December 2024

Passing of the 2025 Budget

On Tuesday, November 19, the Sun Prairie City Council approved the 2025 budget, which includes a 7.7% tax levy increase. For the average single-family home, this translates to an additional $183 annually.

Budget Snapshot

2025 General Fund Revenues ($ in millions):

· General Property Tax: $26.9 (62%)

· Local Revenues (licenses, permits, utilities, etc.): $10.4 (24%)

· Intergovernmental Revenue: $5.6 (13%)

· Use of Fund Balance: $0.7 (1%)

2025 General Fund Expenditures ($ in millions):

· Public Safety: $22.0 (51%)

· General Government: $7.5 (18%)

· Culture, Recreation, and Education: $5.9 (14%)

· Conservation & Development: $1.6 (4%)

· Contingency/Fund Balance: $0.6 (1%)

Check It Out

The approved 2025 budget will soon be updated and available for viewing at https://cityofsunprairie.com/316/Budget-Documents

To watch the meetings where the budget was most recently discussed and approved, please click here for the Committee of the Whole meeting and here for the Common Council meeting. 
Interview: Caitlin Stene | Director of Administrative Services 

Stay Connected with City Communications

We aim to keep Sun Prairie community members connected and informed about their local government. Whether you attend public meetings or engage online, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Check out the options below to see how you can contribute and help shape the future of our community.

The Big 5

Monthly e-newsletter featuring top city news stories paired with recorded interviews, plus department updates, community events, and recent City Council meetings. You can subscribe here: https://cityofsunprairie.com/886/The-Big-5-Newsletter

Sun Prairie Media Center

Community programming by and for Sun Prairie residents, available on 103.5 FM and KSUN Now.

Visit https://www.sunprairiemediacenter.com/ or download the app!

TextMyGov

Get direct text alerts for events, closures, and more. Text SPNOTIFY to 91896 to subscribe.

NIXLE

Sun Prairie PD’s free alert service for weather advisories, road conditions, and emergencies.

Sign up here: https://local.nixle.com/signup/widget/m/999

Social Media

Follow the city on Facebook and LinkedIn by searching “City of Sun Prairie” for updates on city initiatives, events, and public input opportunities.

For additional details, visit the Stay Connected page at https://cityofsunprairie.com/568/Stay-Connected.

Interview: Jake King | Communications & Diversity Strategist and Colin Lessig | Production Manager at the Sun Prairie Media Center

Chief of Police Recruitment

The City of Sun Prairie is launching a nationwide search for its next Chief of Police. Working with the Police and Fire Commission, the City seeks a visionary leader to shape the future of the Police Department and strengthen community safety.

Key areas of focus for the ideal candidate include community policing, cultural competence, leadership, innovation, financial management, and collaboration with community partners.

Applications, including a cover letter, resume, and three professional references, are being accepted until the position is filled. The first review of applications is scheduled for Wednesday, December 4. For more details and to apply, visit City of Sun Prairie's website.

Interview: Brenda Sukenik | Director of Human Resources

Vision Zero Action Plan Update

The City of Sun Prairie is excited to share an update on its efforts to improve transportation accessibility and safety through the Vision Zero Action Plan. This plan aims to address the current and future needs of Sun Prairie’s transportation system, including roadways, pedestrian and bike paths, and public transit, ensuring that it serves all residents effectively.

Key goals of the plan include enhancing connectivity, improving infrastructure, and prioritizing safety for all modes of transportation. The City is committed to involving the community throughout this process to ensure that the final plan reflects local needs and values.

In this interview, David Salmon, Transportation Coordinator, provided insights into the progress of the plan. He discusses where the project currently stands and outlines the next steps.

Stay tuned for more updates as the City continues its work to build a safer, more accessible transportation system for everyone.

Interview: David Salmon | Transportation Coordinator

Police Department EV Charging Stations

The City of Sun Prairie is excited to announce the installation of two Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at the Westside Community Services Building. Provided by ChargePoint and installed by Westphal, these stations will support the Sun Prairie Police Department’s transition to electric vehicles by offering reliable charging for the department’s new fully electric fleet additions.

This year, the Police Department introduced its first fully electric vehicles: a Ford Mustang Mach-E, designated as a detective vehicle, and a Ford E-Transit Van for evidence transport. These EVs join the department's growing fleet of hybrid squad cars, marking a significant step toward sustainability and innovation in public safety operations.

To learn more about the steps Sun Prairie is taking to become more sustainable, please visit: https://cityofsunprairie.com/1189/Sustainable-Sun-Prairie

Interview: Rose Daily | Sustainability Coordinator

Administration: In 2025/2026, the Sun Prairie Family Aquatic Center will be renovated with a remodeled bathhouse, upgraded systems, new slides, an aqua zipline, and solar energy trees as part of the City’s sustainability efforts. Visit our section to learn more about the Solar Tree Sponsorship program!

Community Development: The City of Sun Prairie remains dedicated to its Vision Zero Safety Action Plan, an initiative to eliminate roadway fatalities and severe injuries while creating safer, more accessible streets for all. Get details on the project from our section!

Finance: Check out our section for a visual breakdown of the 2025 City Budget.

Parks, Recreation and Forestry: The wait is over...our Winter/Spring 2025 Rec Connection is here!

Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum: It’s project season at the Museum! To allow for exhibition changes and research time, the Museum’s open hours will reduce to Wednesdays from 11:00am-4:00pm from Wednesday, December 4 until Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

Sun Prairie Public Library: Come celebrate the winter season! Don your most elegant attire! Think flowing gowns, dashing suits, steampunk, and everything from wood nymphs to elven royalty. Join us for the Yule Ball: A Winter Celebration for All!

Sun Prairie Utilities: Sun Prairie Utilities invites children in grades K-12 to participate in a sticker design contest! Each participant may submit up to two designs reflecting the theme, “What Water Means to You.”

Administration

Sustainable Sun Prairie Podcast - Check out the latest episode!

There are currently billions of dollars on the table to support whole-home energy efficiency upgrades in the United States. Wisconsin received a $150 million cut and became the first state in the country to establish its Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) program, administered through Focus on Energy. Through the HOMES program, Wisconsin homeowners and renters can receive substantial rebates for energy efficiency upgrades, including insulation, HVAC, windows, and more. Host Rose Daily and guests Dylan Crye with Focus on Energy and Joe Pater with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin discuss program details, eligibility, and the process for applying, along with the positive impact this program is having on local contractors.

HOMES Program Overview: https://lnkd.in/gtF_i9X2

Focus on Energy Rebate Finder: https://lnkd.in/g8F9phPs

IRA Registered Contractor List: https://lnkd.in/gtH9VF-n

IRA Registered Contractor Resources: https://lnkd.in/gKmWsb-Q

Department of Energy Home Energy Rebates map: https://lnkd.in/g4iyjBS5

Listeners can easily tune in to the podcast by accessing the Sun Prairie Media Center app, tuning into to 103.5 The Sun, or visiting https://lnkd.in/gr6BEzUe. Additionally, the podcast is available on platforms such as Spotify, Amazon Music, and Google Podcasts.

For those who share a passion for sustainability and wish to get involved as a guest, please complete the interest form at https://form.jotform.com/232565502717052

Solar Tree Sponsorship Program

In 2025/2026, the City of Sun Prairie Family Aquatic Center (FAC) will undergo a significant renovation to enhance energy efficiency and expand its amenities. Planned improvements include a complete bathhouse remodel, upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems, and the addition of exciting features such as new slides, an aqua zipline, basketball hoops, and an obstacle course.

As part of the City’s 'Sustainable Sun Prairie' initiative, innovative solar energy trees will be installed on the pool deck during the renovation. These 25-foot clean energy trees are not only visually striking but will also provide over 700 square feet of shade for pool users, offset 35% of the FAC’s energy usage, and serve as Sun Prairie’s first public-facing solar PV system. Each tree will feature colorful LED lights for night swims, charging outlets for phones and laptops, and a QR code displaying real-time solar energy production. In the off-season, the energy generated by the trees will be sold back to the grid.

The City is covering 60% of the cost of the solar trees and is offering lifetime sponsorship opportunities to cover the remaining 40% of the cost. Businesses, organizations, and individuals are invited to sponsor the FAC solar trees to showcase their dedication to a clean energy future. Sponsorship opportunities are available now through December of 2025.

Sponsorship Levels

Sponsorship levels range from $500 to $25,000, with recognition based on contribution. Opportunities include naming rights to the solar tree forest ($25,000), name/logo on a solar tree ($18,000), on the arm of a solar tree ($10,000), on a stained concrete leaf ($5,000), or on the Friends of the Forest plaque ($1,000). Sponsors also receive season passes, an invitation to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, social media recognition, and mentions at 2026 events.

Youth Involvement

To celebrate the connection between art and science, Sun Prairie youth will be invited to participate in an art competition to design custom graphic wraps for the solar trees. The youth design contest will open in summer of 2025. Sponsors who provide $10,000+ will be invited to serve on the judging panel for the graphic wrap design competition and help select the winning designs for the solar trees.

Official sponsorship guide: https://cityofsunprairie.com/DocumentCenter/View/15490/Solar-Tree-Sponsorship-Guide_final

Solar tree sponsorship webpage: https://cityofsunprairie.com/1904/Solar-Tree-Sponsorship-Program

Information on the FAC renovation project: cityofsunprairie.com/1858/FAC-Renovation-Project-Information

Community Development

Vision Zero Action Plan - Progress and Next Steps

The City of Sun Prairie remains dedicated to its Vision Zero Safety Action Plan, an initiative to eliminate roadway fatalities and severe injuries while creating safer, more accessible streets for all. Rooted in community well-being, equity, and strategic design, the Vision Zero approach emphasizes:

Using data-driven insights to address safety concerns effectively.
Developing multimodal infrastructure that supports walking, biking, transit, and social connection.
Designing calm streets that prioritize safety for all users.
Fostering a culture of community safety and well-being.
Promoting equity in all aspects of transportation planning and implementation.

Project Milestones

Commitment to Vision Zero: On August 17, 2021, the City Council adopted a resolution committing to the Vision Zero goal of achieving zero fatalities and serious injuries on Sun Prairie roadways.
Grant Secured: In 2022, Sun Prairie was awarded a federal Transportation Alternatives grant to develop the Vision Zero Action Plan, securing resources to advance this initiative.
Community Engagement: Public input has been a cornerstone of the project. Consultants gathered feedback from residents on pedestrian safety and street improvements through events at the Sun Prairie Farmer’s Market, Vandenburg Heights Park, and Strawberry Fest.
Partnering with Experts: In 2024, the City selected Toole Design, a national leader in transportation safety, to guide the development of the Vision Zero Safety Action Plan.

Looking Ahead

The Vision Zero Safety Action Plan will outline actionable steps to make Sun Prairie’s streets safer, more inclusive, and more accessible. By addressing community concerns and leveraging innovative design, the City is building a transportation system that reflects the values of its residents.

For updates and more information, visit the Sun Prairie Vision Zero Hub Site.

Finance

Breakdown of 2025 City Budget

Here is a visual breakdown of the City's 2025 Budget:

Vehicle Registration Fee

On Tuesday, September 17, the City Council adopted an ordinance implementing a municipal vehicle registration fee for vehicles in the amount of $30. The fee will be collected by the state along with the annual vehicle registration and will be allocated to a designated fund specifically for transportation-related purposes.

What is it for?

Implementation of the fee will generate a steady revenue stream for road maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and other transportation projects to enhance Sun Prairie’s quality of life, reducing reliance on property tax revenue.

When it will be implemented?

It will take effect on February 1, 2025.

FAQs

For a fuller list of frequently asked questions, please visit to https://cityofsunprairie.com/1905/Vehicle-Registration-Fee

Parks, Recreation and Forestry

Winter/Spring 2025 Rec Connection Guide

The wait is over...our Winter/Spring 2025 Rec Connection is here!  
Registration begins online: 
December 3 - Residents
December 10 - Non-Residents 

We are also launching our new website today, use this link to refresh your browser and update your bookmarks: http://rec.cityofsunprairie.com 

Wait there's more...we are transitioning from RecPro to Xplor, a more user-friendly program registration and facility reservation platform, to streamline your experience. This change will take effect for Winter/Spring 2025 registration. To be prepared for registration day create your account here:             https://cityofsunprairie.perfectmind.com/

If you are looking to register for programs occurring through December 2024, you will still use our current Recpro system.  You register for 2024 programs here: https://recpro.cityofsunprairie.com/

Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum

Sun Prairie Historical Library and Museum

The Museum is open to the public Wednesdays 11:00am - 4:00pm and by appointment for research and events. To learn more, visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/museum.

Staff can be reached by phone at (608) 825-0837 or by email at museum@cityofsunprairie.com.

The Historical Library and Museum is located at 115 East Main St. Sun Prairie with parking behind the building. Admission is always free.

Announcements:

Museum Transitions to Winter Hours

It’s project season at the Museum! To allow for exhibition changes and research time, the Museum’s open hours will reduce to Wednesdays from 11:00am-4:00pm from Wednesday, December 4 until Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Contact staff if you would like to schedule a visit outside of open hours.

Interested in indoor projects over the winter? Join our volunteer team by registering at https://cityofsunprairie.volunteermatters.org/project-catalog

Sun Prairie Public Library

Children’s & Teen Services

Winter Crafts Workshop

Monday, December 9 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 10 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, December 11 10:00-11:30 a.m. and 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 12 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 14 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

Make winter crafts in the Community Room with us! Geared for ages 3-11. A variety of different crafts will be offered -- each child can make up to three projects to take home. Morning craft sessions are geared towards preschool age children; afternoon craft sessions are geared towards school age children; all sessions have something appropriate for all age levels. Children under 8 need an accompanying adult. No registration.

Yule Ball: A Winter Celebration for All!

Friday, December 6
5:00 to 7:00 PM - Enjoy some crafts and activities!
5:30 to 7:30 PM - Entertainment by DJ Mr. Alexis, dancing, and light refreshments!

Come celebrate the winter season! Don your most elegant attire! Think flowing gowns, dashing suits, steampunk, and everything from wood nymphs to elven royalty. This event is inclusive and welcoming to all ages, genders, races, sexualities, cultures, and abilities. This is a non-seated, activity-based event designed to create an unforgettable experience! This program is generously funded by the Friends of the Sun Prairie Public Library. All library programs are free and open to the public. Yule Ball: A Winter Celebration for All!

Young Critics Book Club

Wednesday, December 11 4:00 p.m., on Zoom

For those in 3rd-5th Grade. We each read our own book! After you’ve requested a book from the website, you’ll be invited to join an optional meeting on Zoom where we talk about the books!
Learn more here: https://www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/young_critics_book_club

Teen Creativity Club

Tuesday, December 10 4:00-6:00 p.m., Community Room – Paint Night
Tuesday, December 17 4:00-6:00 p.m., Community Room – Shrinky Dinks

Join Melissa for Creativity Club. Projects we'll be doing: Paint Night, air-dry clay projects, shrinky dinks, beading, washi tape crafts, and more. This program is for teens in 6th-12th grade.

Teen Writers and Readers

Saturday, December 14 2:00-4:00 p.m., Storytime Room
Sunday, December 29 2:00-4:00 p.m., Storytime Room

Creative writers, poets, songwriters, and new writers welcome! We'll work together to make our writing even better. Give input and receive tips on your own work. This program is for teens in 6th-12th grade.

Teen Anime Club

Sunday, December 15 1:30-4:30 p.m., Storytime Room

Join us to watch some anime! Learn about the manga that inspires it. We will be led on our journey by manga-lover and scholar Katarina. This program is for teens in 6th-12th grade.

Teen Writers and Readers

Saturday, December 14 2:00-4:00 p.m., Storytime Room
Sunday, December 29 2:00-4:00 p.m., Storytime Room

Adult Services

Winter Air-Dry Clay Workshop

Wednesday, December 4 and Wednesday, December 11, 6:30-8pm, Community Room

Join us for a two-week air-dry clay workshop where you will create winter-themed decor with library staff member, Ren! Participants should plan to attend both weeks and wear clothes that can get dirty. All supplies will be provided. Open to adults 18+. Space is limited. Registration required. Please register here.

Stitching in Sun Prairie

Thursday, December 5 from 6-8 p.m., Community Room

Stitching in Sun Prairie is a community-based fiber crafts group that meets on the first Thursday of the month! Bring your knitting, crochet, or embroidery projects and craft and chat with fellow fiber art enthusiasts. This program is open to all skill levels. No registration required.

Local Author Series: Gregory Renz

Thursday, December 19 6:30-8 p.m., Community Room

Gregory Renz is a retired firefighter who was inducted into the Wisconsin Fire and Police Hall of Fame in 2006 following the dramatic rescue of two little boys from their burning basement bedroom. He'll be here to talk about his long career as a Fire Captain with the Milwaukee Fire Department, as well as his latest novel, Beyond the Flames! Book sales and signing will follow the event.

Holiday Closures

The library will be closed Tuesday, 12/24 and Wednesday, 12/25. We will also be closed Tuesday, 12/31 and Wednesday, 1/1. The drive-thru book drops will remain open.

Sun Prairie Utilities

Sticker Design Contest

Sun Prairie Utilities invites children in grades K-12 to participate in a sticker design contest! Each participant may submit up to two designs reflecting the theme, “What Water Means to You.”

Submission Guidelines:

Designs must be submitted as PNG, PDF, or JPG files.
Include a short paragraph explaining how the design reflects the theme.
Submissions are due by February 28, 2025, and should be emailed to communications@myspu.org.
Participants must be Sun Prairie Utilities customers.

Design Specifications:

Any design size is welcome but must be scalable to a 2-inch circular sticker.
Designs must be original and not created using A.I.
SPU reserves the right to modify designs as needed, including adding its logo or adjusting colors and text.
All colors must be flat and solid, with no shading, blending, or halftones.

Contest Details:
The winning design will be announced after the contest closes. It will be turned into a sticker, shared with the community, and featured on Sun Prairie Utilities promotional materials for a year.

