Frequently Asked Questions

According to Wisconsin Legislature 74.01 tax bills have to be mailed by the third Monday in December. It is your responsibility to obtain and pay the tax bill pertaining to your property. The mailing of tax bills is for your convenience, and according to Wisconsin Statutes, Section 74.09 (6), failure to receive a bill does not exempt any property owner from paying penalties in the event of late payment.

You can also contact the  Finance Department at (262) 797-2448, and we will get the tax amount to you as soon as it becomes available (generally the first week of December). The amount billed can also be viewed on the following webpage once the bill amount has been established. Waukesha County Treasurer’s office

The City of New Berlin has 4 tax rates: 

• New Berlin School District (NB) 12.378288
• West Allis School District (WA) 15.346422
• Elmbrook School District (EB) 12.600212
• Muskego School District (MS) 11.776986

The amount of the First Dollar Credit is:

• Elmbrook School District - $56.34
• Muskego School District - $49.77
• New Berlin School District - $54.56
• West Allis School District - $73.59

• New Berlin School District - $163.69
• West Allis School District - $220.78
• Elmbrook School District - $169.02
• Muskego School District - $149.31

The assessor multiplies the total assessed value of property as of January 1 of the tax year by the tax rate to get your tax bill. Though the assessed 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. All of these tax units decide what services they will provide in the coming year and how much money they will need to provide those services. This amount is divided by the assessed value of all city property minus the school tax credit to arrive at the net tax rate. The tax rate is the rate that is necessary to raise sufficient money for the property tax to meet the levy. The levy is determined by totaling all expected sources of revenue, such as state aids and shared revenues, license fees, etc. This amount is then subtracted from the estimated expenditure figure, and the remainder must be raised from the property tax.

Contact the county register of deeds at:

515 W. Moreland Blvd., Room AC110

Waukesha WI 53188

Ph: (262) 548-7589

Waukesha County Treasurer’s office

• Search for your property
• Click on Tax Bill details
• Under owner name and mailing address click on, "click here to provide updated mailing address"

If the check is not enough to pay the first installment, you are responsible for paying the difference by January 31. However, if it covers more than the first installment, the overage will reduce the amount of the second installment due on March 31, and (possibly) the amount of the third installment due on May 31. If the check is more than the total amount due, you will receive a refund by mail approximately four weeks from the date of payment. No cash refunds are given.

To get the lottery credit, contact the Waukesha County Treasurer at:

 515 W. Moreland Blvd., Room AC148 Waukesha, WI 53188

Late lottery and gaming credit applications can be found on the following website.

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue administers two programs to help people with their property taxes - the Homestead Tax Credit Program and the Property Tax Deferral Loan Program. For information on the Homestead Tax Credit Program, contact the Department of Revenue at: P.O. Box 8903 Madison, WI 53708 Ph: (608) 266-8641

For information on the Property Tax Deferral Loan Program, contact the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority at (800) 755-7835 or (608) 264-6855.

Your deduction will be listed on your monthly bank statement as an item labeled similar to "New Berlin Utilities Payment," depending on your bank’s printing capabilities. 

Please contact the City of New Berlin to cancel your automatic payments.  If your new residence is served by the New Berlin utilities, you simply fill out a new Agreement Form and send a new voided check.

• The savings account number you want to use
• Your bank ABA number (you can obtain this from your bank)
• Your signature (in addition to the one on the agreement)

With only a few exceptions, appointments are made by the mayor and confirmed by the Common Council. Terms of volunteer appointees vary from one to five years. For more information, please visit: Boards & Commissions | New Berlin, WI - Official Website

The Mayor holds open office hours on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to Noon at City Hall. Please note that on rare occasions, these hours may be canceled due to scheduling conflicts. We encourage you to check the City Calendar before visiting.

Additionally, the Mayor maintains an open-door policy during regular business hours. If he is available in his office, he is happy to meet with citizens. To ensure time is set aside, scheduling an appointment may work best for both you and the Mayor. To make arrangements, please call (262) 797-2441.

We value your input and encourage you to stop by or call—we want to hear your concerns!

The mayor's term of office is four years. Mayor Ament’s current term (his fourth) ends in April 2029.

A candidate must be 18 years of age, a qualified resident of the city, and file the proper document per state statutes. A candidate may not be a convicted felon.

This information is found under Chapter 51, Officers and Employees, of our Municipal Code (section 51-5).

To learn about different pleas, please view the following webpage.

The New Berlin Municipal Court offers several options to pay your citation.  Please refer to the page below to find out acceptable methods of payment.

For information on rescheduling court dates, please click below for more information.

