Chapter 66

66.0301(5)(a) (a) Acquire, construct or lease facilities used or useful in the business of a public utility engaged in production, transmission, delivery or furnishing of heat, light, power, natural gas or communications service, by any method except those set forth under this chapter or ch. 196, 197 or 198.

66.0301(5)(b) (b) Establish, lay out, construct, improve, discontinue, relocate, widen or maintain any road or highway outside the corporate limits of a village or city or acquire lands for those purposes except upon approval of the department of transportation and the county board of the county and the town board of the town in which the road is to be located.

66.0301(6) (6) 

66.0301(6)(a) (a) Any 2 municipalities whose boundaries are immediately adjacent at any point may enter into a written agreement determining all or a portion of the common boundary line between the municipalities. An agreement under this subsection may include only the provisions authorized under this section and s. 66.0305, and one or more of the following:

66.0301(6)(a)1. 1. That specified boundary lines apply on the effective date of the agreement.

66.0301(6)(a)2. 2. That specified boundary line changes shall occur during the term of the agreement and the approximate dates by which the changes shall occur.

66.0301(6)(a)3. 3. That specified boundary line changes may occur during the term of the agreement and the approximate dates by which the changes may occur.

66.0301(6)(a)4. 4. That a required boundary line change under subd. 2. or an optional boundary line change under subd. 3. is subject to the occurrence of conditions set forth in the agreement.

66.0301(6)(a)5. 5. That specified boundary lines may not be changed during the term of the agreement.

66.0301(6)(b) (b) The maximum term of an agreement under this subsection is 10 years. When an agreement expires, all provisions of the agreement expire, except that any boundary determined under the agreement remains in effect until subsequently changed.

66.0301(6)(c) (c)

66.0301(6)(c)1. 1. Before an agreement under this subsection may take effect, and subject to par. (e), it must be approved by the governing body of each municipality by the adoption of a resolution. Before each municipality may adopt a resolution, each shall hold a public hearing on the agreement or both municipalities shall hold a joint public hearing on the agreement. Before the public hearing may be held, each municipality shall give notice of the pending agreement and public hearing by publishing a class 1 notice, under ch. 985, and by giving notice to each property owner whose property is currently located in that municipality and in, or immediately adjacent to, the territory whose jurisdiction will change. Notice shall be given at least 20 days before the public hearing and notice to property owners shall be made by certified mail.

66.0301(6)(c)2. 2. An agreement under this subsection is subject to a referendum of the electors residing within the territory whose jurisdiction is subject to change as a result of the agreement. After each municipality approves the agreement by adoption of a resolution, each municipality shall publish the agreement in the territory whose jurisdiction is subject to change as a result of the agreement as a class 1 notice, under ch. 985. A referendum shall be held if, within 30 days after the publication of the agreement, a petition for a referendum conforming to the requirements of s. 8.40, signed by at least 20 percent of the electors residing within the territory whose jurisdiction is subject to change as a result of the agreement is filed, in accordance with s. 8.37, with the clerk of each municipality that is a party to the agreement. The referendum shall be conducted jointly by the municipalities and shall otherwise be conducted as are annexation referenda. If the agreement is approved in the referendum, it may take effect. If the agreement is not approved in the referendum, it may not take effect.

66.0301(6)(d) (d) An agreement under this subsection may provide that, during the term of the agreement, no other procedure for altering a municipality’s boundaries may be used to alter a boundary that is affected by the agreement, except an annexation conducted under s. 281.43 (1m), regardless of whether the boundary is proposed to be maintained or changed or is allowed to be changed under the agreement. After the agreement has expired, the boundary may be altered.

66.0301(6)(e) (e) A boundary change included in an agreement under this subsection shall be accomplished by the enactment of an ordinance by the governing body designated to do so in the agreement. The filing and recording requirements under s. 66.0217 (9) (a), as they apply to cities and villages under s. 66.0217 (9) (a), apply to municipalities under this subsection. The requirements for the secretary of administration under s. 66.0217 (9) (b), as they apply under that section, apply to the secretary of administration when he or she receives an ordinance that is filed under this subsection.

