City Clerk-Treasurer's Office

City Polling Place

Tax Information

City of Thorp Public Library

Aquatic Facility, Skating Rink, Summer Recreation Program

City of Thorp Parks

City Park Reservations

Garbage/Refuse Collection

Building/Construction Permits

Weed & Grass Cutting

Landscaping in City Right-of-Way

Street Lights

Winter Parking Regulations

City Snowmobile Laws

Snow & Ice Removal

City Holidays

City of Thorp Facts & Figures

CITY CLERK-TREASURER'S OFFICE The City Clerk-Treasurer's office is located in the Municipal Building. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Utility bills, 1st installment of taxes, dog and cat licenses, pool passes, park reservations, registration forms, building and construction permits, bartender licenses, liquor licenses, cigarette licensed, dance permits, property assessments, refuse stickers, and informational pamphlets can all be obtained or handled in this office. The present City Clerk-Treasurer, Ellen Schmidt, has held the position since 1983. CITY POLLING PLACE The official place to vote in the City of Thorp is in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. The City is divided into six Wards (five Aldermanic Districts) and two County Supervisory Districts. When you appear at the polls to cast your vote, election officials are available to assist you in obtaining information pertaining to which City ward you reside in. Voter registration is not required in the City of Thorp. Proof of residency may be required if you moved within the ten days prior to election. TAX INFORMATION Real Estate and Personal Property tax bills are mailed in mid-December of each year. The first installment is due and should be postmarked by January 31st. The second installment is due and should be postmarked by July 31st. The first installment is paid to the City Treasurer at Thorp City Hall - 300 W. Prospect Street. The second installment is paid to the Clark County Treasurer, 517 Court St., Neillsville, WI 54456. The tax rate you are charged is the rate which is necessary to raise money to meet the levy of the City of Thorp, the State, Clark County, Thorp School District, and Chippewa Valley Technical College. The tax rate is the same for all residents within the City. The amount of real estate tax allocated to each individual taxpayer is based upon the local assessed value of the parcel. The yearly Assessment Roll is open for inspection prior to holding of the Board of Review to give residents the opportunity to review their assessment or those of other properties in the City. At least fifteen days prior to Open Book and Board Review, notice of date and time is published in the local newspaper. Under Wisconsin state law, you may file an objection to your property assessment if you feel that your assessment is incorrect and appear before the annual Board of Review. To do so, an official "Objection to Property Assessment" form must be completed and filed with the City, at least 48 hours prior to addressing the Board of Review. CITY OF THORP PUBLIC LIBRARY 401 S. Conway Street Monday……………Noon - 8:30 Tuesday……………10:00 - 5:30 Wednesday………...Noon - 8:30 Thursday…………..10:00 - 5:30 Friday……………...10:00 - 2:00 - (Memorial Day to Labor Day) Friday………………Closed - (Labor Day to Memorial Day) Saturday……………Closed - (Memorial Day to Labor Day) Saturday……………10:00 - 2:00 - (Labor Day to Memorial Day) MATERIALS available for adults and young adults include fiction and non-fiction, large print, paperbacks, magazines and newspapers. For children there are fiction and non-fiction, board books, easy readers, picture books, and cassette/book sets. In addition to print materials, you can check out video tapes, cassette tapes, audio books, and wall art. EQUIPMENT available for your use in the library included: An Apple 2-E Computer A copy machine2 public access computers with internetmicrofilm readerfax machine (669-7319) The Library also has a conference room and a kitchen located in the basement that is available for usage by non-profit or informational meetings. Reservations must be made with the Librarian at 669-5953. SERVICES - Library staff members are there to check out your selections, and also help you find materials and to answer questions. They can request specific books and materials not on our shelves from other larger libraries in the state. Programs which are offered on a regular basis are: Pre-school story time Summer reading programThe present Librarian, Renee Hermsen, has held the position since 1991. THORP AREA AQUATIC FACILITY The 1998 swimming pool facility is a beach-type water vessel with a diving hopper alcove and a water slide alcove. Also located on the pool grounds is a sand play lot. The outdoor Aquatic Facility is open to the public beginning the end of May through late August. Hours are 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week; unless poor weather conditions or less than minimum patron usage warrants closing. The Aquatic Facility offers a range of activities during the season. Three sessions of swimming lessons are offered. Tiny tots which is for very young children is offered on Saturdays in the month of July. Seasonal passes can be purchased at City Hall or a daily admission fee can be paid at the facility. One day group passes are also available for large groups. MUNICIPAL SKATING RINK - The outdoor skating rink and warming house is located in the City Park off of S. Clark Street. The warming house features a round fireplace. Used skates are available in a variety of sizes for usage by patrons. The warming house is supervised and is free of charge to all ages. The warming house hours are weekdays 4:00 p.m.; weekends 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Depending on weather conditions, the facility is open from November through January. MUNICIPAL SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAM - The Summer Recreation Program offers a wide variety of summer activities for young and old. Activities include Little League Program, T-Ball, Girl's Softball League, and Golf at Meadowview Country Club in Owen. The Program runs for approximately eight weeks beginning in early June. ADMISSION REGULATIONS: All persons over the age of 1-years old entering the pool area are required to pay an admission fee. This includes pre-schoolers and/or parents accompanying children, even if not entering the water. Children under 4 years of age MUST be accompanied by a care giver to enter the pool area. SEASONAL PASSES: *Family Pass - Residents (over 4 persons) - $50.00 *Family Pass - Non-Residents - $75.00 Individual Pass - Residents - $15.00 Individual Pass - Non-Residents - $20.00 DAILY ADMISSION FEE $3.00: All persons over 1-years of age - $2.00 REPLACEMENTS: Lost pass - $3.00 Seasonal/Replacement passes are available at Thorp City Hall during the office hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. *All persons must be living in same household under a FAMILY PASS. Proof of dependents must be proviede (i.e. - top portion of Income Tax Returns, insurance card listing dependents, etc.) RESIDENT REQUIREMENTS: Persons living in the City of Thorp, Townships of Reseburg, Township of Withee, or Township of Worden are considered "residents" for pricing purposes when purchasing seasonal passes. Proof of residency must be provided. CITY OF THORP PARKS Northside Ball Park is located at the northern city limits, just west of State Highway 73. The park includes a newly constructed ball diamond complete with lighting, dugouts and a viewing shelter. There is also a practice field with portable backstop. Three pavilions, a concession stand, modern flush toilet facilities, tractor-horse pull area and a judging box are also located at this park site. Four campsites with electric hook-ups were recently installed. Keating Park is located in the northeast part of the City on North Boardman Street. Facilities at the park include picnic tables, and playground equipment. There is a surfaced area that includes one full-size lighted basketball court. Thorp City Park is located on the corner of Stanley Street and Clark Street. The park offers a variety of services including lighted tennis courts, a skating rink and warming house, flush toiled facilities, picnic areas, two pavilions, four sand volleyball courts, a large playground area, a walking bridge over McGrogan Creek, and the historic landmark windmill. This park was recently renovated by the Thorp Public Middle School with funds from a learning grant. Conway Park is located on the southwestern part of the city limits off S. Adams Street. This is a park existing as a nature woodlot. A trail is located in the wooded area for hiking and cross-country ski activities. The park also has a playground with basketball backboard and covered picnic area. Swimming Pool Park is an 8.6 acre parcel of land located off S. Conway Street and contains the Aquatic Facility. The City's Centennial Tree Grove and time capsule burial site are located in this park that is mostly open playfield. Library Park is a two acre parcel of land located off S. Conway Street where the municipal library is located and is predominantly an open playfield. Thorp Area Veterans Memorial Park is located along S. Washington Street and is dedicated to all veterans of the Thorp Community with a M-60 A-1 tank monument and small picnic area. Memorial Day services are held in that park. Garrison Park is a small "green space" located at the corner of N. Washington Street and E. School Street. A gazebo and concrete table were donated for this park. CITY PARK RESERVATIONS The pavilions, ballfield and campsites can be reserved by the public. Reservations are made through the City Clerk's office. A minimum reservation fee of $10.00 is required. Parks close at 11:00 p.m. GARBAGE/REFUSE COLLECTION City of Thorp residents contract directly for garbage and recycling services by calling Waste Management at 1-800-782-7347. Residents have the choice of one of the following service options: (1) 35-gallon cart - $6.70/month (2) 64-gallon cart - $7.40/month (3) 96-gallon cart - $8.35/month *A green bin is provided free of charge for recycling materials. A 35-gallon cart is recommended for seniors or very small families. A 64-gallon size is nice for a family of three or four. Large families may want to consider the 96-gallon cart option. Changes in service options are allowed on a monthly basis. Any extra refuse that does not fit in the cart selected will require a sticker on each bag. Stickers are available at the City hall for $1.50 each. PICKUP DAY: EVERY WEDNESDAY No pickup is made on legal holidays, but is made the following workday. Containers should be removed from the curb within 24 hours after collection. NOTE: City Ordinance prohibits the hauling of refuse in or out of the City limits. City Ordinances also strictly prohibits illegal dumping of refuse. Burning of refuse/garbage is not allowed in the City of Thorp. Violators of these ordinances will be fined. CURBSIED CHRISTMAS TREE PICK UP Each year the City picks up used Christmas trees. TREES MUST BE FREE OF TREE STANDS and placed out on the curb by 7:00 a.m. on the designated day. The schedule for Christmas tree pick up is published in the local newspaper at the end of December. RECYCLING It is mandatory for persons to separate recyclable materials from garbage or refuse. CURBSIDE PICK-UP Recyclables must be separated by each material as listed below: It's as easy as 1… 2… 3… (simply separate your recyclables into three basic categories). (1) Place Metal and Aluminum Cans, Glass Bottles and Jars, and Plastic Bottles in recycling bin (they do not need to be separated, no plastic bags). (2) Place Newspaper and Magazines in a brown paper grocery bag, set