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1. What is the purpose of a revaluation?

Associated Appraisal Consultants, Inc. will soon begin a full municipal revaluation in the Village of Waterford. The revaluation program is a complete and thorough interior and exterior review of all properties to ensure that they are assessed at 100% market value in a uniform and equitable fashion. The last revaluation with comprehensive reviews of all properties was conducted prior to 1989. Since this time, the Village has completed three interim market updates to maintain compliance with Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) requirements.

The DOR suggests a full revaluation with interior inspections be completed every 5 to 10 years, depending on market activity. Revaluations are completed for three main reasons:
• To revalue all properties to be within 10% of market value as required by Wis. Stat. Sec. 70.05.
• To ensure all properties are assessed consistently between classes and within a class of the major property types. All home owners want to be treated equitably with other home owners. Commercial and agricultural properties must be assessed fairly as well.
• To ensure that all assessment data is collected. This data includes a digital sketch, a photo of the property and the various attributes such as age, size, bathroom count, basement finish, condition, quality of construction etc. and appropriate data for attachments and out buildings. This data is collected through a field inspection, which is a physical inspection of the exterior and interior of each property.

In the Village of Waterford, most properties have not had an interior inspection for over 26 years.

2. What does a field inpection entail?

Associate Appraisals field inspections consist of physically viewing and verifying dimensions for all structures, digitally photographing exteriors, and requesting an interior walk-through to view quality of construction and to verify data. The interior inspection takes approximately 10-15 minutes for an average-sized home. If property owners are not at home at the time of the initial inspection, staff will leave a door hanger with assessor's 800 number and instructions to call to schedule an inspection appointment.

3. Should a property owner be concerned?

One of the most common concerns we see is the interior inspection. The most common questions asked are: Are interior inspections important? Are they necessary? Does the assessor have the right or should the municipality enforce the inspection process? While the assessor will always respect the wishes of the property owner, in order to accurately value a property, they must see what they are valuing. One would not make a sensible offer to buy a home without seeing the inside nor would one make any kind of large purchase without fully understanding what it is that is being purchased. If the homeowner denies the interior inspection, assessors will estimate based on the best available information per the Wisconsin Property Assessment Manual.

Assessors are not interested in reporting potential permit violations only in assessing value.

4. What if I refuse to allow a physical inspection of my property?

If a property owner refuses a physical inspection, the assessor is directed by Wisconsin state statutes to send a certified letter requesting an interior inspection stating the following:

70.47(7)(aa) No person shall be allowed to appear before the board of review, to testify to the board by telephone or to contest the amount of any assessment of real or personal property if the person has refused a reasonable written request by certified mail of the assessor to view such property.

Basically, the property owner will lose the right to appeal the assessment without an interior inspection.

5. What happens after field work is complete?

After all data is compiled and new values are set according to methods prescribed in the Wisconsin Property Assessment Manual, property owners will receive notices of assessment in the mail. The notice will indicate the date(s) and time(s) for the Open Book, an informal and informative one-on-one meeting with the assessors to discuss how the value was reached. All values established during the revaluation will be available for inspection and comparison. The assessor will review property attributes with the home owner. Corrections can be made at the Open Book if needed. If a property owner still does not agree with their property’s established value after attending the Open Book session, they will have an opportunity to attend the Board of Review to formally contest the value. The date and time of the Board of Review is also on the assessment notice.

6. How can I find out how my neighbor's assessments compare to mine?

The 2015 Real Estate Assessment Roll is available on the Revaluation page of our website. You can access on the left hand column of the home page.

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1. What steps do I need to take to start a small business in Waterford?

Begin by looking at the code of ordinance for Conditional Use Permits and follow up with the Village Clerk or Deputy Clerk on procedure and costs. There are a number of resources listed on the Village website and through Absolutely Waterford and the Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce to get you started.

2. Do I have to follow specific guidelines to remodel the facade of my business location?

If your business is located in the Heritage District, you must follow the guidelines set forth in the Heritage District Design Guidelines and seek approval from the Heritage District Design Committee. 

Curb Appeal Grant

3. How do I bid on a village construction project?

The Village of Waterford will announce request for bids as construction and other projects arise. These announcements will be posted on the Village website and through the media.

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1. Do I need a photo ID to vote?

As of March 23, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an order declining to hear an appeal of Wisconsin's photo ID law. The law is not in effect and will be enforced for 2016 Wisconsin elections. For more information on the photo ID law, including valid photo IDs, where and how to get a free Wisconsin photo ID, visit the Government Accountability Board website, www.gab.wi.gov.