66.0301(6)(f) (f) No action to contest the validity of an agreement under this subsection may be commenced after 60 days from the date the agreement becomes effective.

66.0301(6)(g) (g) This subsection is the exclusive authority under this section for entering into an agreement that determines all or a portion of the common boundary line between municipalities.

66.0301(6)(h) (h) An agreement under this section that has been entered into before January 19, 2008, that affects the location of a boundary between municipalities, is not invalid as lacking authority under this section to affect the location of the boundary.

66.0301(7) (7) With regard to a contract entered into under sub. (2) between 2 or more counties, which relates to the provision of services or facilities under a contract with an officer or agency of the state, the contract may not take effect unless it is approved in writing by the officer or chief of the agency that has authority over the contract for the provision of services or facilities. The contract must be approved or disapproved in writing by the officer or chief of the agency with regard to the matters within the scope of the contract for the provision of services or facilities within 90 days after receipt of the contract. Any disapproval shall detail the specific respects in which the proposed contract fails to demonstrate that the signatories intend to fulfill their contractual responsibilities or obligations. If the officer or chief of the agency fails to approve or disapprove of the contract entered into under sub. (2) within 90 days after receipt, the contract shall be considered approved by the officer or chief of the agency.

66.0301 History History: 1999 a. 150 ss. 348, 349, 352, 353; 1999 a. 167 s. 38; 2001 a. 16, 30; 2007 a. 20, 43; 2009 a. 28, 112; 2011 a. 32; 2013 a. 14; 2015 a. 55; 2017 a. 59.

66.0301 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also s. PI 14.01, Wis. adm. code.

66.0301 Annotation The plain language of sub. (6) does not limit the scope of boundary changes to only “modest” changes. The statutes provide multiple methods for altering municipal boundary lines. There is nothing absurd about the fact that the legislature might permit intergovernmental cooperation agreements to include major boundary changes without agency approval or a public referendum—at least no more absurd than the fact that a “minor” boundary change may be accomplished without agency approval or a public referendum. City of Kaukauna v. Village of Harrison, 2015 WI App 73, 365 Wis. 2d 181, 870 N.W.2d 680, 14-2828.

66.0301 Annotation Sub. (6) (c) 1. does not expressly specify what information must be contained in the notices that are published and sent by certified mail. In contrast, numerous other statutes contained within this chapter establish specific content requirements for public notice. The legislature knows how to require specific public notice of proposed boundary changes; it chose not to do so in sub. (6) (c) 1. City of Kaukauna v. Village of Harrison, 2015 WI App 73, 365 Wis. 2d 181, 870 N.W.2d 680, 14-2828.

66.0301 Annotation Counties may enter into joint agreements to collectively furnish and fund nursing home services if the agreements do not violate federal and state Medicaid statutes and regulations prohibiting supplementation. Assessments resulting from such agreements that are computed without reference to and are not attributable to purchase of services contracts involving particular Medicaid patients would not be considered supplementation. Assessments that are computed with reference to or are attributable to purchase of services contracts involving particular Medicaid patients are not permissible. The validity of hybrid assessments that do not fit solely within either one of those two categories must be determined on a case-by-case basis. OAG 4-09.

66.0303 66.0303 Municipal interstate cooperation.

66.0303(1) (1) In this section, “municipality” has the meaning given in s. 66.0301 (1) (a), except that with regard to agreements described in s. 66.0304, “municipality” includes a political subdivision, as defined in s. 66.0304 (1) (f).

66.0303(2) (2) A municipality may contract with municipalities of another state or with federally recognized American Indian tribes or bands located in another state for the receipt or furnishing of services or the joint exercise of any power or duty required or authorized by statute to the extent that laws of the other state or of the United States permit the joint exercise.

