▼

Airport

Show All Answers

1. How early should I arrive at the airport to catch a flight?

One of the advantages to flying from La Crosse is that you usually only need to arrive about 90 minutes prior to your scheduled departure.

2. Where can I purchase my ticket from?

Some of the best fares are posted on the airline websites. For Delta Airlines visit http://www.delta.com , for American Airlines visit http://www.aa.com.

3. Where can I find the latest airport security requirements?

Visit www.tsa.gov for the latest restrictions and travel recommendations.

4. Where should I park at the airport?

We have ample parking close to the terminal building, visit our parking page for pricing and more information.

5. Why should I fly out of La Crosse instead of Minneapolis?

When you add up the cost of gas, wear and tear on your vehicle, and the time you will lose driving to Minneapolis, flying from La Crosse can save you money and a lot of time!

6. What can I carry on the airplane and who should I contact about my flight?

Call your respective airline for more information.

American Airlines: 1-800-433-7300

Delta Airlines: 1-800-225-2525

7. I have a question that is not listed here, who can I talk to?

Please call the Airport Management Office at (608) 789-7464 for any other questions.

8. When does the terminal open?

The terminal generally opens 2 hours before the first flight of the day.

▼

Assessor

Show All Answers

1. What is the role of the assessor?

The assessor is a state certified professional whose duties are to discover, list, and place a value on all taxable real and personal property in the city, in a uniform manner. The assessor is not involved in the collection of the property tax.

2. How does the assessor value property?

Wisconsin Law requires that property assessments be based on fair market value. Estimating the market value of your property is a matter of determining the price a typical buyer would pay for the property in its present condition.
Some factors the assessor considers are: what similar properties are selling for, what it would cost to replace your property, what rent it may earn, as well as any other factors that affect its value. IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT THE ASSESSOR DOES NOT CREATE THIS VALUE, BUT RATHER INTERPRETS WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE REAL ESTATE MARKET.

3. What will happen to my assessment if I improve my property?

Generally speaking, improvements that increase the market value of a property will increase the assessed value. The following are typical items that will increase the assessed value of your property:

• Added rooms, garages, porches or decks
• Aluminum or vinyl siding
• Substantial modernization of kitchens or baths
• Central air conditioning
• Fireplaces
• Extensive remodeling
• Swimming pool
• Basement finish (family room, den, etc.)

4. Will my assessment go up if I repair my property?

Good maintenance will help retain the market value of your property. Generally, your assessment will not be increased for individual minor repairs such as those that follow; however, a combination of several of these items could result in an increased assessment.
• Repairing concrete walks and driveways
• Replacing gutters and down spouts
• Replacing hot water heater
• Repairing or replacing roof
• Repairing porches and steps
• Repairing original siding
• Patching or repairing interior walls/ceilings
• Exterior painting
• Exterior awnings and shutters
• Replacing electrical fixtures
• Replacing furnace
• Weather stripping, screens, storm windows and doors
• Exterior landscaping including lawns, shrubbery, trees, flowers

5. How can my assessment change when I haven't done anything to my property?

General economic conditions such as interest rates, inflation rates, and changes in the tax laws, will influence the value of real estate. As property values change in the market place, those changes must be reflected on the assessment roll.

6. Will I be notified if there is a change in my assessment?

Wisconsin law requires that whenever an assessment is changed, the owner must be notified. Assessment notices are generally mailed in the spring.

7. Why don't all assessments change at the same rate?

There are differences between individual properties and between neighborhoods. In one area the sales may indicate a substantial increase in value in a given year. In another neighborhood there may be no change in value, or even a decrease in property values.

Different types of properties within the same neighborhood may also show different value changes. For example, one-story houses may be more in demand than two-story houses, or older homes in the same area may be rising in value more slowly than newer homes.

There are numerous factors to be considered in each property which will cause the values to differ. Some of the factors which can affect value are location, age, condition, size, quality, number of baths, basement finish, and garages.

8. I've heard you develop values by computer. Is this correct?

Just as in many other fields, computers are also useful in the assessment process. Assessors are trained to look for associations or relationships between property characteristics and market value. By analyzing these characteristics, and studying sales prices, assessors can begin to predict or estimate value by developing formulas and models.

Computers are much faster and are capable of advanced analysis in this area. But despite these capabilities, common sense and assessor judgment are always required to verify our assessments.

9. Will I be penalized if I don't let the assessor in when an inspection is requested?

When an interior inspection is not allowed, the assessor will attempt to update our records by looking at the property from the outside and using any other available information.

To ensure an accurate assessment, it is to your advantage to allow the assessor inside your property when an inspection is requested. By denying an inspection, you may lose the right to appeal your assessment to the Board of Review.

10. How do I know if my assessment is fair?

You should first attempt to decide for yourself what your property is worth. This can be done by looking at area sales, contacting appraisers, and comparing assessments of similar homes. Assessment information is available in our office and open to the public for review during regular office hours.

11. What if I don't agree with my assessment?

Come and talk with an assessor. During this informal session you can learn how your assessment was made, what factors were considered, and what type of records we keep about your property.

