Greenville Incorporation Update

The Wisconsin Department of Administration’s Incorporation Review Board met on August 14, 2019 to deliberate on a proposed determination for the incorporation petition of the Town of Greenville.  The Board agreed to dismiss the petition as presented with the recommendation that a new petition be submitted to include less territory as specified in the Board’s findings and determination.

The Incorporation Review Board granted a 12-month extension to Greenville to submit a new petition with a revised boundary map which should include less territory. The extension also waives the submission fee of $25,000. The petitioners and the Town Board initially attempted to incorporate the entire Town of Greenville. Unfortunately we were unsuccessful in this pursuit. The original petition did not meet two of the Statutory standards for “Compactness & Homogeneity” and “Territory Beyond the Core”.

Resubmitting a new petition would initially create a separate Town and Village of Greenville. However, should the incorporation pass, the remaining Town could be reunited with the newly formed village via an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement between the remnant Town and newly formed Village. This act would be similar to the incorporation of the Town of Menasha to the Village of Fox Crossing. This process does add some complexity and can be confusing to many. Because of this complexity, we attempted to incorporate the entire Town at once. Again, unfortunately we were unable to meet all of the Statutory standards with this approach.

The Town Board will discuss and decide future action regarding this matter during the coming weeks and months. As always, you can stay informed & engaged on this topic via our website, electronic newsletters, attending Town meetings or following meetings online at our website, www.TownofGreenville.com.

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What is incorporation? 
Municipal incorporation is the process of creating new villages and cities from town territory. It is regulated under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 66 General Municipality Law (s. 66.0201). 

Why incorporate the Town of Greenville? 

1. Preserve the Town of Greenville’s Identity and Character; 
2. Make Local Planning & Zoning Decisions and Improve Our Ability to Attract and Retain Businesses; 
3. Preserve Greenville’s Borders and Protect the Future of Our Community; Attract and Retain Businesses to the Region and Promote Infrastructure Improvement; 
4. Have the Ability to Be More Fiscally Sound and Finance Projects More Efficiently and Effectively; 
5. Ability to Receive a Better Bond Rating; 
6. Villages and Cities Have More Access to State and Federal Aids, Grants and Shared Revenues than Towns.