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⚠️ Emergency Alert 12-20-2024: Trash and recycling is delayed by one day due to the snow.

FAQ's

Voting

Willowbay is divided into eleven wards. You can locate your specific ward on the Ward Map available on our website. Additionally, a large map will be displayed in the lobby of the Willowbay Municipal Center on election day to help you find your ward.

You can register to vote online, by mail, or in person at the Clerk/Treasurer's office. For more details, visit our Elections and Voting page.

 All residents of Willowbay vote at the Willowbay Municipal Center located at 1582 Willowbay Drive, Willowbay, WI 54455. All polling places are accessible to elderly and disabled voters.

The upcoming elections in 2024 are the Primary Election on February 20, the Spring Election on April 2, the Partisan Primary on August 13, and the General Election on November 5.

You must be registered before election day. If you are not registered, you can register by the deadline and vote in future elections.

Yes, you can apply for an absentee ballot if you will be unable to vote in person. Applications for absentee ballots are available on the New York State Board of Elections website or at the Willow Bay Town Hall.

If you face any issues or have questions, contact the Willow Bay Board of Elections at (555) 123-4567 or visit the Willow Bay Town Hall for assistance.

After the election, you can check the status of your ballot by contacting the Willow Bay Board of Elections. Results will also be posted on the New York State Board of Elections website.

You can register to vote online through the New York State Board of Elections website, by mail, or in person at the Willow Bay Town Hall. Registration deadlines are typically 25 days before the election.

You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on or before the election day, and a resident of Willow Bay for at least 30 days before the election.

Polling locations are set up throughout Willow Bay to make voting accessible. You can find your assigned polling place on your voter registration card or by checking the New York State Board of Elections website.

 Polls are open from 6 AM to 9 PM on election day.

You will need to bring a valid photo ID. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, state ID, or a passport. If you don’t have a photo ID, you can still vote by providing other forms of identification or by signing an affidavit.

Building Department

The following projects (not all inclusive) require a permit, either a 1 Stop Permit or a Plan Review Permit.

1-Stop Permits

A 1-Stop permit does not require drawings to be submitted for a plan review. Some examples are:

  • Air Conditioning System
  • Demolition
  • Electrical Service Amp Change
  • Furnace Replacement
  • Gas Fireplace
  • Lawn Sprinkler System
  • Reroof
  • Siding/Stucco
  • Water Heater Replacement
  • Water/Sewer Line Repair/Replacement
  • Window/Patio Door Replacement

An application is required for a 1-Stop permit. You will need to know the total value of the work to be performed to complete the application.

Plan Review Permits

Various projects will require you to submit drawings for a plan review. Some examples are:

  • Additions
  • Basement Finish
  • Carport
  • Deck
  • Fences over seven feet in height
  • Gas Line to Patio/Firepit (must provide site plan with location of pipe)
  • Patio Cover/Pergola
  • Pool/Hot Tub
  • Remodel

Plan review permits require two identical drawings. Drawings must show all structural components and be to scale. Residential additions require two foundation drawings stamped by a Colorado licensed engineer or architect.

A site plan is required for any addition or structure that will be added to the home, or property.

The value of the work performed is the total of:

  1. Material cost
  2. Labor value – Homeowners doing the project themselves should assign a fair market value to their own labor.

A site plan is a scaled drawing of your property. You must show the placement of all additions to the property. Give dimensions of the house, dimensions of any other structures on the property, and dimensions from each structure to all property lines.

Permit applications are available online at this link: https://app.heygov.com/cityofwillowbay.com/forms/building-permit-application/send

Licensed contractors have provided proof of competency and proof of insurance to the city. This protects the homeowner from incurring costs due to damage by uninsured contractors, and it protects the homeowner from contractors who do not have adequate knowledge of the City adopted building codes. A permit will not be issued until all contractors being used to complete the project are licensed. Homeowners doing their own work do not need to be licensed.

The application and subsequent plans must be completed online, but you may mail in your check.

1-Stop permits are issued once the application has been processed and the fees have been paid in full. Typically, within 24 hours. Permits with plans will have to go through a plan review prior to issuing the permit. All residential plans will be in review for up to 5 days. All commercial plans will be in review for up to 10 days. Please contact the Building Department if you have further questions.

Property assessments in Willowbay are determined as of January 1 each year. This value is used for the following year’s tax levy. For example, the value assessed on January 1, 2024, will determine the taxes levied for 2024, billed in December 2024.

Property owners will be notified in writing by ordinary mail at least 10 days before the Board of Review meeting if their assessment has changed. Notices are typically mailed in late April or early May.