12. After this review, if I still think the assessment is incorrect, what can I do?

The next step is to file an objection with the Board of Review. The property owner must provide the City Clerk with a written notice of intent to file an objection at least 48 hours before the Board's first scheduled meeting. The Board can waive the 48 hour notice requirement if the property owner shows good cause for failing to meet the requirement or provides evidence of extraordinary circumstances. Objections must be in writing and should be filed with the City Clerk within the first two hours of the Board's first scheduled meeting. The Board of Review usually requires an objection to be filed on standard forms which are available either from the City Clerk or the City Assessor's office.

13. What is the Board of Review? When do they meet?

The Board of Review in the City of La Crosse is comprised of local citizens selected by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. The basic function of the Board is to listen to sworn testimony presented by both the property owner and assessor and then determine if the assessed value of the property is correct.

All sessions of the Board are held in the Council Chambers. By statute, the first session of the Board of Review must be within the thirty day period beginning on the second Monday in May. If there are not many appeals, the Board will usually complete its business during their first session. Once the Board has heard all appeals and adjourned, no further assessment objections can be considered until the following year. When you receive your tax statement in December, it is too late to file an objection for the current assessment. Paying your taxes under protest does not constitute a formal assessment objection.

14. What evidence do I need to present to the Board of Review?

Keep in mind that your evidence must be strong enough to prove that the assessor's value is incorrect. STATING THAT PROPERTY TAXES ARE TOO HIGH IS NOT RELEVANT TESTIMONY. You should establish in your own mind what you think your property is worth.

The best evidence for this would be a recent sale price of your property. The next best evidence would be recent sales prices of properties that are similar to yours. The closer in proximity and similarity, the better the evidence. Another type of evidence is oral testimony from a witness who has made a recent appraisal of your property.

15. Does the Board of Review have the final say?

If you don't agree with the Board of Review decision, the next step is an appeal to either the Wisconsin Department of Revenue or the Circuit Court.

16. How do I appeal my assessment to the Department of Revenue?

Wisconsin law provides for a written appeal of the Board's decision to the Department of Revenue within 20 days after receipt of the decision or within 30 days of the Clerk's affidavit. A $100 filing fee is required. The fair market value of the items or parcels being appealed cannot exceed $1 million. The Department may revalue the property anytime before November 1 of the assessment year or within 60 days after receiving the appeal, whichever is later. If adjusted, the value is substituted for the original value and taxes paid accordingly. Appeal of the Department's decision is to the circuit court.

17. How do I appeal my assessment to court?

An appeal to the circuit court must be made within 90 days after adjournment of the Board of Review. The court will then make a decision based solely on the testimony that was presented to the Board of Review. When your case goes before the circuit court, the court will review the record that was created at your Board of Review hearing and make its decision.

18. I've been told that everybody's taxes go up after a revaluation. Is this true?

No, it is not. If the total levy remains the same, only those properties which are not presently paying their fair share will pay more taxes after a revaluation. Properties presently paying more than their fair share will pay less.

19. How will my taxes change as a result of a new assessment?

Though the value of your property affects your share of taxes, the actual amount you pay is determined by the budget needs of the schools, city, county, technical college, and state reforestation. All of these taxing units decide what services they will provide in the coming year and how much money they will need to provide those services. Once this decision is made, a tax rate is adopted that will generate the needed dollars.

20. DATES TO REMEMBER

January 1:
Assessment Date - All property is assessed as it existed on this date

January 31:
Full payment of taxes due OR if paying in installments, due date of first tax installment payment (Installment payment option is not available for personal property taxes)

March 1:
Last day to file personal property returns and file request for property tax exemption.

Month of April:
Assessment change notices are typically mailed during the month of April.

Second Monday in May:
Earliest meeting date for the Board of Review. The Board of Review can meet anytime within the thirty-day period beginning with the second Monday in May.

July 31:
Final tax installment payment due date.

21. Glossary of Terms

Assessed Value
An estimate of value assigned to taxable property by the assessor for purposes of taxation.

Market Value
The most probable price which a property should bring in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, the buyer and seller, each acting prudently, and knowledgeably and assuming the price is not affected by undue stimulus.
Implicit in this definition is the consummation of a sale as of a specified date and the passing of title from seller to buyer under conditions whereby:
1. Buyer and seller are typically motivated;
2. Both parties are well informed or well advised, and each acting in what he considers his own best interest:
3. A reasonable time is allowed for exposure in the open market;
4. Payment is made in terms of cash in U.S. dollars of in terms of financial arrangements comparable thereto; and
5. The price represents the normal consideration for the property sold unaffected by special or creative financing or sales concessions* granted by anyone associated with the sale.

Reappraisal or Revaluation
Placing new values on all taxable property for purposes of a new assessment.

Tax Base
The total assessed value of all taxable property in the city.

Tax Levy
The total amount of property tax money that a taxing unit (such as the schools, city, county, etc.) needs to raise to provide services.

Tax Rate
The tax levy divided by the tax base. It is often expressed in terms of dollars per hundred or dollars per thousand. The tax rate is multiplied by the assessed value to determine the amount of tax each property owner must pay.

▼

Building and Inspections

Show All Answers

1. What do I have to do to comply with the requirements of the new residential rental inspection law if my residential rental building has been sold?

