Becky Beissel Ellsworth Village President

When you work in local government, progress doesn’t always happen overnight. It happens step by step, through planning, partnerships, and steady decision-making. As I mark five years serving as Village President this month, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on the progress Ellsworth has made together during that time.

Over the past five years, Ellsworth has continued building on the strong foundation that already existed while thoughtfully planning for the years ahead.

One area where this progress is especially visible is in how the village has managed its finances. Since 2022, Ellsworth has reduced its operating budget by nearly $600,000 (about a 15 percent decrease) even while maintaining essential services and continuing to invest in infrastructure.

At the same time, the village has continued moving forward with long-term capital improvements, including street reconstruction, sidewalks, and utility upgrades. These types of projects are typically funded through borrowing because the infrastructure will serve residents for decades to come.

Another way to look at the village’s financial impact on residents is through the property tax rate, known as the mill rate. While the village portion of the property tax levy has increased modestly in recent years to maintain services and support infrastructure investments, Ellsworth’s mill rate today remains lower than it was five years ago. Growth in property values, new housing, and commercial development have helped spread the cost of community services across a larger tax base.

Housing has also been an important focus during this time. Between 2010 and 2023, Ellsworth averaged about four new housing units per year. In the past two years alone, however, the village permitted more than 100 new housing units. This type of growth helps ensure Ellsworth remains a vibrant and sustainable community while also strengthening the local tax base by allowing more residents to share in the cost of community services.

One of the most visible redevelopment efforts during this time has been the demolition and redevelopment of the former Ellsworth Junior High School site. For many years, the vacant building sat as a challenge for the community. Through collaboration, outside funding, and tax-increment financing (TIF), the village was able to remove the structure and prepare the property for redevelopment. Today, that site is already supporting new housing development.

The village has also been successful in securing outside funding to support community projects. Over the past five years, Ellsworth has received more than $2 million in grant funding for infrastructure improvements, redevelopment, parks, and planning initiatives. These grants help the village move forward with important projects while minimizing the burden on local taxpayers.

Beyond infrastructure and development, Ellsworth has continued to invest in the quality of life that makes this community such a special place to live. The opening of the new Ellsworth Public Library has created an important gathering space for residents, and the village continues to support its role as a vital community resource. The village has also developed a Complete Outdoor Recreation Plan to guide future park and trail improvements and has continued expanding and enhancing local parks.

At Cairns Woods, volunteers and community members helped clear and maintain trails, creating year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation for residents and visitors alike.

Over the past several years, the village has also focused on improving communication and transparency. Board and committee meetings are now streamed online, newsletters are distributed quarterly, and a new village website makes it easier for residents to access information. In addition, the village now offers an optional email and text notification system that residents can sign up for to receive timely community updates. I have also continued sharing updates through my monthly President’s Column in this newspaper.

I’ve also had the opportunity to represent Ellsworth at the state level through service on the Board of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities and participation in legislative advocacy efforts in Madison. These opportunities help ensure that the perspectives of communities like ours are heard when decisions are being made at the state level.

None of this progress happens because of one person. It reflects the work of a dedicated village staff, community partners, and Village Board members who have taken the time to understand municipal budgeting, development, and long-term planning. Strong communities depend on strong collaboration, and Ellsworth is fortunate to have people who care deeply about its future.

While we can be proud of the progress made over the past five years, there is still important work ahead. Continuing to invest in infrastructure, supporting responsible housing growth, strengthening our downtown and business districts, and enhancing parks and public spaces will remain priorities as Ellsworth moves forward.

Communities do not stay strong by accident. They stay strong through thoughtful decisions, steady leadership, and a shared commitment to the future. I’m grateful to be part of a community that continues to work together to make Ellsworth an even better place to live.