You can discuss your assessment with the assessor during the open book period, which is listed on the assessment notice. You can also call city Hall for the specific dates and times. Open book typically occur in May.

The City is currently under the 2021 International Building Code/International Residential Code and the 2020 National Electrical Code.

Real property in Willowbay is valued by the assessor according to the standards specified in the Wisconsin property assessment manual. The value is based on recent arm’s length sales of the property or comparable properties and considers all factors affecting the property's value, including zoning ordinances, conservation restrictions, and environmental conditions.

Parks & Rec

Willowbay residents can reserve meeting rooms at the Riverside Community Center. Reservations must be submitted at least 1 day prior to the requested date and can be made up to 6 months in advance. Fill out the online reservation option where you can also check for your the available date: https://app.heygov.com/cityofwillowbay.com/venues/riverside-community-center/info

Park shelters and facilities can be reserved online through the HeyReserve service for quick and easy online bookings. When you reserve your booking you will wait for confirmation from the Parks & Rec department. Once your reservation is confirmed your payment will be taken. Before that, it is only On hold.

Willowbay offers various recreational programs. You can apply and pay for them online. We currently have Pickleball, Basketball and Softball open. Click on the links to apply:

Basketball Passes

Softball Passes

Pickleball Passes

Yes, numerous volunteer opportunities are available. You can contact Daniel Lee, Recreation Coordinator, at [email protected].

How do I

Property taxes in Willowbay can be paid online, by mail, or in person at the Treasurer's office. Installments are due on August 31st and November 30th. The second instalment is collected by the county. Through the city you can only pay the full tax payment, or the first instalment. You can find the online tax payments available on our Online Payment Portal.

You can report a dead animal on the road or any other issues through our 311 app. We will respond to you and assign the report to the appropriate department. Additionally we will update the status of your report so you can be aware of the situation. All you need to do is click on this button:

Submit a request

You can report a dead animal on the road or any other issues through our 311 app. We will respond to you and assign the report to the appropriate department. Additionally we will update the status of your report so you can be aware of the situation. All you need to do is click on this button:

Submit a request

Tax bills in Willowbay are typically sent out in early January each year. Property owners should receive their bills in the mail by the middle of the month. If you do not receive your tax bill by the end of January, please contact the City Treasurer's Office to ensure your mailing address is up-to-date and to request a duplicate bill.

Municipal Court

Mail in your payment or pay online. Payment must be received prior to the court date or the payment date assigned by the Court. If past due, contact the Court. 

Check or money order should be payable to: City of Willowbay

Mailing Address: 

Willowbay Town Hall
123 Main Street
Willowbay, WI 54321

You may also make a payment in person Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, at the City Hall.

A drop box is available in the Police Department foyer with access 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to make payments during non-business hours. 

Please note that NO payments can be made over the phone.

Yes. Arrangements must be made with Municipal Court personnel at (646) 700-1317.

No. Your court appearance date and time is indicated on your citation. On that date you will check in with the bailiff, and upon commencement of the proceedings, the judge will call your case in the order that you checked in.

Yes, as long as it is received prior to the court date. You will then receive a pretrial date in the mail. If you choose to do this, you do not need to appear at the initial appearance.

A default judgment will be entered against you by the judge with a forfeiture amount and possible demerit points. You will receive a letter in the mail advising you of the penalties imposed.

You will receive a driver's license suspension and/or a commitment will be issued to serve time in the county jail.

You will need to contact Municipal Court personnel to make arrangements for an extension at (646) 700-1317.

Police

Motor vehicle forms are available from the New Yor State Department of Transportation website.
New York State Department of Transportation

The New York State Department of Corrections maintains an online registry of sex offenders. New York State Sex Offender Registry

The City of Willowbay enacted an ordinance in 2007 regarding sex offender residency restrictions and child safety zones. City of Willowbay Sex Offender Ordinance.

The City has established restricted areas and child safety zones. You can view those areas on the map below. Residency Restrictions and Child Safety Zones Map

Public Works

Street maintenance and repairs are scheduled based on need and weather conditions. For the current schedule, visit our Public Works page. We strive to update it regularly.

You can report potholes or road hazards online through our city website, by using the Hey311 service, or by contacting the Public Works Department.

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The Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining the city’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and sewer systems, street lighting, and stormwater management. We also handle snow removal, street sweeping, and city-wide landscaping.

You can report a pothole, damaged street, or other road-related issues by submitting a service request through the "Report a Problem" section on our website or by calling the Public Works office at (555) 123-4567. Our team will assess the situation and schedule repairs as quickly as possible.

