Message from the Mayor

Dear New Berlin Residents,

Welcome to the New Berlin Budget Hub — a centralized, easy-to-navigate resource designed to keep you informed and engaged as our city explores long-term financial planning strategies and public safety needs.

This hub was developed following the important conversations that took place during the July 22, 2025, Committee of the Whole meeting, where the topics of a possible wheel tax and a public safety referendum were presented for discussion. These items were not decisions, they were brought forward to ensure transparency, provide clarity, and allow the community and Council to consider all options available under current Wisconsin state law.

At the July 29, 2025, Special Committee of the Whole meeting, the Common Council made it clear that they do not support implementing a wheel tax, and as a result, those discussions have ceased. However, the Council expressed interest in learning more about a possible public safety referendum. They have asked for additional information on staffing needs, service impacts, and long-term sustainability to help guide future discussions.

We recognize the growing interest in our city’s financial outlook. That’s why this budget hub was created, to provide access to facts, not speculation, and to present the tools we use to plan for a safe and financially secure future.

As Mayor, it is my responsibility to ensure that all legal financial options, whether popular or not, are brought forward for open discussion. That does not mean I endorse every idea. It means I respect the process and the people’s right to full information. Ultimately, it is the Common Council, the representatives you elected, who have the authority to decide.

Here, you’ll find:

• Information on the city budget
• Clear and easy-to-understand FAQs
• Detailed financial reports and presentation materials
• Tools to sign up for email updates via the City’s Meeting & Agenda Portal
• Links to social media, and other helpful resources

As I shared at the July 29, 2025, Committee of the Whole meeting, New Berlin is in strong financial health. We are not in a financial crisis. Our Aaa bond rating from Moody’s, one of only five in Wisconsin, is a reflection of our responsible planning. But like many growing communities, we face challenges such as rising costs, increased service demands, and the need to support our workforce, particularly in public safety.

Our goal is to provide you with clear, timely, and transparent information as we continue to evaluate how best to sustain services, support staff, and plan for the future.

Thank you for being an active part of the process. Your engagement helps strengthen our community.

Sincerely,
Mayor Dave Ament