In our efforts to take a proactive approach to reduce the potential for transmission of the virus causing COVID-19, all city facilities will be closed, with limited exceptions, to the public beginning at 8:00 a.m. on March 18, 2020.
In our efforts to take a proactive approach to reduce the potential for transmission of the virus causing COVID-19, all city facilities will be closed to the public beginning at 8:00 a.m. on March 18, 2020. Facilities will be closed until further notice, but the status of this closure will be reevaluated on March 30, 2020. The Office of the Clerk will remain open for in-person voter registration and absentee voting. Residents are encouraged to utilize online resources to prepare for election day.
The City will continue to provide updates on municipal operations via the City website and Facebook page in addition to other social media outlets as appropriate. The City will also work with local news sources, including the Whitewater Banner (https://whitewaterbanner.com/) to supply the community with additional information as it becomes available.
Contacting City Staff
Whitewater staff will continue to report to work throughout the closure period. Phone lines will remain operational and staff will answer calls during normal business hours.
Making Payments
In-person payments will no longer be accepted at the municipal building until further notice. Property Taxes, Utility Bills, and Citations can be paid online by clicking here: https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/213/Pay-Bills-Online . Payments can be placed in the drop box located in the Whitewater Street entrance or sent by mail to: PO Box 690, Whitewater, WI 53190.
Elections // Voter Registration // Absentee Voting
ALL residents are being urged to vote absentee via the mail. Voting through the mail reduces public contact with our poll workers, many of whom are senior citizens. Seniors have so far been more susceptible to complications from the virus. Absentee voting also enables the voter to avoid the large crowds and lines at polling places on April 7, 2020. Visit https://myvote.wi.gov to both register to vote and to request an absentee ballot. Ballots are typically mailed within a day of your absentee ballot application submittal. After March 18, in-person voter registration may be required. The Office of the City Clerk (https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/167/Elections-Voting) will be open to allow for in-person voter registration and absentee ballot requests moving forward.
March 18, 2020– Deadline to Register by Mail – Your voter registration form, along with proof of residence must be postmarked to your municipal clerk no later than March 18, 2020. Find your Municipal Clerk’s Contact Information here.
March 18, 2020– Deadline to Register to vote online. – Voters who are able to match their name, date of birth, Wisconsin Driver License or State ID number, and address with the Wisconsin DMV can register to vote online through March 18, 2020.
April 2, 2020 @ 5:00 p.m.- Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot- Regular and Permanent Overseas Voters- If you are a regular or a Permanent Overseas Voter, your absentee ballot request must be received by your municipal clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 2, 2020.
Public Works Services
All public works divisions will continue in the normal course of operations. Facilities will remain closed to the public until further notice. Questions or requests for appointments can be directed to 473-0560.
Police, Fire and EMS Services
The Municipal Building lobby will remain open for those in need of public safety assistance.
Municipal Court:
Municipal Court has cancelled all court activities beginning immediately. Court dates will be postponed until May 13, 2020. See the Municipal Court web page: https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/234/Municipal-Court for more information.
Planning // Zoning // Building Inspection // Code Enforcement
Permit applications and associated fees can be submitted electronically or by mail. See web page for details: https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/238/Forms-Fees. Questions regarding permits, plan submittals or inspections can be directed to 473-0144.
Public Meetings:
All committees and commissions have been discouraged from holding public meetings until further notice. Staff is currently evaluating the application of technology to help avoid public gatherings while still holding meetings to take necessary committee actions in April. More information on public meetings will be forthcoming.