66.0303(3) (3) 

66.0303(3)(a) (a) Except as provided in par. (b) and s. 66.0825 (18), an agreement made under this section shall, prior to and as a condition precedent to taking effect, be submitted to the attorney general who shall determine whether the agreement is in proper form and compatible with the laws of this state. The attorney general shall approve any agreement submitted under this paragraph unless the attorney general finds that it does not meet the conditions set forth in this section and details in writing addressed to the concerned municipal governing bodies the specific respects in which the proposed agreement fails to meet the requirements of law. Failure to disapprove an agreement submitted under this paragraph within 90 days of its submission constitutes approval. The attorney general, upon submission of an agreement, shall transmit a copy of the agreement to the governor who shall consult with any state department or agency affected by the agreement. The governor shall forward to the attorney general any comments the governor may have concerning the agreement.

66.0303(3)(b) (b) An agreement under this section between a municipality of this state and a municipality of another state that relates to the receipt, furnishing, or joint exercise of fire fighting or emergency medical services need not be submitted to or approved by the attorney general before the agreement may take effect.

66.0303(4) (4) An agreement entered into under this section has the status of an interstate compact, but in any case or controversy involving performance or interpretation of or liability under the agreement, the municipalities party to the agreement are real parties in interest and the state may commence an action to recoup or otherwise make itself whole for any damages or liability which it may incur by reason of being joined as a party. The action by the state may be maintained against any municipality whose act or omission caused or contributed to the incurring of damage or liability by the state.

66.0303 History History: 1999 a. 150 ss. 77, 355; 2001 a. 109; 2005 a. 198; 2009 a. 205, 378, 379.

66.0304 66.0304 Conduit revenue bonds.

66.0304(1) (1) Definitions. In this section:

66.0304(1)(a) (a) “Agreement” means a contract entered into under this section by the political subdivisions which form a commission. The contract may be amended according to the terms of the contract, and the amended contract remains an agreement.

66.0304(1)(b) (b) “Bond” means any bond, note or other obligation issued or entered into or acquired under this section, including any refunding bond or certificate of participation or lease-purchase, installment sale, or other financing agreement.

66.0304(1)(c) (c) “Commission” means an entity created by two or more political subdivisions, who contract with each other under s. 66.0301 (2) or 66.0303 (2), for the purpose of issuing bonds under this section.

66.0304(1)(d) (d) “Member” means a party to an agreement.

66.0304(1)(e) (e) “Participant” means any public or private entity or unincorporated association, including a federally recognized Indian tribe or band, that contracts with a commission for the purpose of financing or refinancing a project that is owned, sponsored, or controlled by the public or private entity or unincorporated association.

66.0304(1)(f) (f) “Political subdivision” means any city, village, town, or county in this state or any city, village, town, county, district, authority, agency, commission, or other similar governmental entity in another state or office, department, authority, or agency of any such other state or territory of the United States.

66.0304(1)(g) (g) “Project” means any capital improvement, purchase of receivables, property, assets, commodities, bonds or other revenue streams or related assets, working capital program, or liability or other insurance program, located within or outside of this state.

66.0304(1)(ge) (ge) “Public official” means an individual who holds, or has held, a local public office, as that term is defined in s. 19.42 (7w), for a political subdivision in this state.

66.0304(1)(h) (h) “Revenue” means all moneys and fees received from any source by a commission.

66.0304(2) (2) Attorney general review.

66.0304(2)(a) (a) Before an agreement may take effect, the proposed agreement shall be submitted to the attorney general who shall determine whether the agreement is in proper form and compatible with the laws of this state. Subject to sub. (3) (d), the attorney general shall approve any agreement submitted under this subsection unless the attorney general finds that it does not meet the conditions set forth in this section and details in writing addressed to the concerned political subdivisions’ governing bodies the specific respects in which the proposed agreement fails to meet the requirements of law. Failure to disapprove an agreement submitted under this subsection within 90 days of its submission constitutes approval. The attorney general, upon submission of an agreement, shall transmit a copy of the agreement to the governor, who may consult with any state department or agency. The governor shall forward to the attorney general any comments the governor may have concerning the agreement.

66.0304(2)(b) (b) No approval is required under this subsection for an amendment to an agreement to take effect, unless the amendment is to add a member or unless otherwise required by the terms of the agreement. A commission may not be dissolved under sub. (4m) without the approval of the attorney general, who shall certify to the commission and the participants that the dissolution resolution provides for the payment of any outstanding bonds or other obligations of the commission.