Please refer to our Explanation of Pleas and Sentencing page for information on the municipal court process.  For citation instructions, please view the following document.  

The Municipal Court is located in the Public Safety Building at: 16300 West National Ave. New Berlin, WI 53151.  Map out directions through MapQuest here.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation can provide information about reinstating your driver's license if it has been suspended.  Please refer to our Driver's License page for more information.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation can provide information about registering your vehicle.  Please also refer to our Vehicle Registration page for additional information.

To learn more about Teen Court and the qualifications to participate, please refer to our Teen Court page for information.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation can provide information about the status of your driver's license.  Please also refer to our Driver's License page for additional information.

To obtain a police or accident report for an incident that occurred in the City of New Berlin, please contact the New Berlin Police Department at 262-782-6640.

Information on community service requirements can be found at our Suggested Locations for Community Service page.  

No person is allowed to park a vehicle on any street in the City of New Berlin between 2:00 am and 5:00 am unless a permit is granted. Signs giving notice of this restriction are posted at or near the corporate limits of the city on all state and county truck highways and connecting streets.

A permit may be issued by the Police Department to any owner or lessee of any motor vehicle to park overnight on a street or highway adjacent to the premises occupied by such owner or lessee as a residence where there is insufficient parking space on the premises to provide parking space for the motor vehicle.

Please contact the New Berlin Police for more information on obtain a parking permit.

No. If you overpay a citation and the court office issues you a refund, not cashing the refund will not hold off the reporting of your citation to the Department of Transportation. Citations are reported to the Department of Transportation immediately after a finding has been entered.

• Fuel heaters and other small appliances in a well-ventilated area
• Have appliances, flues, and chimneys inspected by a qualified technician regularly
• Install and maintain CO detectors
• Never leave a car running in a garage or near a residence or other small space
• Periodically open windows to air out the area
• Provide routine maintenance of fuel-burning appliances
• Use appliances only for their intended purposes
• Use charcoal grills outdoors, in well-ventilated areas
• Use paint strippers and solvents outdoors, in well-ventilated areas

• Keep them clean. Dust and debris can interfere with their operation, so vacuum over and around your smoke alarm regularly.
• People with hearing impairments should install smoke alarms with louder alarm signals and/or strobe lights to alert them to a fire.
• Replace the batteries at least once a year. Schedule battery replacements for the same day you change your clock from daylight to standard time in the fall.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month by using the alarm's test button or an approved smoke substitute, and clean the units in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

The 2026 Recycling Center dates/hours are as follows: 

March 31, 2026 - December 5, 2026 (Summer Hours)

• Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm 
• Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. 
• Closed on July 4, 2026 & November 26, 2026.

December 5, 2026 - March 27, 2027 (Winter Hours) 

• Saturdays ONLY from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

For more information, please refer to our flyer, visit our site, or call the Streets Department at 262-780-4609.

The recycling center accepts yard waste (leaves, branches), scrap metal, #1 & #2 plastics, cardboard, newspaper, magazines, household mail, used motor oil, used antifreeze, cans, and appliances (refrigerators, dehumidifiers, air conditioners). It does not accept any construction (wood, drywall) and tires.  Please call are see attached for more information.

Click here for more information.

The City of New Berlin contracts with Johns Disposal for residential garbage/recycling pickup. This amount is included on your tax bill.

???

???

???

???

To qualify, you must:

• Be a qualified elector of Waukesha County

• Speak, read, and write fluently in English

• Have a positive attitude, be friendly, and work well as part of a team

• Be an effective communicator

• Not be a candidate for office in the election

• Be able to set aside personal political views

• Represent the City of New Berlin professionally

• Basic computer skills are a must

• Be able to communicate effectively via phone/email

Yes! The City Clerk’s Office offers training throughout the year, including:

• Basic Election Inspector Training

• Absentee Ballot Processing

• Pre-election briefings (in-person at City Hall, via Zoom, or through YouTube videos)

Chief Election Inspectors and Deputy Chiefs are required to complete at least six hours of continuing education during each two-year term. Additional pay is provided for these positions.

Election Inspectors are appointed to two-year terms, but even one-time participation or last-minute availability is greatly appreciated.

Polling places are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, but election inspectors generally work from 6:15 AM until about 9:00 PM or later, especially during high-turnout elections (e.g., November General Elections).

• Breaks and lunch/dinner are provided as scheduled by the Chief Inspector.

• Meals may be provided for busy elections.

• Half-shifts (AM or PM) are available—please notify the Chief Inspector in advance.

We aim to place inspectors at their neighborhood polling location. However, flexibility is appreciated to help fill in where needed across the city.