If your residential rental building has been sold and a valid five (5) year Certificate Of Inspection has not yet been issued for each rental unit in your building, please read the following instructions:

Register the building with the Building and Inspections Department.
Provide minimum 10 days notice of inspection to tenants and provide “PROPERTY OWNER AFFIDAVIT / NOTIFICATION OF TENANTS ” or provide “RESIDENTIAL RENTAL UNIT INSPECTION/ WAIVER OF TEN (10) DAY PRIOR NOTICE PROPERTY OWNER AFFIDAVIT / NOTIFICATION OF TENANTS to the District Maintenance Inspector.
Pay $35.00 inspection fee (make check out to the City Treasurer).
Make an appointment for a residential rental unit inspection with the District Maintenance Inspector.
If repairs are required, complete the repairs and call the District Maintenance Inspector for a reinspection.
If the new owner is going to be providing the repairs, make sure that the new owner completes the “RESIDENTIAL RENTAL UNIT INSPECTION NEW PROPERTY OWNER - AFFIDAVIT OF RESPONSIBILITY and present the completed affidavit to the Building and Inspections Department prior to the transfer of the property to the new property owner.
Register the building in the new owner’s name with the Building and Inspections Department.

A Certificate of Inspection will be issued after the residential rental unit inspection has been completed or after repairs (if any) are completed.

Reminder:

Register new owner with building and inspections department

2. Do I have to register my residential rental property?

Yes, all residential rental units must be registered with the City of La Crosse Building and Inspections Department.

3. How do I register my residential rental units?

You can register your residential rental units on this form  Residential Rental Unit Registration Form. Email the completed form to: Dave Reinhart, Building/Housing Inspector.

4. Why do I have to register my residential rental units?

The new ordinance requires all residential rental units to be registered in order for the Building and Inspections Department to successfully track all of the units and to be able to contact the person(s) responsible for the unit(s) by means of valid address and telephone numbers.

5. What are Inspectors going to be looking for?

The Inspectors will be primarily looking for serious and particularly egregious life/safety code violations and filthy, squalid, blighted conditions that would render the building or parts thereof “substandard” as defined in the ordinance. An example of the Inspector’s checklist is available at www.cityoflacrosse.org under “Rental Unit Inspection Guidelines”.

6. Where can I get the forms that I need for the residential rental inspection process?

The forms are available in person, by telephone request (608.789.7530), via FAX or by regular US Mail from the Building and Inspections Department, 400 La Crosse Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601. All forms are also available for download via the city’s web site at www.cityoflacrosse.org.

7. If I live in one of the units in my residential rental property, will my unit be inspected also?

Owner occupied units are not subject to mandatory inspection. However, common areas of owner-occupied residential rental units are subject to mandatory inspection.

8. If my residential rental unit is less than five (5) years old, does it have to be inspected?

Only residential rental units that are more than five (5) years old are required to be inspected. The Building and Inspections Department will inspect residential rental units less than five (5) years old, at the property owner’s request.

Example:

An original certificate of occupancy/compliance is issued on any day in 2004 for a new residential rental unit. This unit is exempt from mandatory residential rental unit inspection requirements until December 31, 2009. In order to remain in compliance, this unit requires its first residential rental unit inspection and a valid Certificate of Inspection prior to December 31, 2009.

9. How long is the Certificate of Inspection valid?

Certificates of Inspection for residential rental units are valid for five (5) years. Residential rental units must be re-inspected and Certificates of Inspection must be renewed prior to expiration of the five (5) year cycle.

Example:

A Certificate of Compliance issued on any day in 2004 is valid through
December 31, 2009. In order to remain in compliance, reinspection of the unit and issuance of a new Certificate of Compliance for that unit is required prior to December 31, 2009.

10. Can I have my residential rental units inspected every year, if I want to?

Yes, residential rental units may be inspected every year, at the owner’s request. The fee is $10.00 per unit, (make check out to City Treasurer) payable prior to such inspection.

11. If I have a valid Certificate of Inspection and I sell my residential rental unit, do I have to get it inspected again?

No, residential rental units with valid Certificates of Inspection may be sold at any time while the Certificate of Inspection is valid, without having to have an additional inspection. Remember to re-register the units in the new owner’s name.

12. How do I know if my banner sign is in compliance with city ordinance?

Check with the Building and Inspections Department or click on the "More..." link to view the city ordinance on banner signs. More...

▼

Building and Inspections - Archaeological

Show All Answers

1. How do I know if my project is in an Archaeological District?

The Archaeological Districts are shown on a map available at the Building and Inspections Department office or on the City of La Crosse web site, Building and Inspections Department page.

2. My project is in an Archaeological District. What do I have to do?

You must notify the Mississippi Valley Archaeological Center (MVAC) or any other Regional Qualified Archaeologist (RQA) as defined in Subsection 7.07 (C) of the Municipal code, in writing at 1725 State Street, La Crosse, WI 54601, telephone (608) 785-8463, at least TWO DAYS before you start digging for any project requiring a permit that will disturb more than 20 square feet to a depth of two feet or deeper.

3. I found artifacts while I was digging. What do I have to do?

You must STOP WORK as soon as you see artifacts in the excavation and notify MVAC or any other RQA as defined in Subsection 7.07 (C) of the Municipal code of the artifacts that you have found.

4. Now what happens? How long do I have to stop work?

The RQA has until the end of the next weekday, excluding holidays to assess the site. If the RQA does not respond by the end of the next weekday, excluding holidays, work may continue.