For emergencies like water main breaks or sewer backups, please contact our emergency hotline at (555) 987-6543, available 24/7. For non-urgent issues, you can submit a service request through our website.

Street sweeping typically occurs from April to November. Each neighborhood is scheduled for street cleaning once a month. You can check the Street Sweeping Schedule on our website to find out when your area will be serviced.

We post updates on planned road construction and closures on our "Road Projects" page, as well as through our social media channels. You can also sign up for email or text notifications to stay informed about any disruptions in your area.

Sidewalk maintenance is generally the responsibility of the adjacent property owner, but the Public Works Department assists with major repairs and replacements as needed. If you notice a sidewalk that poses a safety hazard, you can report it through our service request system.

Recycling

Accepted materials include glass (clear and brown, excluding window glass and mirrors), aluminum and tin cans (whole or crushed), cardboard (all types, flattened), paper and newspaper (including magazines, removed from plastic bags), and plastic containers marked PETE (#1) or HDPE (#2), with caps removed.

The Willowbay Recycling Center is open on Tuesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesdays from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Willowbay Recycling Center is located at 221 Main Street, across from the Fire Department center. Residents must obtain an ID card from the City Clerk to access the facility.

If you need a new garbage or recycling bin, just reach out to the City of Willowbay’s Garbage & Recycling Department. You can give them a call, send them an email, or fill out a request form on our website. Make sure to provide your address and let them know if you need a new garbage bin, recycling bin, or both.

Paying for utilities is easy. You can do it online through the City of Willowbay’s website, pay in person at City Hall, or mail your payment to the address on your utility bill. There’s also a secure drop box outside City Hall if you prefer to drop off your payment after hours. Just remember to include your account number to keep everything on track.

If your garbage or recycling bin is damaged or missing, contact the Garbage & Recycling Department. They will help you fix or replace your bin. You can get in touch with them by phone, email, or through the request form on our website.

Bulky waste pickup happens on certain days of the year. You can check our website or contact the Garbage & Recycling Department to find out the schedule and to arrange pickup for large items.

There are some materials that can’t be recycled. For a clear idea of what can and cannot be recycled, check the recycling guidelines on our website or ask the Garbage & Recycling Department for help.

Bicycle Regulations

If you are 12 years of age and under you can, except for in the Downtown Business District, or if you are a handicapped person who cannot walk as stated in section 65.88 of the Municipal Code below:

65.88 Riding on Sidewalks

  • No person shall ride a bicycle upon any sidewalk. This provision shall not apply, however, to children twelve years of age or under or to handicapped persons who cannot walk.
  • No person, except handicapped persons, as indicated in the above subdivision, shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk in the Downtown Business District, specifically Exchange Street between Seneca to Lewis Street; Main Street between Seneca and Castle Street; Seneca Street; Castle Street between Main Street to the railroad tracks on E Castle Street; Linden Street.

Yes! Bicycles and inline skaters have to follow the same rules of the road as motor vehicles do. Bicycles and inline skaters have to go with the flow of traffic and obey all traffic control devices, such as stop signs and traffic signals. If riding at night, bicyclists must have a light on the front and rear.

All bicyclists under fourteen years of age are required to wear approved bicycle helmets whether they are the operator or passenger on a bicycle. Children under five years of age must wear an approved bicycle helmet and ride in a seat attached to the bicycle when riding as a passenger.

Please note: Children under one year old are prohibited from being transported on a bicycle.

Yes! According to Vehicle and Traffic Law, Section 1238.8: "A summons shall be issued to a parent or guardian (who is eighteen years of age or older), if the violation occurs while in the parents presence."

Municipal Code

Yes! There is an open alcoholic beverage container law in the City of Willowbay. There is also a local law prohibiting persons under 21 of possessing alcoholic beverages in a public place, whether open or not. In addition, there are state laws regulating the sale, purchase and possession of alcoholic beverages.

No! No person shall discharge any firearm, air gun, spring gun or other similar instrument within the city. In addition, no person shall carry any of the aforementioned items while loaded upon any public street or public place.

There is a littering law within the City and there is also a noise ordinance prohibiting persons of making unreasonable noise. Also there is a law against interference with city streets, which is, but not limited to, the throwing or kicking of snowballs, stones or other objects into the street, interfering with the free, safe and convenient use of the street.

Clerk/Treasurer FAQ

The Clerk/Treasurer office handles a range of services including processing tax payments, managing property records, issuing permits and licenses, and overseeing election procedures. We also assist with public records requests and provide information about town meetings and events.