Yes! Students who meet the following requirements can participate:

• Be 16 or 17 years old

• Be enrolled in grades 9–12 at a public or private school

• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA (or written certification from their school principal if under 3.0)

• Have parental or guardian approval (written consent required)

• Be authorized by the municipal clerk

Yes! Under Wisconsin law, employers are required to grant unpaid leave to employees serving as election inspectors if given at least 7 days’ notice. Wisconsin Statute 7.33(3)

• The leave covers the full 24-hour period of the election day.

• Upon request, the Clerk’s Office will verify your appointment for your employer.

Each year, departments submit budget requests to the Finance Department, which are reviewed by the Mayor and Finance Director. The proposed budget is then presented to the Common Council for review, public input is gathered, and the Council adopts a final version.

The Common Council adopts the final City budget, typically in the fall. A public hearing is held before adoption to allow for resident input.

The operating budget covers day-to-day expenses (staffing, utilities, supplies), while the capital budget funds larger projects and infrastructure (roads, vehicles, buildings, etc.).

A significant portion of the City’s budget is dedicated to delivering essential services such as public safety (Police and Fire), infrastructure maintenance (like roads and snow removal), and other citywide operations that keep New Berlin running smoothly.

To provide these services, the City invests in a skilled and dedicated workforce, and as such, personnel costs (salaries, benefits, and retirement) represent one of the largest areas of spending across all departments.

The majority of funding comes from property taxes, with additional revenue from state aids, fees, permits, and grants.

Property tax rates are determined each year based on the City’s adopted budget, assessed property values, and state-imposed levy limits. Any proposed increase is discussed during public budget meetings and hearings, and residents are encouraged to provide input.

Please note: The City of New Berlin is only one part of your total property tax bill. Other taxing jurisdictions — including your local school district (School District of New Berlin, Elmbrook, West Allis–West Milwaukee, or Muskego–Norway), Waukesha County, and area technical colleges — each set their own tax levies annually.

Property taxes are calculated using the mill rate, which represents the amount of tax per $1,000 of assessed property value. Each taxing entity sets its own mill rate based on its budget needs and the total value of taxable property in its district.

Your property taxes help fund essential services like Police, Fire, EMS, snow removal, street maintenance, park facilities, and administrative services.

The City of New Berlin is committed to being a responsible steward of public funds. Each department regularly reviews its operations to identify cost-saving opportunities and ensure services are delivered as efficiently and effectively as possible.

We actively pursue grants, state and federal funding, and cost-sharing partnerships to offset expenses wherever possible. We also explore new technologies, contract efficiencies, and alternative service models to stretch taxpayer dollars further.

Despite these efforts, the City operates under strict state-imposed levy limits, which cap how much property tax revenue we can collect each year, even as inflation, service demands, and infrastructure needs grow.

Recognizing this challenge, we are also exploring long-term solutions, such as referendums or other sustainable funding options, to ensure we can continue to provide the level of service our residents expect and deserve.

Departments submit budget requests based on service needs and priorities. These are reviewed and balanced against available revenues and long-term planning goals before being presented to the Common Council for approval.

Residents may share comments by emailing CitizenComments@newberlin.org, attending budget meetings, or speaking during the Privilege of the Floor at Common Council meetings. Public input is especially encouraged during the annual budget hearing.

Privilege of the Floor is a public comment period at every Common Council meeting. Residents can speak directly to the Council on any topic. Click here to view the rules and guidelines. 

Visit our Meeting & Agenda Portal to create an account. You can subscribe to receive email notifications when agendas are posted for meetings you’re interested in, including Common Council and Committee of the Whole.

The portal provides access to meeting agendas, packets, videos (if recorded), and action minutes. You can also sign up for meeting alerts and submit public comments through the portal. Click here to access the portal.

Wisconsin imposes strict levy limits on municipalities, which cap how much property tax revenue the City can raise each year, typically based on the net new construction rate. This makes it difficult for growing communities like New Berlin to fund expanding service needs without exploring other tools permitted by state law.

The Common Council discussed the option of a wheel tax during the Special Committee of the Whole meeting on July 29, 2025, but there was consensus not to pursue it. That discussion has since concluded.

It was considered because state-imposed levy limits restrict how much revenue the City can generate through property taxes, even as service demands and costs continue to rise. Under Wisconsin law, a local vehicle registration fee (wheel tax) is one of the few tools available to fund transportation and infrastructure needs. Including it in the discussion was part of the City’s responsibility to evaluate all legally available funding options as we plan for the future.

No public safety referendum has been approved. Like the wheel tax, it was included on the agenda to allow for open discussion and transparency, but no formal action has been taken.

