Oshkosh council approves ordinance to allow delayed hookups and 20‑year installment plans for assessments

The Oshkosh Common Council on Nov. 25 adopted an ordinance (25‑616) amending municipal code chapters 20 and 21 to allow delayed connections to the municipal water and sewer systems and to offer deferred payment through a 20‑year installment schedule for special assessments and connection charges for properties not currently connected.

The measure was introduced from the consent agenda and discussed after a public comment period. A resident who identified himself as Mr. Klinger urged the council to find alternatives to large special assessments, saying many homeowners were surprised by assessment notices and arguing the city should explore funding options such as tax incremental financing, unit cost allocation, or other mechanisms rather than passing large upfront costs to households. Klinger also questioned whether the city’s use of assessment authority equated to an abuse of police power in some cases.

Council members acknowledged Klinger’s concerns and said the ordinance was one tool among several the city could use while staff and the council continue to explore additional options. One council member noted the complications created by state law and the municipal regulatory framework and encouraged residents to communicate specific ideas for legislative change to the council’s state representatives.

The ordinance passed in a roll‑call vote as recorded in the meeting minutes; the newly seated council member was recorded as 'present' for that item and did not cast an affirmative or negative vote on the measure as recorded in the roll call.

Next steps: Staff will continue to evaluate potential additional policy and funding approaches; the ordinance provides a formal local mechanism to delay hookup and allow extended installment payments for qualifying properties.