Property taxes can be paid online through the Willow Bay website, by mail, or in person at the Clerk/Treasurer office. For online payments, visit our Payments page. Ensure that you have your tax bill or account number handy.

To request a copy of a public record, submit a Public Records Request Form available on our website or at the Clerk/Treasurer office. You can also make a request in writing via email or mail. Include details about the record you need and contact information.

Applications for permits and licenses can be submitted online through our website or in person at the Clerk/Treasurer office. Common permits include building permits, business licenses, and event permits. Check our website for specific forms and requirements.

Upcoming town meetings are listed on the Willow Bay website’s Meetings page. You can also check the town’s community bulletin board or contact the Clerk/Treasurer office for information on meeting dates and agendas.

  • For questions about your utility bill, contact the Clerk/Treasurer office directly. We can help with billing issues, payment plans, and account inquiries. Be sure to have your account number and billing details ready when you call.

If you’re interested in getting involved, consider attending town meetings, joining a local committee, or volunteering for community events. Check our website or contact the Clerk/Treasurer office for more information on opportunities to participate.

For questions about voting, registration, or election procedures, contact the Clerk/Treasurer office or visit the New York State Board of Elections website. We provide information on how to register, polling locations, and what you need to bring on election day.

To update your address or contact information, complete and submit a Change of Address Form available on our website or at the Clerk/Treasurer office. This ensures that you receive important town notices and correspondence.

The Clerk/Treasurer office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. We are closed on weekends and public holidays. For specific inquiries or appointments, contact us during office hours.

City Council

The City Council is responsible for making decisions on city policies, budgets, and local laws. They represent the interests of the community and work to ensure the city's growth and development align with residents' needs.

City Council meetings are open to the public. Check the City Council Meetings page on our website for the schedule and location of upcoming meetings. Meetings are typically held in the Town Hall or a designated community space.

Residents can participate by attending the meetings in person or virtually, if available. There is usually a public comment period where you can speak on agenda items or other concerns. To speak, sign up before the meeting or follow the instructions provided.

Contact information for City Council members is listed on the City Council page of our website. You can reach out via email, phone, or through the contact form provided. For specific concerns or questions, direct communication with your Council member is encouraged.

Decisions and meeting minutes are posted on the City Council page on our website. You can review past meeting minutes and agendas to stay informed about the council's activities and decisions.

City Council members are elected by residents of Willow Bay during local elections. Information on election dates and procedures can be found on the Elections page of our website.

City Council members typically serve four-year terms. For details on specific term lengths and election cycles, refer to the City Council page or contact the Clerk/Treasurer office.

To request an agenda item, submit a written request to the City Clerk at least two weeks prior to the meeting. Include details about the topic you wish to discuss and any relevant supporting documents.

To file a complaint or raise a concern, submit it in writing to the City Clerk or attend a City Council meeting during the public comment period. Include your contact information and a clear description of the issue.

Garbage & Recycling

Garbage collection in Willowbay occurs once a week. Collection days vary by neighborhood. You can find your specific pickup day by entering your address in the "Garbage Collection Schedule" tool on our website.

Yard waste, including leaves, branches, and grass clippings, is collected every other week from April through November. Place your yard waste in biodegradable bags or designated bins, and leave them at the curb on your scheduled yard waste collection day.

We accept the following items for curbside recycling:

  • Paper (newspapers, magazines, office paper)
  • Cardboard (flattened)
  • Plastic bottles and containers (#1-7)
  • Aluminum and steel cans
  • Glass bottles and jars

 Bulky items such as furniture, mattresses, or appliances are collected during our quarterly Bulk Waste Pickup Days. Check the Bulk Pickup Schedule on our website for upcoming dates. You can also drop off these items at the city’s designated disposal facility for a fee.

Hazardous waste items, including paint, chemicals, batteries, and electronics, should not be placed in regular garbage or recycling bins. The City of Willowbay hosts an annual Hazardous Waste Collection Event, where residents can safely dispose of these items. Please visit our website for event dates and a list of accepted materials.

If you need an extra bin or your current bin is damaged, you can request a new one by submitting an online form through our "Request a Bin" page, or by calling the Public Works Department at (555) 123-4567. Additional bins may incur a small fee on your monthly bill.

Yes, electronics such as computers, televisions, and cell phones can be recycled. However, they are not accepted in curbside recycling bins. You can drop off electronics at our designated E-Waste Recycling Center, or participate in our city’s annual Electronics Recycling Event.

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