It is being considered because the City is facing increasing demands on its fire, EMS, and police services. To maintain current response levels and ensure adequate staffing in the years ahead, additional funding may be needed. Under Wisconsin law, the only way to exceed the state-imposed levy limit to fund these services is through a voter-approved referendum. Evaluating whether this tool is right for New Berlin is part of the City’s commitment to proactive and responsible planning.

The City cannot raise the levy limit on its own. Under Wisconsin law, municipalities must seek voter approval through a referendum in order to exceed the state-imposed levy cap. That’s why a referendum is one of the few legal tools available to fund growing service demands.

No. The City remains in strong financial health. Moody’s Investors Service reaffirmed New Berlin’s Aaa bond rating, the highest possible rating, awarded to only five cities in Wisconsin. Discussions about funding options are part of responsible long-term planning, not an indication of financial distress.

While the City of New Berlin is currently in a strong financial position, with a Aaa bond rating and well-managed reserves, financial stability today does not guarantee sustainability tomorrow, especially under Wisconsin’s restrictive levy limits.

Even with responsible fiscal management, the City’s ability to maintain core services is challenged by:

• Annual increases in service delivery costs (e.g., fuel, equipment, insurance, utilities)

• Rising labor costs due to inflation and competitive hiring markets

• Increased demand for public safety and emergency services as the population grows

• Limited revenue flexibility under state law, which does not allow the City to raise property taxes beyond a small percentage tied to new construction

New funding options are being explored, not out of immediate financial need, but because the City is committed to long-term planning. By considering all legal tools now — including referenda or fees — the City can ensure it continues to meet service expectations without waiting for a crisis to force reactive decisions.

The City is planning ahead to ensure it can continue delivering high-quality services as New Berlin grows. Several key factors are contributing to the need for long-term budget planning:

• Rising costs due to inflation, supply chain challenges, and higher contract and material prices

• Increased demand for services as the City’s population grows and residents expect timely, efficient delivery of essential services

• Workforce retention and recruitment challenges, especially in a competitive labor market

One of the most pressing concerns is the need to maintain and expand public safety services, including fire, EMS, and police. The City must ensure that staffing levels keep pace with call volumes, population density, and emergency response expectations.

Whether it’s having enough firefighters on each shift, paramedics to respond to medical emergencies, or police officers available for patrols and investigations, public safety is central to the City’s responsibility — and it represents a significant portion of the City’s operating budget. Planning now helps avoid service shortfalls in the future.

No. Municipalities across Wisconsin — both large and small — are facing similar financial pressures due to state-imposed levy limits and revenue restrictions that have not kept pace with inflation or growing service demands.

These constraints mean that, even as costs rise and communities expand, cities and villages have limited ability to increase their revenues to maintain service levels. As a result, many municipalities are exploring or implementing:

• Operational referenda to support fire, police, EMS, or general operations

• Local vehicle registration fees (wheel taxes) to fund road maintenance and transportation needs

• Special assessments or service fees to cover items like stormwater, garbage collection, or facility upgrades

The growing use of these tools is not a sign of poor financial management, but rather a reflection of the limited financial flexibility allowed under state law. New Berlin is not alone in facing these decisions — we are part of a statewide trend of communities trying to balance responsible budgeting with resident expectations for safety, service quality, and infrastructure maintenance.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged by following upcoming Committee of the Whole and Common Council meetings, where these topics may continue to be discussed.

There are several ways to share your feedback:

• Email your comments to: citizencomments@newberlin.org
  (Messages are shared with both the Mayor and all members of the Common Council)

• Contact your alderperson or the Mayor directly to share concerns or ask questions

• Attend the public budget hearing, where residents will have the opportunity to speak on the record

Public involvement is a vital part of the City’s decision-making process, and your voice matters.

• Visit the City's Budget Transparency Hub
• Subscribe to updates through the Meeting & Agenda Portal
• Subscribe to the Notify Me to be alerted to future Press Releases

Each department director is responsible for managing their department’s budget and ensuring that expenditures align with the goals and limits set during the annual budget process. The Finance Department and the Mayor provide ongoing oversight and review throughout the year.

Spending is monitored regularly, and financial updates are provided to the Common Council on a monthly basis to ensure transparency and accountability.

If unexpected expenses or changes arise mid-year, budget amendments may be proposed. These amendments must be reviewed and approved by the Common Council before any adjustments are made to the adopted budget.

.The Finance Department, in coordination with the Mayor, monitors expenses and revenues throughout the year to ensure alignment with the adopted budget. Regular financial reports are shared with department directors and the Common Council to promote transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making.

You can access past and current adopted budgets and related materials on the City’s Budget Transparency Hub.