Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ'S)

All questions regarding the ferry (is it running, how much, when does it close, etc?).

Check out the Ferry Information page or call the Department of Transportation Ferry Hotline at (608) 246-3806.

Do I need a building permit?

Check out the Planning & Zoning page for all information regarding permits and ordinances.

Do I need a permit to place a pier on my property?

At present, the Town does not require a pier permit to place a private pier on private land. the State of Wisconsin has several regulations about pier placement and in some cases require a permit. Citizens should contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Do I have the right to place a pier on a public access?

The only way someone has the right to place a pier on Lake Wisconsin is either by owning lakefront property or by having DEEDED access to the lake. If you are considering the purchase of property in the Town of Merrimac, consult an attorney to make certain you have DEEDED access. The public accesses are access to the lake that all citizens can take advantage of. Citizens are not, however, granted or the right to place piers on these public accesses. Remember that public accesses are public parks. Citizens are limited by ordinance as to what they co do on these accesses. No one can store personal property or perform work (landscaping, tree cutting, etc.) on these accesses.

Can I place on pier on the Public Access?

The answer is complicated in that state law does not allow for the placement of piers on the access, however, the Town does have a permitting process to allow for the placement of piers on the public access. This is an extremely unique program in all of Wisconsin and is done with the cooperation of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Wisconsin Statute 30.133 reads: Prohibition against conveyance of riparian rights. (1) Beginning on April 9, 1994, no owner of riparian land that abuts a navigable water may convey, by easement or by a similar conveyance, any riparian right in the land to another person, except for the right to cross the land in order to have access to the navigable water. This right to cross the land may not include the right to place any structure or material in the navigable water.

The Town of Merrimac is the owner of public accesses, and according the statute above, piers cannot be placed on those accesses by anyone other than the Town (the government entity). Prior to the enactment of the legislation above, the Town created a permitting system. In an agreement with the DNR, the Town was allowed to continue the program. The DNR, however, has ultimate enforcement authority, which includes the placement of the pier, the size of the pier, and the number of berths allowed on each access. This would also explain why some of our public accesses do not have piers on them, as they are too small to meet the DNR requirements.

Ultimately, the Town is making the request to place a pier on behalf of the applicant. The DNR has final approval on the actual placement of the pier. Either the Town or the DNR may discontinue the program at any time.

Bottomline...you need to request a Pier Permit Application from the Town, however, there is currently a moratorium preventing the placement of new or replacement piers on the access sites.

Why is there a Pier Permit Moratorium?

The Town of Merrimac is most likely the only township in the State of Wisconsin that has a permitting system that allows citizens to place piers on public accesses. A moratorium was set in place after the dissemination of incorrect information to new and/or potential residents. This moratorium was intended to allow the Town Board to consider its options as to the continuation or potential changes to the program.

How does the Pier Permit Program work?

Presently, no new applications are being accepted due to the moratorium enacted by the Town Board. Prior to the moratorium, the resident who had previously been permitted to place a pier on the access has the first right of application. If that person fails to apply, or is denied for failing to meet the requirements, then the next person on the waiting list would be presented the opportunity to apply for a permit. This process is reviewed annually by the Town Board as required by ordinance.

How much do I owe for taxes/when are they due?

Your tax statement is determined after the Board of Review has been completed. The statements can be expected in early December. Your first installment (or to pay in full) by January 31st of each year and are sent to the Town. The second installment is due July 31st to the Sauk County Treasurer.

How does a revaluation of the Town affect my property tax?

Check out this page on Revaluations (click here).

How do I get a dog license?

Contact Town Administrator, Tim McCumber, at the Town Hall. You can email Tim or call him for more information.

Where is the beach on Lake Wisconsin?

There are no public beaches on the north side of Lake Wisconsin. While the lake provides several great recreational opportunities, the flow of the Wisconsin River through the lake causes challenges for swimmers if they are on the main channel. Devil's Lake State Park has a beautiful beach. Take Hwy. 113 to South Lake Road to access the South Shore Beach.

How are ordinances enforced?

The Town does not have a police force. State laws are enforced by the Sauk County Sheriff. Because the Town does not have a police department, we also do not have ticketing authority. Forfeitures are requested by the Town Board or the Town Administrator. Failure to pay these forfeitures then leads to court action. Ultimately, a request to pay forfeitures is the way the town can pursue ordinance violations.

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Page Last Updated Thursday, October 11, 2007 08:44 AM

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