5. What happens if the Regional Qualified Archaeologist finds artifacts and wants to dig them up?

. If the RQA finds artifacts and wants to recover them, the RQA has up to the next three weekdays, excluding holidays to complete the recovery of the artifacts. Work may resume after the third day of the RQA’S excavation and recovery. If human remains are present, the Police Department and/or the RQA can advise you of required procedure.

▼

City Clerk

Show All Answers

1. Where do I get birth, death, and marriage certificates?

These certificates are issued by La Crosse County, not the City of La Crosse. To request a copy of these certificates, visit the County Register of Deeds in the La Crosse County Administrative Building located at 400 4th St. N. or call (608) 785-9644. County Register of Deeds

2. Better Business Bureau

Contact the BBB at 1-800-273-1002. Better Business Bureau »

3. Chamber of Commerce

The La Crosse Chamber of Commerce is located at 712 Main St. You can contact them at (608) 784-4880. La Crosse Chamber of Commerce »

4. Coulee Region Humane Society

Located at 911 Critter Ct., Onalaska, WI. (608) 781-4014
Coule Region Human Society »

5. Driver's License/ID's/Title Transfers

Dept. of Transportation
9477 Hwy 16 E, Onalaska
7.800.924.3570
www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers

6. Farmers Market

La Crosse Co Health Dept
608.785.9771
www.co-lacrosse.wi.us

7. Housing Authority

1307 Badger St
608.782.2264
www.lacrossehousing.org

8. Job Service

402 8th St North
608.789.5627

9. La Crosse Area Convention/Visitors Bureau

410 E Veterans Memorial Dr
608.782.2366
www.greaterwisconsin.com

10. Landlord/Tenant Issues

Consumer Protection Bureau
800.422.7128
www.wifrontdoorhousing.org

11. Marriage License

County Clerk
608.785.9581
www.co.la-crosse.wi.us

12. Parking Utility (Handicap Parking Permits)

608.789.7295
City of La Crosse

13. Passports

U.S. Post Office
425 State St
608.791.8101

14. Post Office

425 State St
800.275.8777
608.791.8100
www.usps.com

15. Public Service Commission

800.362.3020
www.psc.wi.gov

16. Social Security Cards

Social Security Administration
210 7th Street South, Suite 100
1-866-770-2345 Local
1-800-772-1213 National
1-800-325-0778 TTY
More information »

17. Work Permits

Central High School
1801 Losey Blvd S
608.789.7909

▼

City Hall

Show All Answers

1. Where is City Hall?

City Hall is located at 400 La Crosse St., La Crosse, WI 54601. View Map

2. What floor is each department located on?

1st Floor

• Assessor
  
• Council Chambers
  
• Municipal Judge
  
• Municipal Prosecutor
  
• Parks and Recreation
  
• Police Dept.
  

2nd Floor

• Clerk
  
• Treasurer
  

3rd Floor

• Building and Inspections
  
• Community Development
  
• Planning
  

4th Floor

• Engineering
  

5th Floor

• Information Services
  
• Public Works
  
• Safety
  
• Water Utility
  

6th Floor

• Attorney/Legal
  
• Human Resources
  
• Mayor
  
• Finance
  

▼

Common Council

Show All Answers

1. How does a person bring up legislation to the Council?

By contacting either the Mayor or their Council Member.

2. What are the steps in approving legislation at a Council Meeting?

Items are first introduced to the Common Council and referred to the next monthly Council cycle. All matters pending before the Council shall be referred to one of the three standing committees in accordance with Council Rules. The standing committee reports on the pending legislation. The legislation then goes before the Committee of the Whole for a recommendation. The items are then placed on the Common Council agenda for final action.

3. How can a person speak at a City Council Meeting?

Public speaking is allowed on agenda items only at any of the committee meetings. Public speaking is not allowed at Common Council meetings.

4. If I live in a different aldermanic district, can I vote for council members of another district?

No.

5. What are the requirements for being a Council Member?

You must be a qualified elector of the District which you would represent.

6. When are elections for Council members held?

Elections for Council Member are held in the Spring of odd years.

Council Members for the 9th through 17th Districts shall be elected at the 2007 Spring election and every four (4) years thereafter.

Council members for the 1st through 8th Districts shall be elected at the 2009 Spring election and every four (4) years thereafter.

7. How can I contact my city council member?

You can contact your council member directly by using the email address listed on their information page. You can contact all members of the Common Council by clicking "Email All Council Members" on the Council homepage.

8. How can I be notified of upcoming meetings?

Meeting notices are posted on the 2nd Floor of City Hall, at the La Crosse Public Library, and at www.cityoflacrosse.org. Or you may call the City Clerk's Office at 789-7510.
More...

▼

Fire

Show All Answers

1. Do fire fighters perform just fire fighting activities?

No. All fire fighters perform multiple roles and are cross-trained in a variety of fire, rescue, and emergency medical disciplines.

2. Why do fire trucks respond to medical calls and car accidents?

The crews on the fire trucks are trained to handle basic life support medical emergencies as well as ancillary problems associated with motor vehicle crashes. Ancillary problems include extrication of patients from vehicles and equipment; addressing spilled or leaking flammable and combustible liquids, and ensuring for overall scene safety of the general public, first responders, and patients. On most occasions, the fire truck is closer to an incident because our fire stations are strategically located within different neighborhoods. This allows for a very quick response time, usually faster than the ambulance will arrive.