2. What do I need to do to vote?

Voters must be registered to vote. You can register by completing a Wisconsin Voter Registration Application at My Vote Wisconsin or at Village Hall until the Friday prior to an election or at the polls on Election Day. Either way, you will be asked to provide an approved proof of residency. Polls are open from 7:00 am-8:00 pm on Election Day in the lower level of Village Hall. If you have moved or changed your name, you will need to complete a new Wisconsin Voter Registration Application, also available online. You are encouraged to do so before Election Day, but you can also register at the polls. You can find additional information, requirements, and forms at the Government Accountability Board, www.gab.wi.gov.

Voter ID is now law in the State of Wisconsin so if you are voting absentee you will have to show a valid photo ID as well as at the polls on Election Day. Visit the www,gab,wi.gov, the Government Accountability Board's website to see acceptable forms of photo identification. My Vote Wisconsin

3. What do I need to do to run for office?

Minimum qualifications for candidacy are United States citizenship, at least 18 years of age (additional age requirements for some offices), satisfy residency requirements for the desired office, clear of felony conviction in any U.S. court, unless cleared through pardon. Find additional information, requirements, and forms at the Government Accountability Board website, www.gab.wi.gov. Accountability Board

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1. How can our non-profit organization promote our event with a banner?

Non-profit organizations can get a banner permit to promote a specific event. There are three locations that can accommodate two separate event banners - Hwy 36 & E. Main St, 1st St & River Rd, and Racine & W. Main Streets. The banners can be in place for 10 days, with the organization responsible for placing and removing the banner in the reserved time frame. Permission to display the banner is given by the Village Clerk after reviewing the completed application to display the banner. No other signage by any organization or group is allowed on Village property.

2. Do we need permission to hold a non-profit event in the village?

Yes, if your event is to occur on public right-of-ways or public premises, you must apply for a permit and receive permission from the Public Works and Utilities Committee and the Village Board if more than 50 people are expected to attend. Other provisions apply so see the Village Municipal Code, Special Events §188-1.

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1. Where is the village dump so I can dispose of large pieces like furniture or appliances?

The Village of Waterford does not have a garbage dump. You can arrange a special curbside pick-up by contacting our contracted service provider for garbage collection. Large items that do not fit in garbage carts and are set at the curb will not be picked up unless arrangements are made in advance. A minimal fee may be charged. The company will not pick up items left beside the cart. Johns Disposal phone number is 262-473-4700 or 888-473-4701. Johns Disposal

2. When does the village collect and chip brush?

Village crews will collect and chip brush on the Monday of the week your recyclables are collected. Limbs should be no more than 4" in diameter, with cut ends facing the curb, but not blocking the sidewalk. Collection and chipping time is limited to 15 minutes per stop. Yard waste can also be brought to the Yard Waste Drop off site at 801 Ela Ave on specified Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8:00 am-Noon. See the Garbage & Recycling calendar for dates.

3. Can I get chippings and mulch from the village?

Call the Department of Public Works, 534-4069, to be placed on the list for available chippings and mulch.

4. How can I dispose of chemicals, medications, and electronics if the garbage collector does not allow these things in the garbage?

An annual 'Clean Sweep' is held in the spring to collect these items for proper disposal. The sweep, held in Burlington, is free to Village of Waterford residents, although there may be a minimal fee for some electronic items. Unused medications can be disposed of year round at a medication drop-off box at Waterford Town Hall, 415 N. Milwaukee Street. There are other options for disposing of materials such as tires, appliances, mercury, etc. See our Garbage & Recycling section of this website.

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1. My ticket is due, but I still don't have all the money to pay my fine. Can I make payments?

Contact the municipal court clerk to arrange for a payment plan. 262-534-1853

2. What can I do if I can't find my ticket or don't remember how much it is?

The Clerk of Courts can help you. Call 262-534-1853

3. Where do I pay my traffic tickets?

Send checks to: Village of Waterford, 123 N River St, Waterford, WI 53185. You can also use the white drive by payment box on the corner across from Village Hall.

4. Can I pay my ticket with a credit or debit card?

Yes. You will need to know your citation number so your payment can be applied correctly. If you are unsure of your citation please call the Clerk of Courts at 262-534-1853.

Pay Court Fines Online

5. Do I have to come to court to contest a ticket?

Yes, to contest a ticket you must appear in court and address the municipal judge. If you have any questions, contact the Clerk of Courts at 262-534-1853

6. What if I can't make my court date?

Contact the Clerk of Courts, 262-534-1853, as soon as possible to reschedule.