on top, or next to recycling bin. (3) Corrugated Cardboard should be flattened and not larger than 2'x2' in size, place next to or underneath recycling bin. PICKUP DAY: EVERY WEDNESDAY Preparation tips… -Metal Food Cans and Aluminum Beverage Cans (labels do not need to be removed) -Glass Bottles and Jars (Green, Brown, and Clear Glass). Labels do not need to be removed, please rinse containers (no plate glass or windows). -Plastic Bottles include #1 and #2, commonly found in soda bottles, milk jugs and detergent bottles (no oil containers or lids) -Newspaper should be placed in brown paper bag (please don't use plastic bags) -Magazines and catalogs can be included with Newspaper New "One Pass" technology allows one collection vehicle to service refuse and recycling. The truck body keeps garbage, paper, and non-paper recyclables separated. Recyclable materials should be placed curbside but no sooner than 24 hours prior to collection. Containers should be removed from the curb within 24 hours after collection. As with refuse collection, no pickup is made on legal holidays, but is made the following workday. BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION PERMITS Building permits are required for any type of building construction, alterations, and additions, including siding, window replacement, shingling, fences and any type of signs. The Building Permit must be completely filled out. The proposed construction is inspected and if it meets zoning codes it's approved by the Building Inspector. A Building Permit is valid for one year from date of issuance. Permits are also required for construction or alterations to driveway aprons, construction or repairs to sidewalks and excavation of any public street, alley or public grounds. Applications for permits can be obtained from the City Clerk's Office. WEED AND GRASS CUTTING Both State and local laws require all noxious weeds to be destroyed prior to the time they bloom or flower to prevent spreading. Local ordinance also prohibits lawns, grasses and noxious weeds from growing in excess of eight (8) inches in height from the ground surface. In any case, after notice is served, and where the owner, occupant, or person in charge of the property fails to cut their lawn, grass or weeds, the City will cut or cause to be cut all grass and weeds on the subject property and will charge the expense of so doing to the property owner. If the charges are not paid by November 1st of the year in which they are billed, such charges, plus interest shall be placed on the tax roll as a lien charged against the property affected. To file a weed/grass complaint, contact the Chief of Police (669-5523). LANDSCAPING IN CITY RIGHT-OF-WAY City residents should be aware that the City is not liable and is not required to replace landscaping or amenities of any type such as grass, trees, shrubs, sprinklers, flowers, landscaping timbers, fencing and rock/stone arrangements placed in City right-of-way which may be damaged during public works projects or street maintenance. STREET LIGHTS The street lights in the City limits are owned by Xcel Energy (except for West Prospect Street and Washington Street from Stanley Street to railway tracks which are owned by the City). If you notice a street light out, make a note of the exact location and call Xcel Energy. CITY WINTER PARKING REGULATIONS Effective November 1st until April 1st, no person shall park or leave unattended motor vehicle during the hours of 2:30 a.m. through 6:00 a.m. on a city street except that parking is permitted on the side of the street having odd numbered addresses on odd numbered days and on the side of the street having even numbered addresses on even numbered days. Effective November 1st until April 1st, no person shall park or leave unattended a motor vehicle during the hours of 2:30 a.m. through 6:00 a.m. on Washington Street between Birch Street and West Prospect Street. CITY SNOWMOBILE LAWS No person is allowed to operate a snowmobile on any sidewalk, pedestrian way or on the area between the sidewalk and the curb line of any street in the City. No person is allowed to operate a snowmobile on any public right-of-way, in any public park or on any other public municipal property in the City. City ordinance designates all City streets exclusively under the jurisdiction of the City (excepting Washington Street and Stanley Street) as authorized routes. The intent of the ordinance is to allow snowmobiles on the street of Thorp ONLY for access to and from trail systems. This privilege should not be taken lightly. Caution and reasonable speeds within the City limits must be used. The City ordinance establishes a maximum speed of twenty (20) miles per hour. SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL It is prohibited for any reason to deposit snow or ice removed from their private property onto any sidewalk, alley, parkway, public place or street within the City or to deposit snow or ice onto private property adjacent to or across the street unless the property is identically owned. Accumulations of snow should be deposited within the person's own boundaries or on City right-of-way abutting property off the traveled surface of the roadway. City ordinance requires removal of snow and ice from all sidewalks within 24 hours. CITY HOLIDAYS City offices are closed during the following legal holidays: 1. New Year's Day2. Friday Afternoon before Easter3. Memorial Day4. Fourth of July5. Labor Day6. Thanksgiving Day7. Day following Thanksgiving Day8. Christmas Eve Day9. Christmas Day CITY OF THORP FACTS AND FIGURES Dates of Incorporation - May 27, 1893 (Village), April 14, 1948 (City) Population at Incorporation - 883 (Village), 1,052 (City) 2000 Census Population - 1,536 Square Miles - 1 Miles of Street - 14.50 Full-Time Employees - 10

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