3. Why does a fire engine or rescue truck respond ahead of the ambulance to medical emergencies?

Fire stations are strategically located to provide rapid response to all kinds of emergencies. All fire fighters are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians. Most fire engines and rescue trucks are equipped with life-saving equipment. Fire fighters respond to gain access to buildings, assess patients, begin treatment, and prepare patients to be transported to the hospital. Many times there are other safety issues present such as carbon monoxide poisoning, which require advanced metering to detect such hazards so that they do not further injure patients or harm first responders or ambulance crews.

4. How big is your service area and population for fire, rescue, and medical responses?

We primarily serve 22 square miles with 52,000 residents. During the day or during special events we may have upwards of 100,000 people inside our city limits!

5. Does the fire department leave the city limits for emergency response?

Yes. The La Crosse Fire Department provides hazardous materials regional response to the City of La Crosse, La Crosse County, and eight other counties under contract with the State of Wisconsin.
The department also collaborates with the Madison, Janesville, and Beloit Fire Departments to provide technical rescue response services to southwestern Wisconsin in concert with Wisconsin Emergency Management.
The La Crosse Fire Department also has mutual aid agreements with several of the surrounding communities for fire suppression purposes.

6. The La Crosse Fire Department operates on a different frequency than La Crosse County. Can you communicate with other fire and emergency medical service units outside of the City of La Crosse?

Yes. The La Crosse Fire Department has VHF and UHF capabilities for communications with agencies outside of the City of La Crosse. These capabilities have been in place as a result of our Regional Hazardous Materials Response program that covers an eight county area. We also have communications capabilities as being a member of Taskforce 2, Technical Rescue Team that covers southwestern Wisconsin.

7. How many calls for emergency service calls does the department respond to each year?

In 2006 we answered 4,084 emergency calls for help that included 6,513 total unit responses.

8. What is your average response time to emergencies?

About 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

9. What is fractile response time measurement and what is it for the City of La Crosse?

Fractile response time measurement is a method to more accurately describe response times over a broad geographical area. It measures how often (as a percent of total calls) you can reach a particular area of your response district.
The La Crosse Fire Department responds to emergency calls in the City of La Crosse in four minutes or less 87% of the time. The extreme south and north ends of the city currently experience longer response times as compared to the other areas of the City.

10. Do fire department apparatus stage at various locations through the city at different times of the day?

No. Fire stations are strategically located throughout the city thus negating the need for units to stage on street corners or in parking lots. When personnel stage in apparatus they cannot perform other productive work such as training, inspections, pre-fire planning, or other duties. Idling apparatus lends to higher operating cost for fuel and maintenance and is not an efficient utilization of personnel who performs multiple roles and is cross trained in a variety of fire, rescue and emergency medical services.

11. What is the La Crosse Fire Department’s Insurance Services Office rating?

Class 2; Class 1 is the best, class 10 the worst. We are not aware of any Class 1 fire departments in the state of Wisconsin.

12. How many stations does the Department have?

Four; Station 1 is located at 5th and Market Streets; Station 2 on Monitor Street near Copeland Avenue; Station 3 Green Bay Street and Losey Boulevard; and Station 4 at Liberty and Gillette Streets. There are at least 29 fire fighters assigned to each of the three shifts with a minimum of 25 fire fighters on duty citywide 24 hours a day. Another fire station is being considered on the south side of the city to address the expansion of residential growth. Funds have been allocated in the fire department’s budget to perform a feasibility study to address this situation.

13. How many fire fighters are on each fire engine?

There is a minimum of three and a maximum of four personnel that consists of a Captain or Lieutenant, an Engineer, and one or two fire fighters. Emergency medical response units will have two fire fighters assigned.

14. What level of experience does a fire fighter in La Crosse have?

The members of the La Crosse Fire Department bring over 1,350 years of experience in emergency medical services, rescue, fire fighting, and public fire and injury prevention. The typical fire fighter has been with the department for 14.4 years. This number is understated as many fire fighters come to us with prior fire and emergency medical services experience from other departments.
A typical fire fighter on an EMS rescue apparatus has responded to approximately 4,900 medical calls in their career with the La Crosse Fire Department.

15. How long does a typical fire fighter stay with the department?

A fire fighter hired by the La Crosse Fire Department remains with the department on average of 28 years. Conservatively speaking this person would see approximately 9,350 patients in his or her career based on current service volumes.

16. What is a fire fighter’s work schedule?

Fire fighters work three cycles of 24 hours on duty and 24 hours off duty followed by a 96-hour off period year round including weekends and holidays. They can rest between 10 p.m. and 6:45 a.m. if they are not responding to emergencies or involved in training or inspection activities.

17. Where can I find more information on the La Crosse Fire Department?

For more information on these or any other topic, please contact the La Crosse Fire Department at 608-789-7260.

▼

Forde Norway

Show All Answers

1. When does your committee meet?

La Crosse-Forde Friendship Association meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:10PM in the offices of Mississippi Valley Conservancy (201 Main St., Suite 1001, La Crosse).

