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Inside the City of Ripon

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January 2026

Welcome to the City of Ripon’s new quarterly newsletter.



This newsletter will keep you informed about City projects - recently completed, currently underway, and planned for the future - as well as upcoming events and available programs and activities.


Strong, engaged communities are built on clear and consistent communication. This newsletter is one way the City of Ripon is strengthening communication with our residents and opening the door to greater dialogue. Our goal is to encourage conversation not only about the topics covered here, but also about other issues important to our community.


The City of Ripon has completed many projects aimed at improving our community and is actively working on many more. We want you to know what we are doing, why we are doing it, and what programs and opportunities are available to you. Some projects will require community involvement, and when that is the case, we will share those opportunities here.


I hope you find this newsletter informative, and I look forward to hearing from you.


Theodore Grant

Mayor, City of Ripon

2026 Budget Report

Each year, the City of Ripon begins its budget process in early summer and concludes in November with Council adoption. The 2026 budget focuses on finishing major projects from 2025, stabilizing long-term financing, and making strategic investments in infrastructure, public safety, community amenities, and core operations. 

Ripon Code Connect

Ripon Code Connect is your direct link to keeping our community clean, safe, and vibrant. This tool makes it easy for residents to report concerns such as property maintenance issues, noxious weeds, junk vehicles, debris, or other code violations.

New Commercial Plan Review Services Partnership with E-Plan Exam

The City of Ripon has partnered with E-Plan Exam to provide faster, locally managed commercial plan review services. This collaboration enables a targeted 15-day review timeline while maintaining high standards for code compliance.

  • 2025 Tax Bill and Where Do My Property Taxes Go? Click here to learn more.
  • Payment Service Network: Make your Utility Payments online! Click here.
  • Pet Licensing: All City of Ripon residents owning a dog or cat that is 5 months of age or older must have their pet licensed. The license year is January 1 through December 31. Click here to learn more.
  • Election Update:
  • There is no February Primary this year. The next scheduled election in the City of Ripon is Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • Absentee ballots will begin being mailed March 17th to voters with an active absentee request on file. In-person absentee voting for the April Election will run from March 24th – April 3rd.
  • Questions? Please call: 920-748-4916 or email cityclerk@cityofripon.com.
  • City Hall Services and Dept of Public Works - See our Services Handout

POLICE DEPARTMENT

  • Cadet Program: The Police Department is starting a Public Safety Cadets program! The Cadets are motivated & responsible students ages 14-20. The Cadets train with law enforcement officers, attend conferences/competitions, ride along with officers on patrol, and learn the skills needed to be a police officer. Build that resume early. Interested students can contact Officer Shew at (920) 748-2888 or brandon.shew@riponpolice.com.
  • Winter Parking Permit Applications can be found under Licensing and Permits page.
  • Stay connected and get the latest updates by following us on Facebook!
  • City of Ripon Guardian Ambulance, Ripon Area Fire District WI, and City of Ripon Police Department teamed up again this year to help local youth celebrate Christmas with their families. Thank you to everyone who donates to make this program possible, and a special thank you to School Resource Officer Michels who puts the event together!

MEET K9 BLEK


Hi, my name is Blek. I am a 2.5-year-old German Shepard. I am originally from Slovakia. My favorite thing to do is use my nose to find drugs but I will also chase people who have broken the law. In my free time I play with my small human siblings at home, but I really like chasing the frisbee. I am full of energy, so I rarely like to lay down unless my dad (Officer Howell) is driving us around in my squad car. If you see me around feel free to ask my dad for permission to give me scratches. 

PARKS & RECREATION / SENIOR CENTER

  • Park Shelter Reservations are now open for 2026!
  • Visit our website to check out various activities and ways to get involved!

DEPT OF PUBLIC WORKS


We're all moved in into our new Municipal Garage!

Watch a video tour.

UTILITIES

  • Water Service Line Notices: You may have received a letter from the City of Ripon identifying whether your home has a lead, galvanized, or unknown water service line. Our goal is to complete a full Service Line Inventory to keep our community safe and informed. Options how to report your service line:
  • Call Us: 920-748-4900
  • Upload photos: www.cityofripon.com/servicelinereporting
  • Schedule an appointment: www.cityofripon.com/waterutility
  • New Water Self-Scheduling Tool: We now have an easy-to-use, online self-scheduling system to schedule Meter Change Out, Service Line Material Verification or Water Leak appointment.

Have a question about city services, projects, or how local government works? Submit your questions to HR@cityofripon.com, and our City Administrator will respond. You ask, we answer!

Committee Opportunities

Are you looking for a way to get more involved in what’s happening around the City? We have several committees that offer opportunities to serve and make an impact when openings are available.

City Departments

Explore our city departments to learn about current policies and programs, and stay up to date on what’s new in our community.

Agenda & Minutes

Stay informed on what’s happening and what’s ahead by visiting our Agendas & Minutes page.

Share this LINK with your neighbors and friends of the community to sign up for our city newsletter to stay connected with what’s happening across the City of Ripon! From city policies and projects to highlights from Police, EMS, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, and the Senior Center, there’s always something new to discover. Learn how city employees serve the community, keep Ripon safe and thriving, and stay connected to local initiatives, events, and ways to get involved.

Get City Updates in Real Time — Follow Us on Social Media!

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City Website

Contact Us

Calendar

100 Jackson St, Ripon, WI 54971

920-748-4916

Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm

www.cityofripon.com

Our Mission Statement

The City of Ripon invites businesses, residents, and customers to be a part of our strong community networks. We are proud to provide exceptional community spaces, public safety, municipal services, and community programs to all Riponites.



Our Core Values

  • Commitment - We work hard and give our best every day, providing dependable services, safe neighborhoods, and welcoming spaces that help Ripon thrive.  
  • Accountability - We take ownership of our actions and decisions, acting with honesty, fairness, and transparency to earn the community’s trust.  
  • Respect - We treat everyone with fairness, care, and professionalism, building trust through every interaction.  
  • Enrichment - We solve problems, encourage new ideas, and work together to create opportunities that help Ripon grow and thrive.