7. What if I missed my court date?

A guilty by default judgment will be entered against you. A default notice will be mailed to you and you will be given 60 days to pay your fine.

8. Can I sue someone for small claims at the Village Court?

No, municipal court handles municipal code violations. Civil cases are handled through the Small Claims Division of the Racine County Court System.

Racine County Court System

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1. I see that dogs are not allowed in Village parks. Is there any place I can bring my dog for a run?

Dogs are not allowed in Village parks, except for the Cornerstone Crossing Conservancy as per Ordinance S 87-1B.
Racine County recently opened the Jean M. Jacobson Dog Park at Case Eagle Park in Rochester. dogs may be off-leash within the fenced in park which is open 6:00 am-10:00 pm.

2. What time do parks close? What if I'm in a park after hours?

Most village parks open at 8:00 am and all close at 10:00 pm. If you are in a village park after close, you may be issued a ticket.

3. Where can I launch a motor boat in Waterford?

Within the Village of Waterford, Huening Park has a public boat launch. It is open from 8:00 am-10:00 pm from April 1 to October 30. Huening Park is located on N. River Street, just north of Village Hall.

4. Can I reserve a park for a family event?

Whitford Park is available to private parties to rent. Either the Ray Seidel Community Building or the Whitford Park Pavilion can be rented. The building is available to Village of Waterford residents for $150 ; non-resident fee is $200. The Pavilion may be rented to residents for $75, $125 for non-residents. All rentals require a refundable $150 cleaning bond. For more information, visit the Village Parks section of this website or contact the Deputy Treasurer at 262-534-3980, ext. 229 or scharapata@waterfordwi.org

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1. Where do I go to pay a citation?

If the ticket citation was issued in the Village of Waterford, fines can be paid several ways.  

Payments: 

In person at Village Hall, 123 N. River St., Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm using cash, check or credit/debit card 

• Online through Muncipay here. 
• Municipay charges an additional fee of 2.25% for credit/debit payments and $1.00 per transaction for electronic checking or savings account payments.

If you have any questions, contact the Court Clerk through email or call 262-534-3980 ext 233.

2. How do I contest a ticket?

You are encouraged to attend court at Village Hall on the court date given on the citation.

 When you enter into the courtroom, approach the bench and check in with the Court Clerk. Once you have checked in you may take a seat. The Village Attorney will call your name and you will proceed to a small conference room. Once you have met with the Village Attorney you will be asked to take a seat back in the courtroom.

Presenting Your Case
 When the Judge is available to hear your case your name will be called and you may approach the podium in front of the bench. The Judge will inform you of the charges against you and the consequences associated with each charge if you are found guilty. Next, the Judge will review your case and the recommendations from the Village Attorney. At this point the Judge will ask for your intended plea and either approve or reject the reached agreement.

Pleas
 If a Not Guilty plea is entered, you will be given a trial date and time to return to Court. The Judge will explain the trial procedure to you. If a Guilty or No Contest plea is entered, a forfeiture may be imposed.

Paying Your Fine
You will be given the opportunity to pay the forfeiture immediately after your case is heard. If you cannot pay immediately, you will be allowed a maximum of 60 days to pay. If requested, the Court will set up an installment payment arrangement for your fine. If payment is not received within the time allowed, and the court is not contacted with an explanation, one or more of the following will result.
 
      - the fine referred to a collection agency
      - a commitment issued for your arrest
      - your driver’s license suspended for up to 2 years
      - your vehicle registration suspended for delinquent parking tickets

Contact the Court Clerk, 262-534-3980, ext. 233 or klindbloom@waterfordwi.org if you have any questions.

3. How do I avoid a parking ticket?

The Village has year round parking restrictions. Avoid a ticket by observing alternate side parking. Park on the side of the street with even house numbers on even-numbered dates and on the odd-numbered side of the street on odd-numbered dates, using the date after midnight. If you are parking overnight, note the date after midnight and park accordingly. 

Don't fall into the trap of just alternating sides each day as there are six days in the year with back to back odd numbered dates.

In a snow emergency, parking may be further restricted so watch our website for updates. You can also subscribe to our Notify Me system to receive notifications and alerts through email or text messaging.

4. Where do I get a police report for a car accident that occurred in the village?

Accident reports are available generally after ten days. Requests for reports should be made to the Waterford Police Department at 415 N. Milwaukee St., Waterford, WI 53185. A charge of 25 cents per page may be collected. For any questions, please contact the Waterford Police Department at 262-534-2119.