2. What types of exchanges does the Committee sponsor?

We host vocational and community exchanges with Forde annually.

3. How do you fund activities and exchanges?

Local residents house visitors in their homes. Bob Bendiksen coordinates the planning of host families, daily events, outings, and meals for visitors.

4. Do you have a newsletter?

Yes. Our newsletter is written by Miriam Wuensch. It is emailed to members and posted on the City of La Crosse website when it's available.

▼

How do I?

Show All Answers

1. Where can I get a copy of the MTU Bus Schedule?

At the UW-L Cartwright Center info desk, Security & Parking office, or Murphy Library, WWTC Student Services office, Viterbo Murphy Center main desk or Student Union, the front desk at your residence hall, or on any bus.

2. Where can I get my Drivers License?

Dept. of Transportation
9477 Hwy 16 E, Onalaska
1.800.924.3570

3. Where can I get my Passport?

U.S. Post Office
425 State St
608.791.8101

4. How do I know if my project is in an Archaeological District?

The Archaeological Districts are shown on a map available at the Building and Inspections Department office or on the City of La Crosse web site, Building and Inspections Department page.

5. I found artifacts while I was digging. What do I have to do?

You must STOP WORK as soon as you see artifacts in the excavation and notify MVAC or any other RQA as defined in Subsection 7.07 (C) of the Municipal code of the artifacts that you have found.

▼

International Committee: Epinal

Show All Answers

1. When and where does your committee meet?

We usually meet the first Tuesday of every month at 4:30PM in City Hall, 1st Floor, West Conference Room.

2. When do you elect your officers?

Officers are elected in September.

3. Who may be a member?

Anyone with an interest in our French sister city, Epinal, may be a member.

4. What types of exchanges or activities do you sponsor?

Exchanges with Epinal include students, soccer teams, golf, rotary, music (choirs and orchestras), and internships. We also participate in annual official delegations--La Crosse residents are invited to Epinal for St. Nicholas; Epinal residents are invited to La Crosse for Oktoberfest or Riverfest.

5. How do you fund hosting activities?

Official delegations stay in hotels paid for by the Epinal Committee. Students and soccer players stay with families. We hold fundraisers to assist with these costs.

6. Do you have a newsletter?

We offer a newsletter periodically. You may view our past newsletters online. For more information about the activities of the Epinal Committee, contact the Committee Chair Dianne Seyler.

7. Who is the Epinal Representative on the International Committee?

Our current representative is Beth Sullivan.

▼

Legal

Show All Answers

1. What is a municipal citation?

A municipal citation can be in the form of a traffic ticket, parking ticket, or violation of the municipal code of the City of La Crosse. The citation is a non-criminal civil action issued by the City of La Crosse which imposes a forfeiture.

2. How do I contest a municipal citation?

Municipal court is divided into two separate appearances. The initial appearance and pre-trial date and the trial date. The initial appearance is the plea date and is held on either Wednesday morning or afternoon at the council chambers located at City Hall, 400 La Crosse Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Your municipal citation states the time and date of your initial appearance. At the initial appearance, you may enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. If you enter a plea of not guilty, you will be given the opportunity to speak with the Assistant City Attorney, which is called the pre-trial. If you enter a plea of guilty or no-contest, the municipal judge will sentence you at the initial appearance.

▼

Luoyang China

Show All Answers

1. When does your committee meet?

We meet at 5:00PM once a month, sometimes bi-monthly in the summer. Our meetings are held in the Law offices of Hale, Skemp, Hanson, Skemp, and Sliek (Chuck Hanson's law firm), which is located at 505 King St. Suite 300.

2. When do you elect your officers?

We elect officers in February. Members are elected for terms of one year. In the future, we may decide to "stagger" the terms of board members.

3. How many members does your organization have?

We have approximately 50 members.

4. What types of activities does your committee sponsor?

For the past six years we have sponsored secondary school English teachers from China, who have taught Chinese for the academic year (September-June) in the La Crosse high schools (sometimes middle schools, too). Each year since 1998-1999 there have been two teachers per year in La Crosse. All but three of these teachers have been from Luoyang. (Both of this year's teachers are from Luoyang.) We have also helped coordinate two student groups from Central High School that have gone to Luoyang and elsewhere in China; we have arranged a trip to Luoyang and other Chinese venues by a group of La Crosse professional people; and we have hosted a group of high school students and chaperones from Luoyang. The Friendship Association also has worked with the La Crosse area Chinese and Chinese-American population to help sponsor the annual celebration of the Chinese New Year, which takes place (in accordance with the Lunar calendar) in late January or February.

5. How do you fund exchanges and activities?

Visitors pay for themselves, and, in the case of the most recent professional delegations, they stay in hotels (two deans from the Luoyang Institute of Technology, who stayed in La Crosse for a month in the fall of 1999, were provided with an apartment, and office space at Viterbo, at no cost to themselves). Home stays (as in the 2003 visit by the delegation fro students from the Luoyang Foreign Language High School) are provided at no cost. Members of the Friendship Association donate their time to arrange and facilitate activities for Chinese teachers and visitors. The National committee on US-China Relations covers the costs for the Chinese teachers' salaries and their housing costs. Up to now, the teachers have lived in rental apartments in La Crosse.

