Dodgeville Secures $572K for Fire/EMS Training Tower as Council Advances 2026 Budget

By John Dalton

At Tuesday’s Dodgeville Common Council Regular Meeting, Under Reports, Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Emily Wolfe reminded the Council about the upcoming Spring Election on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.  For Candidates, the first day to circulate nomination papers is December 1, 2025, and the final day for nomination papers is 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.  Candidates for Justice of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Judge file with the Wisconsin Election Commission. Candidates for the County Supervisor file with the Iowa County Clerk.

In his Mayor Report, Barry Hottmann said that back in April the city submitted a Congressional earmark for $1 million dollars for a new fire and EMS training tower.  He was pleased to announce that under the community funding project, Dodgeville was awarded $572,000 in funding in this area.  The city was one of twelve who received funding in the state.  Fire Chief Brian Whitehouse was pleased saying this not just for Dodgeville, but all Iowa County agencies who could use this for training.  No city matching funds would be necessary with this earmark.  

Hottmann suggested the downtown lighting needs to be addressed soon, particularly at crosswalks.  He said there was a recent incident where someone nearly was struck by a vehicle, and with all the downtown traffic and pedestrians, he suggested the city look at lighting and he will get some estimates for a future meeting.  He said it’s possible the room tax fund could pay for it.  

He also pointed out that 18 months ago the city contracted with a grant writer, and to date, the city has paid that individual $5,375.  The city has raised $4.872 million in funding so far, money that is not falling on the taxpayer, an excellent return on investment.  

At the last meeting, Eagle Scout and DHS student Anish Premnaath asked the Council for some ideas for his final Eagle Scout Project.  His project needs to be done by March of 2026.  Hottmann had a hand-full of ideas and will send his list to Anish to see if any of are interest to him.  

In her Library Report, Director Carrie Portz reported they have paid 11%, roughly $1.3 million so far and she recently submitted a grant reimbursement for $387,000 which should be received in the next couple of weeks.  Progress on the library has seen footings and walls on the new addition of the library, and windows have been cut in on the north and east side of the renovated part of the library and that most of the interior demolition is completed.  And they are wrapping up decisions on furnishings and shelving.  

In other library news she reported story time is being well attended at both Grace Lutheran and St. Joseph’s school, with 45 children at the last story time, and that an exterior book drop box is now available for after hours at both the Annex and the library.  She added her crew recently hear a presentation on JobPod, a service her staff is training for next Spring.  JobPod helps job seekers access to resources offered by the workforce development experts through the local library.  And she mentioned the Annex downtown will offer an open house on Home for the Holidays and they’ll also be in the parade.  

In her Recreation Report, Director Megan James said December is quiet but currently a junior baking program for 5 – 12-year-olds is happening at the high school with success, and spring signup for activities is underway.  She will soon be on maternity leave and that Utility Clerk Danielle Redell is being prepped to help assist while away.  

In Old Business, with possible action to approve the 2026 city attorney contract with Boardman Clark, the Council approved to table the discussion until the next meeting.  Alderman Mike Olson then asked if the city attorney contract move to the Administration and Personnel Committee for discussion.   The motion was approved.  

In New Business, the Council Approved the 2026 Preliminary Budget as required by Section 65.90(3) for the General Fund and all Funds of the City to be published in the newspaper.  A special meeting for the 2026 Budget is scheduled for December 9th.  

There was discussion regarding the approval of the 2026 Stray Animal Contract with the Iowa County Humane Society.  The Council agreed to table the contract discussion until further information can be obtained, mostly regarding a contract change on not accepting cats deemed to be feral as they are not adoptable and not safe for staff to handle.  It will be an agenda item at the next meeting.  

There was discussion regarding the placement of a statue within the city to honor the life of Archie Hahn.  Hahn was a Dodgeville graduate and won three Olympic gold medals at the 1904 St. Louis games in the 60-, 100- and 200-meter races.  He repeated his 100-meter victory with a gold in 1906 in Athens.  Laura Lindner and Terry Tredinnick presented to the Council asking on where the statue might best be placed.  It won’t cost the city any money, private money covers the life-sized statue.  The primary location, since he is a Dodgeville graduate, and the first person elected to the Dodgeville Hall of Fame, somewhere on school grounds seemed like a logical spot and Hottmann said he’d contact the school for input.  

The Council also approved the 2026 Ambulance Rate Schedule, the EMS Volunteer Retainment Pay Structure, the EMS Medication/Supply List Price, and the CPR Price Schedule for training purposes.  

In Public Comment, Resident Steve DeMuth asked for clarification on the horse barn property on Quarry Street.  Hottmann told DeMuth the property is in the city limits.  The owner of the property is delinquent on taxes, and those taxes need to be collected by the county.  The Register of Deeds would be responsible for collecting the tax and they are in control of that property until the tax is paid or sold at a Sheriff’s auction. 

DeMuth said he walked back there and said the place was full of trash and dirty, and two people came out of the building, and then a dog, and that is when he left the premises feeling unsafe.  His main question is what can be done about it?  Chief of Police Brandon Wilhelm said his officers have been onsite as well, but because of it being private property, the people hanging out there say they have permission to stay, and they can never reach the owner to verify.  It was suggested to DeMuth to contact the County Supervisor in that district to see what could be done.  Again, both parties agree on something needs to be done with this property.  

At the beginning of the meeting the Consent Agenda was approved to include the Common Council Minutes from November 4, 2025, and the Approval of Claims as follows:

General $462,836.43

Water $242,699.73

Sewer $57,527.96

Total $763,064.12

The next Regular Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 2nd.  A Special Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 9th to approve the 2026 budget.  Both meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Administration Building.