For questions regarding incidents handled by the Racine County Sheriff's Department, please call 262-636-3229.

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1. What parking restrictions are there during snow storms? How do I find out if there is a restriction?

The Director of Public Works and Village Administrator will call a snow emergency based on factors of amount of snow fall, blowing and drifting, blizzard conditions or other factors of public safety. A snow emergency prohibits parking on any village street or alley from the hours of 10:00 pm and 6:00 am to allow for the clearing of public right-of-ways. Any vehicles in violation will be ticketed for illegal parking and towed to a storage facility without notice. Towing and storage fees will be paid by the vehicle owner. When declaring an emergency, officials will notify the appropriate media to alert the public. At termination of the emergency, the same media will be informed. The information will also be on the home page of our website. Site visitors may also sign up to receive emergency alerts or notifications to the email address.

2. How do I report a street light out?

Most street lights are the property and responsibility of WE Energies, but citizen assistance in reporting outages is very helpful as crews are not out and about at night to observe light outages. A metal tag at the base of the light pole provides a pole number to identify the pole location. You can either go directly to WE Energies website: https://www.we-energies.com/night_aura/contact/rptoutage.htm to report online, print a form or fax or call customer service, 800-242-9137. Lights owned by the village will not have a pole number. Contact Village Hall to report an outage, providing an address or other information to identify the location. You can also visit our Request Tracker feature on this site to report a concern.

3. Are businesses responsible for cleaning sidewalks after a snow storm? What if a business property is vacant?

An owner or occupant of a property is required to remove all snow and ice from a sidewalk within 24 hours of the end of any storm. When ice has formed that cannot be removed, material to keep the sidewalk from being dangerous must be applied. If the Department of Public Works is required to clear snow and ice or otherwise make a sidewalk safe for pedestrians, the owner will be contacted and expenses charged to the owner. If unpaid, the owner may be assessed a special tax to be collected in the general tax roll. Citations may also be issued as per §191.5 of the municipal code.

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1. I've been out of town for the winter. Why do I have a bill to pay when I didn't use any water?

Everyone pays the same base cost for the services and maintenance of the infrastructure. This cost is applied whether water and sewer is used or not.

2. What should I do if sewer backs up in my home?

Contact the Department of Public Works, 534-4069 to help you determine if the cause is a plumbing or sewer line issue. Staff is on call in the event of an emergency. When you call the number you will receive instructions for accessing the emergency call line.

3. Can I view my utility bill online?

Yes, you can view and pay your utility bill online with debit or credit card (Visa, Discover, MasterCard) or electronic check. A convenience fee of $1 will be added to savings/checking account payments and 2.25% will be added to debit and credit card transactions.

View and pay utility bills online

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1. What can I do if a property in my neighborhood has an overgrowth of weeds and brush?

Complete a Code Compliance form to report the code violation. This will generate an investigation and owner notification of the violation. Completing the form requires your signature. All forms are public records and subject to open records requests of media and/or citizens.

2. Can I sell items or food on the street or in a park?

Seller’s permits are issued by the Village Clerk after examining the application for compliance to village requirements in the ordinance §182.4. There is a fee for the permit and the seller must provide a $5,000 bond per the ordinance. Municpal code §182.4

3. Can I open burn in the village?

Open burning of leaves, brush stumps, clean wood and other vegetative debris (grass clippings are not included in this list) is allowed in the village between the hours of noon and 10 pm unless restricted by order of the Fire Chief or Department of Natural Resources due to potential hazards or ozone alert days. Fires must be attended to at all times. Refer to Village ordinance § 100-6

4. Why do we have parking restrictions? Why can't we just park on any side of the street?

The parking restrictions prevent abandoned vehicles left parked in the street. The parking ordinance requires that vehicles park on odd-numbered sides of the street on odd days and on even-numbered sides on the even days. The date is determined by the day after midnight. If you are parking your vehicle for the night, and will be the 10th after midnight, then you should park on the side with even house numbers.

5. What do I do about stray animals?

Contact the non-emergency number of police to report a dog running at large or untagged. The dog is considered at large if it is not within 50 feet and under control of an owner or agent. The animal is then subject to impoundment. The dog is considered untagged if it does not have valid license. The animal will be held at a holding facility until the owner claims the dog or the dog is surrendered to the Wisconsin Humane Society. The owner will be responsible for the costs and fines including boarding fee, impound fee, rabies prepayment, after hours emergency pick-up and release, and citation.