • Identify the location of your water meter and take precautions to keep it from freezing.
In the event you have pipe burst in your house, and, your main shut off is not working properly, please call the Wind Point Water Utility at 262.639.3560 or the emergency line at 262.939.1378.
75% Turnout in Wind Point for Fall Election
A total of 1,028 ballots were cast in Wind Point for the fall general election on November 4, for a turnout of 75.3% of registered voters. To view the election results in Wind Point, click here. Special thank you to our chief election inspector, Sherry Heck, and to our election inspectors, Mary Chovan, Jean Clementi, Karen Jansson, Jan Rosellini, Marilyn Thygeson and Alice Vidian, for running a smooth election!
Thank You, Kevin!
Kevin Ausman's last day with the Village was November 21. Kevin began working for the Village as management intern in February. He provided assistance with a variety of tasks and projects, including budgeting, emergency management, elections, policy research and records management - he even helped secure a grant from the Wisconsin City Management Association toward the next intern! We thank Kevin for his work with the Village and wish him well in his new full-time role with the Village of Menomonee Falls!
New Wind Point Directory for 2015

The Community Club is working on a 2015 Village Directory.  Volunteers may be calling you to confirm your contact information or you can email Sherry Heck with your changes at [email protected]Sherry is also selling ads for the Directory. Please note that the Directory will be sold only to Village residents at the Village office. Proceeds from the Directory help fund Community Club events, including the bike parade, picnic and Holiday tree lighting.

Nomination Forms Available for Spring Election
Nomination forms are available for Wind Point residents interested in running for Village Board Trustee, Village President or Municipal Judge. Prospective candidates can begin collecting signatures on December 1. The final day for filing nomination papers is 5 p.m., Tuesday, January 6, 2015. For more information,  click here.
Village Board Highlights

The Village Board held a regular meeting on Thursday, November 13. The Board...

  • Adopted the 2015 Village budget, levy and reserves resolutions and updated fee schedule.
  • Approved Architectural Review Board guidelines, as amended.
  • Authorized staff to replace the Ford F-150 truck with a Ford F-350 truck with plow, dump box and spreader from Ewald/Monroe in the amount of $45,750 to be delivered and paid in 2015.
  • Approved an agreement with Reliable Property Services to provide 2014-2015 plowing services on the walking path between Lake Meadow Dr. and Four Mile Rd. for an amount not to exceed $500.
  • Referred Village Green Park planning back to the Parks & Facilities Committee to gather more information about the public's desired park improvements.
  • Approved a list of 2015 priorities and initiatives.
  • Referred the administrator to review building inspection procedures.
  • Referred the administrator to contact Wind Meadows about maintenance of walking paths.
  • Referred the administrator and Trustee Quam to work with the new assessor on property assessments concerns. 

The Village Board will meet for a regular meeting on Thursday, December 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Village Hall (Lighthouse).

Holiday Container Garden Ideas

Holiday containers are the perfect solution for adding color and interest to your entryway, deck, patio, or balcony during the snowy season. Check out some beautiful holiday container garden ideas. Go traditional. Red and green are traditional Christmas colors, and they look fantastic together. Several varieties of pine boughs and juniper combine dramatically in a bright red pot with sprays of winterberry and red twig dogwood. Dried eucalyptus seeds, also painted red, can add to the display. For more information, click here.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens