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1. What is the process for obtaining a permit?

The process for obtaining a permit is to complete an application which you can get from City Hall or find on the website in the Building Inspections / Zoning page. A completed application, proper documentation, and fees need to be submitted to city hall. The type of work you are doing will determine the required submittal documents. The type of the project will determine the fees. Once your application has been received it will be reviewed. If the submittal documents require corrections, or it is incomplete, it may take longer. Make sure that you start your paperwork early. We do not want the city review to hold up your schedule. When the review is completed a building permit will be issued and you will be notified that the permit is ready for pickup at City Hall.  The Hard paper page of the permit must be displayed as to be visible from the street.  

If you are using a contractor for any work, verify they are Wisconsin Certified if required.  

2. When do I need a permit?

Permits are required for all new construction and most home, commercial and industrial improvements or remodeling. The purpose of the permit is to ensure that the building project meets minimum planning, building, zoning and set-back requirements enforced by the City of Prescott. Fees charged for permits are used to help offset the cost of inspection and code enforcement. If you are planning to do a project that includes any of the following, you must receive approval from the city and obtain an approved permit prior to beginning work or calling Digger's Hotline.  Many permit applications will require the exposure of your property monuments (pins) for inspection before a permit can be issued.  

Permits are required to/for:

• Construct a new commercial, industrial, residential or accessory building
• Add an addition to a commercial, industrial, residential or accessory building
• Build an attached or detached garage
• Add a porch, sunroom or deck
• Finish a room in a basement, attic or lower level
• Add an additional room
• Re-side your home
• Re-roofing your home
• Install or replace windows or doors.
• Any electrical, heating, plumbing or structural alterations
• Fences
• Retaining walls 
• Driveways, parking areas and parking lots (including reconstructs and additions)
• Second water meters
• Lawn irrigation systems/sprinkler systems
• Permanent signs
• Demolition
• Tents
• Amplifiers
• Trees on or near the street right of way 
• Signs

The process for obtaining a permit is to complete an application which you can get from city hall or find on the Building Inspections / Zoning webpage. A completed application, proper documentation, and fees need to be submitted to city hall. The type of work you are doing will determine the required submittal documents. The type of the project will determine the fees. Once your application has been received it will be reviewed. If the submittal documents require corrections, or it is incomplete, it may take longer. Make sure that you start your paperwork early. We don’t want the city review to hold up your schedule. When the review is completed a building permit will be issued and you will be notified that the permit is ready for pickup at city hall.  The hard paper page of the permit must be displayed as to be visible from the street.  

If you are using a contractor for any work, verify they are Wisconsin Certified if required.  

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1. When can I watch City Council meetings?

All City Council meetings are shown live on Channel 18 the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month.

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1. How do I get an issue on an agenda?

If you have an issue that needs to be addressed, contact city staff, the Mayor, or any of the Alderpersons to request this item be discussed. City staff will make a recommendation if the request should be addressed at council or committee level. We would like to have you attend the meeting so you can give an explanation of your concerns. We encourage residents to attend and participate in council and committee meetings.

2. Is there a food shelf in Prescott?

The Prescott Area Food Shelf is sponsored by the Prescott Area Church Association and is staffed by local volunteers. It is open every Tuesday from 5 - 7 p.m. and Thursday from 9 - 11 a.m., or by appointment. The food shelf serves families living in the Prescott Area School District. Families are allowed 1 visit per month. To donate, volunteer or for more information, please call 715-262-4143. The Prescott Area Food Shelf is located at:
720 St. Croix St.
Prescott, WI 54021

3. What ordinances relate to my pet?

City Regulations for Pets

1. All dogs / cats over the age of 5 months are required to be vaccinated against rabies. A copy of the rabies certificate is required by the city for the purchase of a license.
2. All dogs/cats over the age of 5 months are required to have a license that is purchased annually.
3. The owner shall attach the rabies vaccination tag and city license tag to the animal at all times except during competition or the animal is securely confined indoors.
4. Animals must be on a leash or under verbal command of their owners at all times.
5. Persons walking animals are required to remove fecal matter be it on private or public property.
6. Owners of barking dogs and crying cats can be issued a citation for disturbing or annoying people in the neighborhood.
7. There is a limit of 3 dogs per household. The ordinance committee is also looking at limiting 3 cats per household.
8. If an animal is caught when running at large, an attempt will be made to contact the owner if the animal is wearing the city license tag. If the owner can not be located the animal will be transported by animal control to the designated shelter used by the city.
9. In order to retrieve your animal you will be required to pay all fees associated with picking up the animal to the city. There are also fees that will be required to be paid at the animal shelter for boarding. These fees can add up to be a large sum of money. We encourage you to do what is best for your pets and to follow the city ordinances that have been put in place to protect you and your animal.

Find more information on city ordinances online.

4. Where do I find out what is on a council or committee agenda?

To find out what is on a council or committee agenda you have several different options. Agendas for all council and committees are posted in 3 places: the bulletin board at city hall, on the board in the deli at Ptaceks IGA, and on the bulletin board at M&I Bank. These are required posting areas. You also will find agendas posted on the bulletin board connected to the city sign located off of Borner Street. Agendas also are posted on the City of Prescott website. We encourage residents to attend and participate in council and committee meetings.

5. Who is the City Assessor?

The City Assessor is Accurate Appraisal. You may contact them at 1-800-770-3927 or on their website.

6. When are trash and recycling picked up?

The city contracts with Paul's Industrial Garage (PIG) from Hager City to collect trash and recycling for city residents. Trash and recycling are collected from each residence once per week. One route is on Wednesday and one route is on Thursday (see map). Guidelines Please place all garbage materials in your garbage cart, and all recycling materials in you cart with the yellow top. All garbage and recycling carts are distributed by the city.

Please have you containers out for collection by 6 a.m. the day of your scheduled pickup.

Recycling Acceptable Items

• Plastics (#1 - #7) Envelopes (business and manila)
• Cereal/Detergent boxes
• Computer paper
• File folders
• Junk mail
• Magazines/Telephone books
• Newspaper Sticky notes
• Aluminum/Steel/Tin cans
• Alcohol bottles
• Food/Glass jars
• Soda/Juice bottles
• Ketchup bottles
• Paper milk/juice cartons
• Cardboard and paper bags (flattened)

Unacceptable Items

• Auto/Mirror or tinted glass
• Carbon paper
• Carpeting
• Clothing Hazardous waste (contact MMSD)
• Disposable diapers
• Light bulbs
• Metal or steel objects (nails, hangers)
• Pizza Boxes
• Wax coated products
• Rubber material
• Toys
• Paper towels
• Napkins or facial tissue

7. Where do I vote?

Residents of the City of Prescott vote at:
City Hall
800 Borner St. North
Prescott, WI 54021

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1. What will happen if I appear in court on the date of my citation?

The date on your citation is the date of your initial appearance. An initial appearance is your opportunity to enter a plea to the charge. You may plead guilty, no contest, or not guilty. The initial appearance is not the pretrial or trial date. If you plead guilty or no contest, the court will find you guilty and the matter will be resolved at the initial appearance. Be prepared to pay the citation at that time. If you require a payment plan, be prepared to make a minimal payment. If you plead not guilty, your case will be scheduled for a pretrial conference with the City Attorney at a later date.

2. What if I can't keep my court date appearance?

Your appearance is not required at court unless indicated on the ticket with the appearance required box checked. If you are planning to plea not guilty, you may do so in writing prior to your court date and the court clerk will schedule a pretrial conference and notify you of that date and time by mail.  If you want to appear at your court date but can't due to illness or other reasons, you should contact the Clerk of Court.  If you have pled not guilty and a pretrial has been scheduled and you do not appear or contact the City Attorney's office directly before the pretrial date and time, you will be found guilty by default.

3. When is court usually held and where?

Prescott Municipal Court holds hearings on one Tuesday of each month, depending on the Judge's schedule.  Court will be held at Prescott City Hall,  800 Borner Street, Prescott, WI  54021.  The Court's 2023 calendar is as follows:

January 24, 2023	Trials 10:00 am / Restitution Hrgs 11:00 am / Indigency Hrgs 2:30 pm / Drug & OWI Initials 2:30 pm / Judicial Review Hrgs 3:00 pm / Deferment Court 3:30 pm /Juvenile 4:00 pm /Initials 4:30 pm
February 21, 2023	Trials 10:00 am / Restitution Hrgs 11:00 am / Indigency Hrgs 2:30 pm / Drug & OWI Initials 2:30 pm / Judicial Review Hrgs 3:00 pm / Deferment Court 3:30 pm /Juvenile 4:00 pm /Initials 4:30 pm
March 2023 - no Court
April 18, 2023	Trials 10:00 am / Restitution Hrgs 11:00 am / Indigency Hrgs 2:30 pm / Drug & OWI Initials 2:30 pm / Judicial Review Hrgs 3:00 pm / Deferment Court 3:30 pm /Juvenile 4:00 pm /Initials 4:30 pm
May 16, 2023	Trials 10:00 am / Restitution Hrgs 11:00 am / Indigency Hrgs 2:30 pm / Drug & OWI Initials 2:30 pm / Judicial Review Hrgs 3:00 pm / Deferment Court 3:30 pm /Juvenile 4:00 pm /Initials 4:30 pm
June 27, 2023	Indigency Hrgs 2:30 pm / Drug & OWI Initials 2:30 pm / Judicial Review Hrgs 3:00 pm / Deferment Court 3:30 pm /Juvenile 4:00 pm /Initials 4:30 pm
July 2023 - no court
August 15, 2023	Trials 10:00 am / Restitution Hrgs 11:00 am / Indigency Hrgs 2:30 pm / Drug & OWI Initials 2:30 pm / Judicial Review Hrgs 3:00 pm / Deferment Court 3:30 pm /Juvenile 4:00 pm /Initials 4:30 pm
September 19, 2023	Indigency Hrgs 2:30 pm / Drug & OWI Initials 2:30 pm / Judicial Review Hrgs 3:00 pm / Deferment Court 3:30 pm /Juvenile 4:00 pm /Initials 4:30 pm
October 10, 2023	Trials 10:00 am / Restitution Hrgs 11:00 am / Indigency Hrgs 2:30 pm / Drug & OWI Initials 2:30 pm / Judicial Review Hrgs 3:00 pm / Deferment Court 3:30 pm /Juvenile 4:00 pm /Initials 4:30 pm

November 14, 2023	Indigency Hrgs 2:30 pm / Drug & OWI Initials 2:30 pm / Judicial Review Hrgs 3:00 pm / Deferment Court 3:30 pm /Juvenile 4:00 pm /Initials 4:30 pm
December 12, 2023	Trials 10:00 am / Restitution Hrgs 11:00 am / Indigency Hrgs 2:30 pm / Drug & OWI Initials 2:30 pm / Judicial Review Hrgs 3:00 pm / Deferment Court 3:30 pm /Juvenile 4:00 pm /Initials 4:30 pm

4. What if I do nothing about my citation with regard to court appearance or payment?

If you are not present for the Initial Appearance, a no contest plea will be entered on your behalf and you will be adjudged guilty. You will then have 60 days to pay your citation. If you fail to pay within the 60 days, your driver's license will be suspended for 1 year, a warrant may be issued for your arrest and you will be sent to the State of Wisconsin for collections.

5. What if I don't have the money to pay the citation?

You should contact the court clerk immediately after the court date and set up a payment schedule. The Judge will allow extra time to pay if needed especially when regular payments are made.

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1. Where is Eagle Ridge Business Park located?

Eagle Ridge Business Park is located at the intersection of Hwy 10 and 29, just north of Highway 10 and east of Highway 29.

2. What is the purchase price for land in Eagle Ridge Business Park?

The land is currently priced at $85,000 per acre but this price can be brought down for industrial businesses based off of the number of jobs that are created and the value of the improvements placed in the park.

3. I've heard that we can pay impact and hookup fees in annual installments for new construction?

The council adopted a resolution allowing for the payment of impact and hookup fees in 6 annual installments.

Impact Fees may be paid with the building permit. If the impact fees are not paid, payments may be placed on the tax roll and made in 6 annual installments at an interest rate of 5.75% per annum of the unpaid balance. Impact fees not paid when due shall bear interest on the amount due at the rate of 12% per annum. Impact fees not paid when due shall be extended on the tax roll as a delinquent tax and collected in the same manner as delinquent real estate taxes.

Sewer hook-up and lift station fees may be paid with the building permit. If these fees are not paid, payments may be placed on the tax roll and made in 6 annual installments at an interest rate of 5.75% per annum of the unpaid balance. Sewer hook-up and lift station fees not paid when due shall bear interest on the amount due at the rate of 12% per annum. These fees that are not paid when due shall be extended on the tax roll as a delinquent tax and collected in the same manner as delinquent real estate taxes.

All impact fees, sewer hook-up, and lift station fees, including interest, will become due and payable if and when the property title is transferred including conveyance by deed, land contract, inheritance, gift or other means.

This resolution shall sunset December 31, 2013. Building permits must be approved by the Zoning Administrator prior to December 31, 2013 to be eligible for the installment payment option. Building permits are valid for one year from the date of approval by the Zoning Administrator.

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1. Can I make an advance payment on my Property Taxes?

Yes. You may make an advance payment to be applied to help offset your next tax bill. Payments must be no less than $100. Please include the property owner's name, property address and parcel number if available. Advance payments made between August 1st and January 31st should be made to:
City of Prescott
800 Borner St.
Prescott, WI 54021

Payments made from February 1st and July 31st should be made to:
Pierce County Treasurer
P.O. Box 87
Ellsworth, WI 54011.

Payments will be applied to your tax bill as soon as they become available and an updated tax bill will be sent to you showing the remaining balance due.

2. Am I eligible for the lottery credit?

If this is your primary residence and if you or the previous owner owned and lived in the home as of January 1st of the current year, you are eligible for the lottery credit. If the lottery credit is not on your tax bill and you believe it should be, contact City Hall to request a Lottery Credit Claim Form before you pay your taxes and your bill will be reduced. If you already paid, you will receive a refund.

3. How can I find out if my property has Special Assessments due on it?

Several properties in the City of Prescott have Special Assessments due on them. Special Assessments are usually assessed after construction of road work or water and sewer mains that run in front of your property. Typically after the construction, property owners are given the option of paying in full or having it rolled to their real estate taxes with an interest cost. Special Assessments may be paid off at any time and should be paid off if the property is sold. To find out how much is owed on your assessments contact Vanessa Norby at 715-262-5544.

4. How can I get a receipt for my taxes?

Send a self addressed stamped envelope (along with the name of the property owner, address, and parcel number if available) to:
City of Prescott
800 Borner St.
Prescott, WI 54021
.

If you are requesting a receipt or a copy of your tax bill after February 1st, please contact the Pierce County Treasurer at 715-273-6743. Updated tax bills are also available on the Pierce County website after February 1st.

5. What if my escrow check is more than my tax payment?

If your escrow check is more than the amount due on your tax bill, you will be issued a refund check from the City of Prescott within 30 days of payment.

6. What if I don't agree with the assessed value of my home?

If you have questions about the assessed value of your home or business, please contact Accurate Appraisal at 1-800-770-3927 or attend Open Book. Open Book refers to a period of time when the completed assessment roll is open for examination. At Open Book, the assessor is allowed to make any changes that are necessary to perfect the assessment roll. You will need to make an appointment for Open Book by calling City Hall.

If you have discussed your assessment with the Assessor and you are not satisfied, you may appear before the Board of Review. You must provide the board's clerk with written or oral notice of your intent to file an objection at least 48 hours before the first scheduled meeting of the Board of Review. In addition, a written and signed form of objection to property assessment must be filled out and filed with the board's clerk within the first 2 hours of the Board of Review's first scheduled meeting. The dates and times of the Open Book and Board of Review will be posted at City Hall and published in the paper. Assessments can not be changed for a tax year after the Board of Review.

7. What is the $25 Special Charge on my taxes?

The $25 Special Charge on your tax bill is billed by Pierce County and the funds are used for the Pierce County Recycling Center. The charge is billed to every property in the county that has at least $10,000 of improvements and it is charged on every rental unit and mobile home.

8. What is the First Dollar Credit?

The First Dollar Credit is an expansion of the school tax levy credit. Every taxable parcel in the State of Wisconsin qualifies for the First Dollar Credit provided that the parcel contains a real property improvement. This includes businesses, commercial, and private property. Unlike the Lottery and Gaming Credit, the property does not need to be the primary residence of the owner. A personal property improvement is not a qualifier for this credit. Property owners do not have to apply for this credit.

9. When are my taxes due?

The first half of taxes are due on January 31st to the City of Prescott and the second half are due on July 31st to Pierce County.

10. What is the mill rate?

The total mill rate for 2010 taxes payable in 2011 is $23 net of credits. Prescott's portion of the Mill Rate is $7.48. The mill rate is paid per $1,000 of assessed value. For more information see the Tax Information section.

11. Where should I pay my taxes?

The first half of taxes due on January 31st should be paid to the City of Prescott. There are 3 options for payment:

1. You may pay in person at City Hall
2. You may mail a check or money order to:
   • City of Prescott
     800 Borner St.
     Prescott, WI 54021
3. You may pay by credit card online or by phone; 800-272-9829. The jurisdiction code you will need to enter is 6728 and there is a 2.75% convenience fee for credit card payments.

The second half of taxes should be paid to the Pierce County Treasurer, please contact them for payment information by phone at 715-273-6743 or by person at:
Pierce County Treasurer
P.O. Box 87
Ellsworth, WI 54011

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1. Can I have a fire pit in my backyard?

Recreational Fire Regulations

• The fire pit cannot be more than 3 feet in diameter.
• The fire must be contained in a pit, ring or a commercial pit.
• The flame can not be more than 3 feet high.
• The fire pit must be at least 15 feet from any structure.
• No rubbish, yard waste, or treated wood allowed in the fire pit.
• There shall be no recreational burning in a manufactured and mobile home community.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Fire Chief Chad Johnson.

2. What are the requirements for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms?

As of February 1, 2011, the State of Wisconsin requires both smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarms in almost all 1 and 2-family dwellings, regardless of the building’s age. Owners are responsible for alarm installations and occupants have responsibility to maintain the alarms.

Tampering with the alarms / detectors is illegal, dangerous, and can cause serious liability concerns. Alarms must be installed in the basement and on each floor level. The alarms do not need to be installed in attics, garages, or storage areas. The alarms may be separate or combination units, powered by batteries, or in the case of new construction, tied into the home’s electrical system, interconnected with battery backup.

Buildings with more than 2 residential units also need smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. The installation requirements for those multifamily dwellings are different. Rules for alarms in multifamily dwellings and other public buildings are in the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code, Comm 61-66. Installation must follow manufacturer’s recommended instructions. Instructions are provided with every new alarm / detector. A website is usually provided for newer alarms.

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1. How do I obtain a seasonal boat launch permit?

Permits can be purchased by mail or in person at Prescott City Hall:

800 Borner St

Prescott, WI 54021

Hours

Monday - Friday

8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Your mail-in request must include:

• Current name and address of boat owner
• Self-addressed, postage paid envelope
• Payment by check or money order - made payable to City of Prescott

All requests for permits via mail will be processed the day they are received.

Fees for a seasonal boat launch permit:

• $35 - For boat owners who live within the city limits of Prescott
• $50 - For boat owners who live outside the city limits of Prescott

One permit per boat or watercraft. Permits are not interchangeable between any other boats or watercraft you own. Overnight parking is not permitted at the boat launch. Citations will be issued for overnight parking.

2. What is CAP (Citizen's Adopt A Park)?

Have you ever wondered who takes care of the planters in downtown, Veteran's Park, or at City Hall? A group of volunteers known as CAP (Citizen's Adopt A Park) meet every spring to plan and then plant flowers in designated areas in our city by Memorial Day. In May the group starts weeding, pruning, cleaning flower beds, and are always on garbage detail.

The CAP group has 1 paid employee who waters and maintains the flowers throughout the summer. The city council continues to fund these projects through an allocation in the yearly budget.

Volunteers of all ages are needed for a variety of duties. If you or your family live near a park and are interested in volunteering, or want to learn more about our committee, please contact Marge Malueg at 715-262-5240. Hand in hand we will continue to maintain and keep our area beautiful.

3. How do I reserve Freedom Park?

You may reserve Freedom Park by calling 715-262-0104. For a copy of the rental agreement, visit the Freedom Park website.

4. How do I dedicate a tree or bench in someone's memory?

Residents may want to dedicate trees or benches on behalf of a family, organization, business, or in memory of a loved one. The city will provide a list of specific trees and a bench style that can be donated to the park of the donor's choice. The tree or bench will have a plaque to identify the donor. Please call 715-262-5544 for more information.

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1. Where can I register my automobile or light truck?

You can register an automobile or light truck online with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation if you have registration plates to transfer from an automobile or light truck that you previously owned to the automobile or light truck you now own and can pay the registration fees and sales tax with a credit card.

You can register an automobile or light truck if you have no registration plates to transfer at the Pierce County Sheriff's Office, 411 Main St., Ellsworth, WI from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays. The Prescott Police Department does not offer motor vehicle registration services. Registration Technology Inc. (RTI) is an authorized partner of the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles and is pleased to announce that EZ-TAB is now available at the Ptacek’s IGA located in Prescott, WI. EZ-TAB is an easy to use self-service kiosk that will renew your WI license plate, dispense your vehicle’s registration and license plate sticker (tag/tab), all in real time with the WI DMV. EZ-TAB gives you everything you need instantly. EZ-TAB is paid for and provided by RTI at $0 cost to the DMV or the State of WI. Support EZ-TAB at the following location: • Ptacek’s IGA at 1449 Orrin Rd, Prescott, WI 54021 Ptacek’s IGA is doing their part to provide services that help the citizens of Prescott and the surrounding communities. http://ez-tab.com/

2. Does the Prescott Police Department have a Use of Force Policy?

Yes.  Click the link below to read the use of force policy.  

Prescott Police Department Use of Force Police

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1. What is snow parking, and when is snow parking in effect?

From November 1st to April 1st, no vehicle shall be parked on any city street which may interfere with the operation of any snow removal with the exception of Broad Street from Cherry Street to Kinnickinnic Street, and Orange Street from Front Street to Dakota Street, whereby snow removal on these streets will be from 4 - 6 a.m. Any such vehicle shall have a penalty enforced and may be removed by a contracted service. All fees shall be paid by the owner. Call 715-262-5544 for more information.

2. If I can't park in the streets during a snow emergency, is there anywhere else I can park?

Yes, you may park in an unrestricted public lot near you, or you may park anywhere on your own property off of the roadway. There are 2 public lots downtown. One is located at the intersection of Dakota and Orange Streets. The 2nd is on Second Street behind Scab's Place down to the Pilot House. Another option is the park and ride lot located on North Pearl Street. Call 715-262-5544 for more information.

3. What will happen if I park on the street when snow parking is in effect?

If your vehicle is parked on a city street and it interferes with snowplowing you can be cited. Call 715-262-5544 for more information.

4. Is it legal to push the snow from my driveway into the street?

No, it is a violation of City Ordinance. You may not push or put snow onto public property or someone else's property. Call 715-262-5544 for more information.

5. What should I do if a snow plow hits my mailbox?

Snow plow operations occasionally damage mailboxes. The city has a policy to repair or replace mailboxes struck by snow plows. However, mailboxes damaged by snow thrown by the plow are the homeowner's responsibility to repair. Mailboxes are supposed to be installed flush with the back of the curb, 8 inches behind the edge of the street. The Postal Service requests that homeowners keep the area in front of their mailboxes clear so that postal vehicles are able to get close to the mailbox. If your mailbox has been hit by a snow plow, contact the Public Works Director at City Hall at 715-262-5544.

6. How is snow plowing done on Broad Street?

In the event of a snowstorm, the Pierce County Highway Department plows a 24 foot land down the middle of Broad Street. As soon as possible, the Prescott Public Works Department plows the rest of Broad Street. To accommodate the businesses on Broad Street parking is restricted from 4 - 6 a.m. every day. This is the best time frame for the Public Works Department to plow snow on Broad St. Please call 715-262-5544 for more information.

7. What is the adopt a hydrant program?

The city asks you to consider adopting a fire hydrant close to you and keeping it clear of snow throughout the winter. If possible, hydrants should be cleared 5 feet on each side to give the Fire Department the quickest and best access. Please call 715-262-5544 for more information.

8. How do I report a street light that is not working?

If you notice any street lights that are not working please contact city hall at 715-262-5544 and let them know what the problem is, and the location of the street light. We will fax the work order to Excel Energy and it will be taken care of as soon as possible. Excel Energy does not have a regular maintenance person for the City of Prescott, but have a district person so it may take a few days. Please be patient.

9. Where is the compost site and when is it open?

The compost site is located at W12000 620th Avenue. From the east side city limits (Hwy10), go 1.5 miles east. Turn left (north) on 620th Avenue and go approximately 0.8 miles to the compost driveway on the left (north) side of the road. The compost site is open seasonally. Efforts are made to open early spring and remain open until just before the firearms deer hunting season. Days of operation during this time may vary, and are currently Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Give us a call, see our City's calendar, our City's  websites homepage or our Facebook page for current hours.  

10. What is accepted for drop off at the compost site?

Only yard, garden and kitchen waste (defined in Ordinance 329-8) can be dropped off at the compost site. Tree limbs will be accepted if no larger than 6" diameter. Larger tree trunks and root balls of any size are not accepted. Other wood items (consumer products) of any kind are not accepted. Ordinance 329-8

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1. What if I have a large item to dispose of or I can't fit all my refuse in the container?

Residents can contact GFL at 715-792-5209 to contract with GFL for the disposal of these items.

2. Where can I take my yard waste?

The compost site is open seasonally.  Efforts are made to open early spring and remain open until just before the firearms deer hunting season. Hours of operation and days open very throughout the season.  Check the front page of the website or call City Hall for accurate days and times.  The compost site is located at W12000 620th Avenue. From the east side city limits (Hwy10), go 1.5 miles east. Turn left (north) on 620th Avenue and go approximately 0.8 miles to the compost driveway on the left (north) side of the road.  

3. What if my refuse/recycling isn't picked up?

If your refuse/recycling was placed at the curb prior to 6 a.m. on the day of pick up and GFL did not pick it up, please call GFL at 715-792-5209 to schedule a pick up.

4. Who should I call if I want to change the size of container I have or I have questions about billing?

Please call City Hall at 715-262-5544 for billing and/or container size issues.

5. Who should I call if I have a concern / complaint about the services provided by GFL?

Please call City Hall at 715-262-5544, or GFL at 715-792-5209 with any service concerns.

6. What is accepted for drop off at the compost site?

Only yard, garden and kitchen waste (defined in Ordinance 329-8) can be dropped off at the compost site. Tree limbs will be accepted if no larger than 6" diameter. Larger tree trunks and root balls of any size are not accepted. Other wood items (consumer products) of any kind are not accepted.

Ordinance 329-8

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1. How and where should I report a sewer backup?

If a city resident has a sewer backup problem, he/she should call the Public Works Department at 715-262-5544 first. After 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Sunday, or holidays, the Police Department should be notified at the non-emergency number, 715-262-5512, or call 911. Residents should state that they are reporting a sewer emergency. Backed up sewer lines, line breaks, sewage odors, and overflowing manholes are considered an emergency.

2. What causes a sewer backup?

Sanitary sewer overflows can be caused by a number of factors. They usually involve sewer pipe blockages in either main sewer lines or service laterals (lines between buildings and the main line). Causes may include:

• Construction mishaps
• Insufficient system capacity due to residential or commercial growth
• Pipe breaks or cracks due to tree roots
• System deterioration

In home and office plumbing systems, the main cause is accumulation of grease, tree roots, hair, or solid materials, such as disposable diapers or sanitary napkins that are too large for wastewater pipes to handle. Such materials may cause major backups in city lines as well as in residents’ lateral lines. Please call 715-262-5544 for more information.

3. How could a sewer backup affect me?

If the backup occurs in a city maintained line the wastewater will normally overflow out of the lowest possible opening, which is usually a manhole. However, in some homes - especially those with basements, or where the lowest level is even with the sewer lines - the overflowing wastewater may exit through the home’s lower drains and toilets. Please call 715-262-5544 for more information.

4. What should I do if sewage backs up into my home?

First, take action to protect people and valuable property. Keeping in mind that ceramic plumbing fixtures such as toilets are fragile, quickly close all drain openings with stoppers or plugs. Tub, sink, and floor drains may need additional weight to keep them sealed. A string mop can be used to help plug toilet openings.

Don’t run any water down your drains until the blockage has been cleared. A quick check with nearby neighbors will help determine if the backup appears to be in your neighbor’s wastewater line, and/or widespread in your neighborhood. In this case, call the Department of Public Works immediately at 715-262-5544. Call a plumber if the problem is in your lateral service line.

