Evansville, Wisconsin - an Alder's View

04/07/2026

I’m late to the party - perhaps too late. I hadn’t planned on making an endorsement for Mayor - as I will have to work with the next Mayor and had hoped to maintain a productive relationship with whoever is elected.

Last night, the Stevens campaign crossed the line and now I don’t care if I burn my bridges with the next administration. Many hours of lost sleep helped me reach a conclusion. I have to stand up for what’s right and I would hate myself if I hadn’t.

In an evening Facebook post last night on the Evansville pages, the Stevens campaign posted a blatantly racist message. Thankfully, the local Admins removed that post. Several friends contacted me and shared it - I have a copy of what was said. I remain angered beyond words.

At times, I have agreed with some of Stevens complaints about spending and the administration. The Barnes campaign has expressed similar concerns - though without the vitriol.

But last night’s post was filled with misinformation and revealed that Stevens doesn’t have a clear grasp on how the City works. His dramatic campaign messages have been high in hostility and low in integrity. But last night’s message included a racist trope that was repeated over and over. There is no place in Evansville for such hate. Please vote your conscience today at the polls.

03/18/2026

I've created an NCAA March Madness Pool for the Evansville Community.

Since the early 1990s, I've always managed an NCAA pool wherever I've worked. It's the one thing I miss about working (otherwise retirement is way better!)

Play for free or pledge for a local charity. To play for free - just follow the link below and signup. CBS provides the infrastructure and they do a nice job. You will need to give them your email address and create a password. Then, fill out a bracket. You can enter up to 3.

https://picks.cbssports.com/college-basketball/ncaa-tournament/bracket/pools/kbxw63b2ge3dgojrg4ztm===/standings

If you choose to pledge to a local charity - I have a more detailed explanation in my most recent Substack post:

https://billlathrop.substack.com/p/evansville-community-ncaa-bracket

Hope to see you in the Pool!

‘Evansville Community Bracket Madness’ is my 2026 NCAA® Men's Bracket Games on CBS Sports. Join it today!

03/16/2026

This Month's Common Council meeting included a wide variety of topics: street assessments, an amendment to the developers' agreement for Capstone Ridge, finalizing short-term financing for Evansville Water & Light to the Pride flag.

Here is the first of two Substack reports on our City's March business:
https://open.substack.com/pub/billlathrop/p/march-city-business-for-evansville

I'll have a follow-up in about a week. Consider subscribing if you would like these delivered directly to your inbox. Access to these reports is completely free.

A busy Common Council docket included an update from CHS, the final assessment for 2025 street reconstructions and much more.

02/24/2026

Here is the second installment on the City of Evansville's February business. This update focuses on finance related matters.

https://billlathrop.substack.com/p/february-city-business-part-ii

I'll have one more update coming that will focus on news from the Public Safety committee and Fire Board. And by then we'll be on to March.

Lastly, I want to shout out to the Evansville Grove Society and the Night Owl for their fun Bucky Party on Sunday. Bucky Badger won our hearts as he danced through the Night Owl. While especially popular with the young people, I even caught him serving a round of drinks. PBS Wisconsin produced a documentary on Bucky, which the Night Owl screened. Afterwards we heard from the producers about their project. Bucky's story is inspiring, and the real-life Bucky lives up to the mission.

This post focuses on business originating with the Finance & Labor Committee, including temporary financing for utility projects, the search for a treasurer, and the City's January disbursements.

02/15/2026

It seems there is a lot going on lately in Evansville. Here's the first of at least two posts on the City's February business.

https://billlathrop.substack.com/p/city-doings-february-2026

Please consider following me on Substack where you will get these delivered right to your inbox as they are released. I forgot to post notification on my January update - so here's a link to that as well.

https://billlathrop.substack.com/p/evansvilles-january-city-business

The Bank of New Glarus, a new assisted living facility, updates to the R-3 zoning district, and an upcoming presentation on hail.

01/15/2026

Evansville Water & Light is the focus of this installment. A 2023 order by the Public Service Commission has made life difficult for City officials trying to manage our finances.

After a 2023 stipulation by the PSC, financial planning has become more complicated. What was intended to help the utility, has instead put it in a difficult spot.

12/23/2025

Here's the final report on December. Happy Holidays!

In this second installment: job descriptions, fee updates, city bills, citizen appearances, and a smattering of other tidbits to wrap up 2025.

12/18/2025

Just released the first of two reports on Evansville City Business for December. Here's a link: https://billlathrop.substack.com/p/decembers-city-business-part-1?r=1080so

Included in this installment: an update on the proposed CHS soybean plant, new regulations on scooters, contract approvals, and a grant to fund pedestrian transportation research.

The December meetings offered a break from the months-long effort to get the budget out the door.

12/09/2025

If a white pickup truck stops by and a guy with a clipboard comes to your door, it might be me. I won't try to sell you a new roof or anything. I'm just seeking signatures on my nomination papers to run for reelection as Alder. If you live in District 1 and are willing to sign, let me know and I will stop by.

12/09/2025

With property tax bills due soon, now might be a good time to share the details of the recently passed City of Evansville budget and tax levy. Here are the numbers and some analysis ...

A detailed look at the City's governmental operating and capital budgets for the new year.

11/25/2025

Stop by and check out the non-budget report on the November Common Council meeting (from the 11th). Included is business from the Plan Commission along with tidbits from the Park Board, Public Safety and Municipal Services committees. Plus - what made the Mayor almost giddy?

https://open.substack.com/pub/billlathrop/p/november-business-everything-else?r=1080so&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

I post these updates on Substack because it provides a better reading experience. Plus, by subscribing you will get updates automatically - always free. Stay tuned for an upcoming look into the numbers behind 2026 budget.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!