Leftover funds to be used for alley, beach projects
Lake Geneva plans to improve an alleyway between Cook and Madison streets using leftover capital funds.
Lake Geneva is set to use about $645,000 in leftover capital funds to improve an alleyway, make the lakefront more accessible to people with disabilities and complete other projects.
On June 8, the City Council unanimously approved repaving an alleyway between Cook and Madison streets and improving a stormwater system in that area at a cost not to exceed $90,000.
The projects were included in the city's 2026 street improvement program but were removed because of budget constraints, and because the city contributed about $270,000 toward Walworth County's Highway H/Interchange North project.
"We're spending a good deal on the County Highway H program and to do our sidewalks, which is very important," Bridget Barry, staff engineer for Kapur & Associates Inc., said. "But we're missing out on doing some more of our roads this year just because we allocated those funds."
Alder Linda Frame said the Cook Street alleyway has needed to be repaired for several years.
"It's been put off for so long because of other things that popped up," Frame said. "The rate of severity for this alley is a safety issue now … it's really a mess."
Barry said the alleyway project will be completed before the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's Highway 50/Main Street road reconstruction project, which is set to be conducted in 2027 and 2028. G
Council members also approved installing roll-out mats near the city's boat and kayak launch areas, as well as along Riviera Beach, at a cost not to exceed $38,000.
The project was approved 7-1, with Alder Joel Hoiland voting "no."
The roll-out mats can accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, beach mobility devices, strollers and storage carts.
How funding became available
In 2024, the city allocated about $1 million in capital funds for Walworth County's 911 center radio system replacement project.
The city's contribution was reduced to about $419,000 because of funding the county received from the American Rescue Plan Act, leaving the remainder available for other projects.
An additional $63,142 became available through projects that the city did not need to complete or projects that came under budget.
The leftover funding also will be used to expand a public works storage facility. The cost for that project has not been determined.
"We are out of space and this project would be a benefit to all the departments," Comptroller Laura Pisarcik said. "For stuff we have stored outside, we would like to bring them under roof and extend the life of that equipment."