Start creating and show us what water means to you! Click here to access the form.

City of Sun Prairie Holiday Lights Contest

Get your Clark Griswold game face on, untangle those strings of lights and grab the ladder because the 7th Annual City of Sun Prairie Holiday Light Contest is only a few weeks away! This event is hosted by the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department and includes in-person judging by city staff as well as online community scoring.

For more info and to register for FREE, visit here.

Introducing The Shop Sun Prairie eCard!

The Shop Sun Prairie Area Card has many of your favorite retailers, restaurants, services and entertainment in one place. Use the card at all participating locations in the city — there is truly something for everyone!

Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? It’s the gift of choice that supports your community. Buy now and make someone’s holiday magical!

✨ Why Choose the Shop Sun Prairie eCard?
✔️ Supports Sun Prairie’s small businesses
✔️ Redeemable at a variety of local favorites
✔️ Perfect for anyone on your list

🎁 Make your holiday gifting easy and meaningful—purchase yours today and give the gift of local love!

For more information, please visit the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce's page at https://app.yiftee.com/gift-card/shop-sun-prairie

Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age

The Sun Prairie Wellness Coalition is hosting a screening of the film Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age between December 1st through the 15th. Registration is required. Once an individual or group registers, they will be sent the information to watch the film, when it goes live during the first two weeks in December. A trailer is included with the information they will be sent in case they want to see what it is about before watching with their youth.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to watch it and maybe watch it with their youth, youth leaders to watch it, or community members to watch it as we have all been changed by the digital age in which we now live. Click here to register!

Frozen Fun Prairie - Frozen Fest!

The 2025 Frozen Fest Presented by the Bank of Sun Prairie is just around the corner, and we have an exciting lineup of events for all ages. Highlights include the National Puzzle Day Puzzle Contest, a Cabin Fever Kids Concert with Ken Lonquist, and a Make & Take Craft Day. Enjoy two nights of the Winter Bier Garten, an Ice Carving Demonstration, and the Winter Wonders Craft Market.

Family-friendly activities include the Cardboard Sled Classic, the Groundhog Open Putt Putt Bar Crawl, and a Night at the Museum. Outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to a Candlelit Hike and Bonfire, the Sled Dog Demo, and the Hibernation Hustle 5K & Kids Dash.

The festival wraps up with the 77th Annual Groundhog Prognostication and the Pancake Toss Breakfast with Jimmy the Groundhog. For the full schedule and details, visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/1472/Frozen-Fest.

Sun Prairie's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Join us in honoring the life, legacy, and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This community event will feature local speakers, a free meal, and a special documentary screening.

Date: Monday, January 20
Time: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Location: Mackenzie Family Boys & Girls Club - 232 Windsor St., Sun Prairie, WI 53590

This event is a collaboration between the Neighborhood Navigators, City of Sun Prairie, Sunshine Place, Community Schools, and Boys & Girls Club of Dane County. All are welcome to attend!

For event updates, follow the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/share/sb3RXr4ckjE2hLLo/

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole, consisting of all 8 seated City Council members, addresses multi-committee issues, reviews the annual budget, manages real estate transactions, engages in long-term planning, has the authority to sanction Council members and officials, and handles matters not assigned to specific committees. Chaired by the Council President, it convenes on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 300 E. Main St., Downtown Sun Prairie, with meeting times occasionally subject to change (refer to the events calendar for specific times).

Check out the latest Committee of the Whole meeting (11/19/2024)

Check out the latest Common Council meeting (11/19/2024)

Sun Prairie Media Center

Sun Prairie Media Center consists of three main entities, each with its own individual mission:

KSUN: The mission of KSUN is to train and nurture Sun Prairie residents in providing original video programming designed to educate, inform, entertain, and enlighten the city of Sun Prairie. KSUN programming should appeal to a wide range of Sun Prairie residents and reflect the diverse nature of the Sun Prairie population.

KIDS-4: The mission of KIDS-4 is to promote media literacy to the youth population of Sun Prairie as well as to teach students all aspects of producing original video and audio content. Students enrolled in KIDS-4 become more discriminating consumers of media, better communicators, better collaborators, and receive vital hands-on experience on a wide range of media-making tools.

103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio: The mission of 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio is to train and nurture Sun Prairie residents in providing original radio and podcast programming designed to educate, inform, entertain, and enlighten the city of Sun Prairie. 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio programming should appeal to a wide range of Sun Prairie residents and reflect the diverse nature of the Sun Prairie population.

Check out the abundance of quality community programming at https://www.sunprairiemediacenter.com/