5. If I call the city (715-262-5544), what will they do about a sewer backup onto my property?

You will be asked questions about the backup timing, location, the property at risk, etc. City personnel will check for blockages in the main line. If the sewer backup onto your property resulted from blockage in the main sewer line, city personnel will explain what the city can immediately do to help take care of the problem. If found, the blockage will be immediately cleared. If the main line is not blocked, you will be advised to call a plumbing or sewer contractor to check your lateral line. Maintenance and repair of the lateral line is the owner’s responsibility.

To minimize damage and negative health effects, you should arrange for cleanup of the property as soon as possible. There are qualified businesses that specialize in this type of cleanup.

6. Will insurance cover any damage to my home or property?

In the majority of cases, a special rider will need to be added to your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to cover damages related to sewage backups or water damage. This optional coverage is usually not very expensive, but you must usually request that it be added to your policy. Check with your insurance agent about this policy provision.

As with the majority of municipalities in the country, the city cannot assume financial responsibility for damages resulting from sewage backups, since most stoppages are related to conditions that are beyond the city’s control. That is why it is important that property owners confirm that they are adequately insured - particularly if areas of their home lie below ground level. Call your insurance agent today to have this coverage added to your policy.

7. What is Illicit Storm Water Runoff?

Illicit storm water runoff is the release of non-storm water to the storm water drainage system. Examples include:

• Fertilizers
• Improperly disposed oil or gasoline
• Industrial waste
• Untreated sewage

These may get discharged into a storm water drainage system that then drains to a stream, river, or lake resulting in high levels of pollutants such as:

• Bacteria
• Grease
• Heavy metals
• Oils
• Solvents

Show All Answers

1. How do I get utility service if I am moving into Prescott?

To start your water, sewer, or trash and recycling service, you can:

• Stop by City Hall:
  800 Borner St. N.
  Prescott, WI 54021
  Monday - Friday
  8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Call City Hall at 715-262-5544
• Email us

2. I am moving, what do I need to do about my utility bill?

About 1 week before you are moving you can:

• 
  Stop by City Hall:
  800 Borner St. N.
  Monday - Friday
  8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Call City Hall at 715-262-5544
• Email us

We will schedule your meters to be read and get a forwarding address for your final utility bill. If you fail to notify us that you have moved you remain responsible for your account, even after you have moved.

3. Why is my utility bill so high?

Remember this is a quarterly utility bill. We bill for water, sewer, stormwater, fire protection, trash and recycling on the same bill. Please call 715-262-5544 for more information.

4. How much water does the average family use?

The average family of 4 uses approximately 16,000 gallons per month. This can vary considerably depending on your lifestyle. If you feel your water usage is too high, check for leaky faucets and toilets. A leaky faucet can waste 300 gallons of water a month, and a leaky toilet can waste 6,500 gallons of water a month. Your service charges are based on your water usage. If you do find leaks in your home, fixing them can reduce both your water and sewer costs. Call 715-262-5544 for more information.

5. What happens if I am delinquent on my utility bill?

Utility bills are due quarterly on the 20th of the month. A 1% penalty is charged monthly on all delinquent water and fire protection balances. A 1.5% penalty is charged on all sewer, storm water, and trash balances. All utility balances not paid by November 1st will be charged an additional 10% penalty and added to the property tax bill.

Consider this: an average utility bill of $200 that goes unpaid all year ($800/year) adds an extra $150 in penalties. If you are unable to pay your full bill, consider making smaller payments and it will help offset the penalties incurred. You may make a payment to your utility bill at any time, please include the property address and account number. Please call 715-262-5544 for more information.

6. Why was my utility bill rolled to the property taxes?

All delinquent utility balances on November 1st are charged a 10% penalty and rolled to your property taxes. If you are a renter and have a delinquent utility balance, the balance will roll to the landlord's property taxes. Please call 715-262-5544 for more information.

7. Can my utilities be billed monthly rather than quarterly?

Not at this time. In order to help keep staff time, meter reading, postage, paper, and envelope costs down, the city is set up to bill quarterly. You may send in a monthly prepayment of any amount to offset the quarterly billing. Please note the property address, name on your account, and account number, and your payment will be credited to your account promptly. Call 715-262-5544 for more information.