66.0304(3) (3) Creation and organization.

66.0304(3)(a) (a) Two or more political subdivisions may create a commission for the purpose of issuing bonds by entering into an agreement to do so under s. 66.0301 (2) or 66.0303 (2), except that upon its creation all of the initial members of a commission shall be political subdivisions that are located in this state. A commission that is created as provided in this section is a unit of government, and a body corporate and politic, that is separate and distinct from, and independent of, the state and the political subdivisions which are parties to the agreement.

66.0304(3)(b) (b) A commission shall be governed by a board, the members of which shall be appointed under the terms of the agreement. A majority of the board members shall be public officials or current or former employees of a political subdivision that is located in this state. Board members may be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in performing their duties to the extent provided in the agreement or the bylaws of the commission.

66.0304(3)(c) (c) An additional political subdivision may become a member of a commission, and a member may withdraw from a commission, as provided in the agreement. For an agreement to be valid, at least one commission member shall be a political subdivision that is located in this state and a commission shall consist of at least 2 political subdivisions. A commission may not take any action under this paragraph that would invalidate an agreement.

66.0304(3)(d) (d) No commission may be created under this section unless its agreement is submitted to the attorney general, under sub. (2), before October 1, 2010. Only one commission may be formed under this section. If more than one agreement is submitted to the attorney general before October 1, 2010, the attorney general must give preference to the agreement that submits with its documents a demonstration of support for its agreement from at least one statewide organization located in this state which represents the interests of political subdivisions and has political subdivisions among its membership.

66.0304(4) (4) Powers of a commission. A commission has all of the powers necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes and provisions of this section. In addition to all other powers granted by this section, a commission may do any of the following:

66.0304(4)(a) (a) Adopt bylaws for the regulation of its affairs and the conduct of its business.

66.0304(4)(b) (b) Sue and be sued in its own name, plead and be impleaded.

66.0304(4)(c) (c) Acquire, buy, sell, lease as lessor or lessee, encumber, mortgage, hypothecate, pledge, assign, or transfer any property or interest in property that is located within or outside of this state.

66.0304(4)(d) (d) Enter into contracts related to the issuance of bonds.

66.0304(4)(e) (e) Issue bonds or refunding bonds, subject to sub. (5), to finance or refinance a project, including funding a reserve fund or capitalized interest, payment of costs of issuance and other costs related to the financing or refinancing, or credit enhancement, and enter into agreements related to the issuance of bonds, including liquidity and credit facilities, remarketing agreements, insurance policies, guaranty agreements, letter of credit or reimbursement agreements, indexing agreements, interest rate swap agreements, currency exchange agreements, commodity swap agreements, and other hedge agreements and any other like agreements, in each case with such payment, interest rate, currency security, remedy, and other terms and conditions as the commission determines.

66.0304(4)(f) (f) Employ or appoint agents, employees, finance professionals, and special advisers as the commission finds necessary and fix their compensation.

66.0304(4)(g) (g) Accept gifts, loans, or other aid.

66.0304(4)(h) (h) Establish and collect fees, plus administrative expenses, from participants who benefit from the commission’s services, or services provided by an outside entity, and distribute the fees and expenses as provided in the agreement.

66.0304(4)(i) (i) Make loans to, lease property from or to, or enter into any other kind of an agreement with a participant or other entity, in connection with financing or refinancing a project.

66.0304(4)(j) (j) Mortgage, pledge, or otherwise encumber the commission’s property or its interest in projects.

66.0304(4)(k) (k) Assign or pledge any portion of its interests in projects, mortgages, deeds of trust, indentures of mortgage or trust, leases, purchase or sale agreements or other financing agreements, or similar instruments, bonds, notes, and security interests in property, of a participant, or contracts entered into or acquired in connection with bonds.

66.0304(4)(L) (L) Issue, obtain, or aid in obtaining, from any person, any insurance or guarantee to, or for, the payment or repayment of interest or principal, or both, on any loan, lease, bond, or other obligation evidencing or securing such a loan, lease, bond, or obligation that is entered into under this section.