6. Do you have a newsletter?

We try to publish our newsletter twice per year. It is funded by member dues. Art Marson of WWTC has generously donated tech support to help with production of the newsletter.

7. Who is your International Committee Representative?

Art Marson presently represents the Association on the City International Committee.

▼

Parks & Recreation

Show All Answers

1. How do I contact the Parks & Rec Dept.?

If you know who you would like to contact, you may contact them directly by using information from this page: Directory.

If you are not sure who to contact, please use the form provided here:
Contact Us.

Our general phone number is (608) 789-7533.

2. What are the hours of operation at the Parks & Rec Office?

The Parks & Recreation Office is open Monday - Friday, 8:30AM - 5:00PM.

3. Where is the Parks & Rec Office located?

The Parks & Recreation Department is located on the 1st floor of City Hall, 400 La Crosse St., La Crosse, WI 54601; and is open Monday - Friday, 8:30AM - 5:00PM. More...

4. Who is the Director of the Parks & Rec Department?

Steve Carlyon is the Director of Parks & Recreation. Garland Amunson is the Superintendent of Parks. Contact information is available by clicking on "More...". More...

5. How do I register for an activity or a program?

You can register one of three ways:

1) Register Online

2) Walk into Parks & Rec Office on 1st floor of City Hall, 400 La Crosse St., La Crosse, WI 54601. More Information...

6. Is there any financial assistance for recreation programs?

Yes, you can apply for financial assistance for our recreation programs. Complete a Scholarship Application and email it to us.

7. What is your refund policy?

1. Fee Refunds: Fees assessed by the Parks and Recreation Department are based on the following program criteria:

A. Youth Programs: are fully subsidized through the City budget (taxes) in most cases.

B. Adult/Youth (Family) Programs: are partially subsidized through the City budget. Family programs produce approximately half the required revenue needed to implement the program.

C. Adult Programs: are FULL revenue producing. In other words, they pay for themselves at a nominal cost to the participant. Based on the above criteria, each program fee is assessed taking into account the various program costs (e.g., instructors, equipment, special needs, maintenance, etc.). In the cases of non-resident participation, it is generally accepted that non-resident users should contribute an additional fee in order to off-set their non-tax status. This fee may vary according to the specific nature of the program.

2. Refunds: Refunding or registration fees will only be made in the following cases:

1) Program is completely canceled.

2) Change in the original scheduled activity.

3) Cancellation by applicant:

a) Prior to start of program, 100%.

b) prior to second half of program, 50%.

c) After first half of program, 0%-no refund. More Information...

8. How much does it cost to rent the South Side Neighborhood Center?

The Center has two rooms available for rent. For current prices, please see Reserve the Center.

9. What type of equipment is available in Centennial Hall?

Equipment available includes: 10 tables; 75 chairs; 9 conference tables; adjoining kitchenette with microwave, coffee maker, & refrigerator; sound system with microphone, TV, VCR, DVD; dry erase board, screen, internet access, podium.

Capacity for Centennial Hall is 75 people. More...

10. What type of equipment is available in the Board Room?

The equipment available includes: 1 large board room table; 10 chairs; dry erase board; TV, VCR, DVD; cable TV; internet access.

Capacity of the the Board Room is 10 people. More...

▼

Police

Show All Answers

1. Abandoned Vehicles

Any vehicle left unattended for more than forty-eight hours on any public street or grounds, or on private property where parking is prohibited, limited or restricted, without the permission of the owner or lessee, is deemed abandoned and constitutes a public nuisance, and may be ticketed and towed, with the vehicle owner being responsible for all charges, including storage.

2. Alcoholic Beverages

AGE: You must be 21 years of age to purchase, consume or possess beer or liquor in the state of Wisconsin.

PARKS: Intoxicants are not allowed in any city playground, city swimming pool or city park, except in Carroll Park, Copeland Park, Myrick Park, Houska Park, Red Cloud Park, Grandad Bluff or Pettibone Park (excluding beach area). For parties of twenty-five persons or less, a permit is not required, but any bottled or canned beer is allowed. If you desire liquor or keg beer, you must reserve an enclosed shelter. For parties over twenty-five persons, a permit must be obtained from the City Park Department, third floor City Hall, Monday through Friday during normal business hours. All Parks close at 11:00 p.m.

3. Animals

Every person who owns, keeps, or harbors a dog or cat must have it immunized against rabies and obtain a license from the City Treasurer. No person or unit living together may keep more than four dogs or cats in total over the age of five months. Dogs or cats are not permitted to run at large. When walking your dog or cat, animal excreta discharge on public or private property must be immediately removed by the walker. Animals are not allowed in parks or on school property.

4. Auction

Surplus property and recovered, unclaimed bikes will be auctioned off twice a year. Auctions are held once in the fall and once in the spring. Please check back to this page for future auction dates or call (608)789-7245.

5. Bicycles

Bicycles are considered as vehicles and must obey most of the traffic laws. Bicycles operated in the City must be licensed, which can be done at the Police Department for a cost of $2.00. This license is good for as long as you own the bicycle.

6. Bike Barn

To request information on a recovered bike, please call the Property Clerk at (608)789-7245.

