As we move through the summer season, there are several important updates to share regarding projects, events, and developments taking place throughout our community.

Construction has begun on the reconstruction of Houston Street and a portion of E. Seward Street. This important infrastructure project will improve the long-term reliability of our streets and utilities, but it will also require several months to complete. I encourage residents and visitors to be patient while traveling through the area and to carefully follow all posted signage and traffic controls for the safety of workers and the public.

Additional street improvements will also begin soon. The resurfacing projects on Tabbert Street and Hall Street are expected to get underway in the coming weeks. These two projects are only possible because of the City’s vehicle registration fee, which continues to provide dedicated funding for street maintenance and improvements.

I am also pleased to share that the Selfridge Park improvement project is largely complete. The new trails, playground, and parking areas are now open and ready for residents and visitors to enjoy. The fishing pier and kayak launch remain under construction and are expected to be completed later this summer, further enhancing the park’s recreational opportunities.

Another exciting milestone for our community occurred recently with the groundbreaking of the SC Swiderski Apartment Community in the Sandmar neighborhood. This development will bring 64 new apartment and townhome units to Ripon and represents an important step in addressing our community’s housing needs. We welcome SC Swiderski to Ripon and look forward to welcoming the many new residents who will call this development home.

Summer fun is also in full swing throughout the community. I encourage residents to check out the programs and activities offered by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, which provides opportunities for all ages to stay active and engaged throughout the season. Be sure to attend the popular summer concert series at the Village Green, where neighbors and friends can gather to enjoy live music in a beautiful setting. Ripon’s Independence Day Celebration and community fireworks show will take place on July 3 at Murray Park. This annual event is a wonderful opportunity for families, friends, and visitors to come together, celebrate our nation’s independence, and enjoy an evening of community pride and fellowship.

Thank you for your continued patience, support, and engagement as we work together to invest in Ripon’s future while also taking time to enjoy all that makes summer in Ripon special!

Theodore Grant

Mayor, City of Ripon

CLERKS OFFICE

Election Updates:

• Absentee Ballots Are in the Mail: The City of Ripon Clerk's Office has begun mailing absentee ballots to registered voters for the August 11, 2026, election. If you plan to vote by mail, you can request your ballot through the MyVote WI website.
• If you are not registered or your name or address has changed, you will need to register or update your registration before requesting an absentee ballot.
• Ripon Residents: In Person Absentee Voting for the August 11th Partisan Primary Starts July 28th! 
• If you prefer to vote early and in person, you may do so starting July 28th.This is a convenient way to cast your ballot ahead of Election Day.
• Hours of Operation July 28th - August 7th at Ripon City Hall, 100 E Jackson:
• Tuesday, July 28; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 29; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 30; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Friday, July 31; 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 
• Monday, August 3; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, August 4; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, August 5; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Thursday, August 6; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Friday, August 7; 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• What to Bring: A valid photo ID.
• Why Vote Early? It helps avoid lines on Election Day and gives you flexibility with your schedule.

Have questions about hours, or ID requirements?

Visit MyVote.wi.gov or contact Ripon City Hall directly for details.

WELCOME SCS RIPON

One of the City of Ripon's key goals is to create high-quality housing opportunities that support our growing community and strengthen our local businesses. We're thrilled to see this project coming to fruition.

This groundbreaking marks an exciting milestone, and we look forward to the positive impact this development will have for residents, employers, and the community as a whole.

Watch a short video on the event:

HOUSING PROGRAM

Now accepting applications! The City of Ripon offers housing programs to help you build, buy, or improve a home. Whether you’re looking to construct a new home or purchase your first home there are resources available. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply by visiting https://www.cityofripon.com/housing.

OTHER UPDATES AND REMINDERS

• Building Inspector Hours: Our Building Inspector hours at City Hall are held every Monday from 9:00-11:00am, or by appointment. Contact Building Inspector Steve at 920-226-1030 or email spotter@msa-ps.com. Learn more here.
• Interested in learning more about Chicken-Keeping in Ripon? Check out our brochure.
• 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.
• City Hall Services and Dept of Public Works - See our Services Handout
• City Hall Summer Hours: Our summer hours begin from after Memorial Day through Labor Day. During this period, we will be open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and Friday from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
• Upcoming Holiday Closure: In observance of Independence Day, City Offices will be closed on Friday, July 3rd.

Q: What is the property revaluation the City is conducting in 2026?

A: The City of Ripon contracts with Associated Appraisal Consultants, Inc. to provide assessment services. In 2026, Associated Appraisal will be conducting an Interim Market Update Revaluation (IMU) throughout the city.

An Interim Market Update is a type of revaluation that adjusts property assessments to reflect current market conditions. This process is appropriate when property records remain reliable and a more comprehensive revaluation has been completed within the past several years. Rather than conducting a full inspection of every property, the assessor analyzes market data, recent sales, and neighborhood trends to update assessments and improve accuracy.