66.0304(4)(m) (m) Apply on its own behalf or on behalf of a participant to any unit of government for an allocation of volume cap, tax credit, subsidy, grant, loan, credit enhancement, or any other federal, state, or local program in connection with the financing or refinancing of a project.

66.0304(4)(n) (n) Invest any bond proceeds or any money held for payment or security of the bonds, or any contract entered into under this section, in any securities or obligations permitted by the resolution, trust agreement, indenture, or other agreement providing for issuance of the bonds or the contract.

66.0304(4)(o) (o) At the request of a participant, combine and pledge revenues of multiple projects for repayment of one or more series of bonds issued under this section.

66.0304(4)(p) (p) Purchase bonds issued by or on behalf of, or held by, any participant, any state or a department, authority, or agency of the state, or any political subdivision. Bonds purchased under this paragraph may be held by the commission or sold, in whole or in part, separately or together with other bonds issued by the commission.

66.0304(4m) (4m) Dissolution of a commission. Subject to sub. (2) (b) and subject to providing for the payment of its bonds, including interest on the bonds, and the performance of its other contractual obligations, a commission may be dissolved, by resolution, as provided in the agreement. If the commission is dissolved, the property of the commission shall be transferred to the political subdivisions who are parties to the agreement creating the commission as provided in the agreement.

66.0304(5) (5) Issuance of bonds.

66.0304(5)(a) (a) A commission may not issue bonds unless the issuance is first authorized by a bond resolution. A bond issued under this section shall meet all of the following requirements:

66.0304(5)(a)1. 1. The face of the bond shall include the date of issuance and the date of maturity.

66.0304(5)(a)2. 2. The face of the bond shall include the statements required under subs. (9) (c) and (11) (d).

66.0304(5)(a)3. 3. The date of maturity may not exceed 50 years from the date of issuance.

66.0304(5)(a)4. 4. The bond shall bear a rate of interest, either fixed or variable, specified by the resolution. Any variable rate of interest shall be made subject to a maximum rate.

66.0304(5)(a)5. 5. Interest and principal shall be paid at the time and place specified in the resolution.

66.0304(5)(a)6. 6. Bonds in a single issue may be composed of a single denomination or 2 or more denominations, as provided in the resolution.

66.0304(5)(a)7. 7. The bond shall be payable in lawful money of the United States or, if provided in the resolution, another currency.

66.0304(5)(a)8. 8. Bonds shall be registered as provided in the resolution.

66.0304(5)(a)9. 9. Bonds shall be in the form, and executed in the manner, provided in the resolution.

66.0304(5)(am) (am) Notwithstanding par. (a), as an alternative to specifying the matters required to be specified in the bond resolution under par. (a), the resolution may specify members of the board or officers or employees of the commission, by name or position, to whom the commission delegates authority to determine which of the matters under specified par. (a), and any other matters that the commission deems appropriate, for inclusion in the trust agreement, indenture, or other agreement providing for issuance of the bonds as finally executed. A resolution under this paragraph shall specify at least all of the following:

66.0304(5)(am)1. 1. The maximum principal amount of bonds to be issued.

66.0304(5)(am)2. 2. The maximum term of the bonds.

66.0304(5)(am)3. 3. The maximum interest rate to be borne by the bonds.

66.0304(5)(b) (b) A bond issued under this section may include, or be subject to, any of the following:

66.0304(5)(b)1. 1. Early mandatory or optional redemption or purchase in lieu of redemption or tender, as provided in the resolution.

66.0304(5)(b)2. 2. A provision providing a right to tender.

66.0304(5)(b)3. 3. A trust agreement or indenture containing any terms, conditions, and covenants that the commission determines to be necessary or appropriate, but such terms, conditions, and covenants may not be in conflict with the resolution.

66.0304(5)(c) (c) The commission may purchase any bond issued under this section. Subject to the terms of any agreement with the bondholders, the commission may hold, pledge, resell, or cancel any bond purchased under this paragraph, except that a purchase under this paragraph may not effect an extinguishment of a bond unless the commission cancels the bond or otherwise certifies its intention that the bond be extinguished.