7. Complaints against department

Our Department prides itself in providing the highest quality professional law enforcement services to the citizens we serve. We hold ourselves accountable to each other and to the citizens we serve, who are the source of our authority. If you should have a concern with any aspect of service provided by the La Crosse Police Department and feel you wish to file a complaint please utilize any of the following procedures. Citizens wishing to send compliments about the department or officers can also utilize the same procedures.

Contact the non-emergency police number at 608-785-5962 and request to speak with the shift commander who will process your complaint.

Submit a letter of complaint directly to the Chief of Police:

Attn: Chief of Police
La Crosse Police Department
400 La Crosse Street
La Crosse, WI 54601

Complaints can also be filed directly with the City of La Crosse Police and Fire Commission.

Attn: Police & Fire Commission
Human Resources
400 La Crosse Street
La Crosse, WI 54601

Formal Complaint forms can be obtained in person at the La Crosse Police Department, 400 La Crosse St. La Crosse, WI or can be mailed at your request. It is not necessary in most cases to complete a formal complaint form to file a complaint. Complaints will be accepted in person, over the phone or in writing.

The Department is required by State Law to inform complainants that "whoever knowingly makes a false complaint regarding the conduct of a law enforcement officer is subject to a Class A forfeiture" Wisconsin State Statute 946.66(2).

8. Crime Prevention

Our Department offers a variety of programs and has many pamphlets on various topics - burglary, auto theft, Operation I.D., Neighborhood Watch, etc. Call the Community Services Bureau at 608-789-7240 if you have any questions in these areas.

9. Crime Stoppers

The La Crosse Area has a Crime Stoppers program. If you have information on any crime which has been committed or is about to be committed, you can call the Crime Stoppers Hotline (784-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-947-3577) and give the information and remain anonymous. If your tip results in an arrest, you are eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. More...

10. Curfew

AGES 15, 16, & 17
SEPTEMBER 1 thru MAY 31
Sunday thru Thursday: 11:00p.m. -5:00a.m.
Friday and Saturday: 12:30a.m. - 5:00a.m.
JUNE 1 thru AUGUST 31
Sunday thru Saturday: 12:30a.m. - 5:00a.m.

AGES 12, 13 & 14
SEPTEMBER 1 thru MAY 31
Sunday thru Thursday: 10:00p.m. - 5:00a.m.
Friday and Saturday: 11:00p.m. - 5:00a.m.
JUNE 1 thru AUGUST 31
Sunday thru Saturday: 11:00p.m. - 5:00a.m.

AGE 12 and UNDER
ALL DAYS, ALL YEAR
10:00p.m. - 5:00a.m.

11. Daylight Savings Time

On Sunday Morning, October 28 at 2:00a.m., clocks are set back to 1:00a.m. in compliance with state statute 175.095.

Taverns holding a Class B license can stay open until 2:30a.m., essentially giving them one extra hour of business on that date.


REMINDER

First Sunday in April: advance one hour
Last Sunday in October: set back one hour

12. Fireworks

State Law and Municipal Ordinance make it illegal to sell, have possession of, or to discharge any type of fireworks.

13. Fingerprinting

The Community Services Bureau provides fingerprinting services to the general public by appointment only, two days per week (Mondays 1:00-3:00PM and Thursdays 9:00AM-12:00PM). The cost for fingerprinting is $20.00 per person. Please call Community Services at (608) 789-7240 to schedule your appointment. More...

14. Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is not allowed from the roadway. PROTECT YOURSELF - do not pick up hitchhikers.

15. Location

The La Crosse Police Department is located in City Hall at 400 La Crosse Street. The Sixth Street entrance to our department is open twenty-four hours a day.

16. Parking

In many areas of the city there is limited parking which is enforced by the Police Department. Signs post the time zones, no-parking zones, handicapped parking, loading and tow-away zones. Please watch for them when parking your vehicle.

NIGHT PARKING / ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING

From November 1 to April 1, between 1:00a.m. and 6:00a.m., vehicles shall be parked only on even-numbered sides of the streets on those nights with an even calendar date, and on odd-numbered sides of the streets on those nights with an odd calendar date. Where parking is normally permitted only on one side of the street, vehicles may be parked on that permitted side every night.

17. Patch Requests

To receive a La Crosse Police Department Patch, please follow the rules below:

Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope (size 4.5" x 6") and $3.00 to the address below. (First class postage required -- $0.37)

Make Check or Money Order Payable to: L.P.P.N.S.A.

Mail to:

La Crosse Police Department

Attn: Community Services Bureau
400 La Crosse Street
La Crosse, WI 54603

18. Security Survey

This is a free service from our department to assist you in looking at the vulnerable areas of your home or apartment. We offer many cost-free suggestions on the security of your home.

19. Student Safety Line

The La Crosse Area Crime Stoppers and the La Crosse Public School System offer the "Student Safety Line" to students attending middle or high school. The "Student Safety Line" is a proactive program that offers a $50.00 cash reward to anyone who provides information that results in recovery of Alcohol, Drugs, or weapons on school property. Callers can remain anonymous by calling 784-8477 or 1-800-947-3577.

20. Traffic

We will do our utmost to keep traffic moving as smoothly as possible, but your assistance is needed. Traffic regulations are strictly enforced to keep our streets safe for everyone. The speed limit is 25 MPH unless otherwise posted. Make sure to adjust your speed in bad weather conditions.