Why is the city conducting a revaluation now? The primary reason is that Ripon's assessments are no longer in compliance with Wisconsin assessment requirements. Wisconsin law requires municipalities to maintain assessments within 10% of the property's estimated market value at least once every four years. The State of Wisconsin measures this through the municipality's assessment ratio, which compares assessed values to market values. Currently, Ripon's assessment ratio is:

• 59.13% for residential properties 
• 64.84% overall 

These figures indicate that assessed values throughout the community have not kept pace with changes in the real estate market. As a result, the city must complete a revaluation to ensure assessments more accurately reflect current market conditions and that property taxes are distributed fairly among property owners.

What about Open Book and Board of Review? Because of the revaluation process, the City's normal assessment calendar will be delayed this year. Open Book is the period when property owners can review their assessment with the assessor, ask questions, and discuss how their value was determined. Property owners who believe information about their property is incorrect can work directly with the assessor during this process. Board of Review is the formal appeal process established by state law. Property owners who disagree with their assessment after speaking with the assessor at Open Book may file an objection and present evidence to the Board of Review for consideration.

Open Book is tentatively scheduled for mid-to-late August, with the Board of Review anticipated for late September or early October. Property owners whose assessments change during the IMU will receive notification directly from Associated Appraisal.

What does this mean for property taxes? The most likely outcome is that many residential properties, particularly those that have not been sold, built, or significantly improved in recent years, will see increases in assessed value. However, an increase in assessed value does not automatically mean a proportional increase in property taxes. As assessments across the community increase, the tax rate is expected to decline. The actual impact on any property's tax bill will depend on several factors, including the final tax levies established by the City of Ripon, Ripon Area School District, Fond du Lac County, and Moraine Park Technical College.

It is important to remember that the purpose of a revaluation is not to raise additional revenue. Rather, it is to ensure that all properties are assessed fairly and equitably based on current market conditions so that the tax burden is distributed appropriately across the community.

As always, if you have questions about City services, projects, or programs, please ask!

Adam Sonntag

City Administrator, City of Ripon

PARKS & RECREATION / SENIOR CENTER

• Light Up Ripon! Sponsor the 2026 Community Fireworks, July 3rd

Join us Friday, July 3^rd for an evening of community fun at the Ripon Community Fireworks! Festivities will kick off at 7:00 PM with a variety of family-friendly activities. The night will conclude with a fireworks display beginning at dusk. This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, whose contributions help bring this celebration to our community each year. We’re grateful for their continued partnership and commitment to making Ripon a great place to gather and celebrate.

Click here to join the Facebook Event page.

• Selfridge Park Is Now Open!

Thank you to the Boys & Girls Club students and community members who joined us for last week’s ribbon cutting on Friday, June 26th. The newly renovated park features an all‑inclusive playground, new paths, upgraded shelters and more — with a kayak launch and accessible fishing wharf coming soon.

Located at Seward and East Water streets, Selfridge Park is ready for families to enjoy all summer long. A grand opening celebration will be announced later this season!

Visit our Parks and Recreation Website

to explore a variety of activities and ways to get involved!

• In May, we celebrated National Public Works and Utilities Week. We recognize the essential contributions—both seen and unseen—that keep our community moving forward. Thank you to our Public Works and Utilities Team for your hard work, professionalism, and continued commitment!

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS)



Check out the latest episode with EMS Chief, Mitch Matuszeski talking about the 2025 annual report, community presentations, and more.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Annual Ride with the Lights Event

The City of Ripon Police Department, along with 80 other law enforcement agencies, participated in the annual Ride with the Lights event on Saturday, June 27th, supporting the Police Lights Of Christmas. 

The ride began with a powerful ceremony honoring Wisconsin law enforcement officers that paid the ultimate sacrifice serving their communities. Many families were in attendance. 



Thank you to Katie from Q90FM Radio for organizing these events every year! Learn more here.

Ripon PD Welcomes Copper, Our Newest (and Fuzziest) Team Member

Introducing our newest recruit--meet Copper! Officer Michels was selected to start our Therapy Dog program at Ripon Police Department after a generous donation by First We Live Foundation.

The program’s mission is to enhance the services of the department in providing therapeutic aid and mental health assistance to area residents, students, and employees, by implementing well-trained dogs as a medium in those efforts.

Copper will be assigned with Officer Michels. Special thank you to Animal House Pet Supplies LLC for your dog food donation to the program, and Associated Veterinary Clinic, L.L.C  generously donating veterinary care.

Recap 11th Annual Bike Rodeo

We had an incredible day at Ripon’s 11th Annual Bike Rodeo on June 7th. We loved seeing so many riders out enjoying the event and building their biking skills.

A huge thank you to our sponsors and community partners for helping make this event such a success—we couldn’t do it without your support!



Check out more photos here.

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.

Welcome Officer Warner!

Please join us in welcoming our newest officer, Alex Warner #566, who was sworn in Monday, May 26.



Officer Warner joins us with four years of patrol experience, and we are excited to have him serve and support our community. Welcome to the City of Ripon, Officer Warner! 

RIPON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Check out our website to stay current on what's happening and discover ways you can get involved!

Did you know the library has a newsletter? Sign up here.

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.

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!

100 Jackson St, Ripon, WI 54971

920-748-4916

Summer Hours:

Monday - Thursday 7:30am - 4:30pm

Friday 7:30-2:00pm

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.