Home Page: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the annual town meeting?
The annual town meeting provides a means for the town electors to exercise the statutory authority over governance of a town. This opportunity for electors to attend a meeting and propose and vote on legislation is a unique feature of town law, which distinguishes towns from cities or villages.

Every town must hold an annual town meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of April, although the meeting may be set for a different date as long as the date is within 10 days after the 2nd Tuesday in April.

Because there is no requirement that the subject matter be noticed, any elector may bring up an issue and make a motion, which must be seconded, for which the town meeting has statutory authority.

Does the Town of Jackson have village powers?
Yes. This decision was made at the annual town meeting in 2007.
The adoption of village powers provides towns with general, rather than specific, authority to regulate for public health, safety and welfare. Village powers can enable towns to deal with problem areas as the need arises without necessity of finding specific statutory authority.

Under that laws, a town must have village powers to set up a town plan commission to engage in comprehensive planning. It is also a prerequisite for the exercise of town zoning under village powers, and having village powers and a plan commission allows a town to regulate the official map law and enact a land division ordinance.

This power is ongoing to the town board until rescinded by the town meeting. Remember that the town remains a town and the town board remains a town board.

What does the town assessor do?
The Town of Jackson has an independent assessor under contract to furnish appraisal and assessment services.

The assessor determines the value of taxable property within a town. The town assessor makes corrections to the roll and adds any omitted property. Upon completion of the assessment roll, the assessor turns it over to the Town Clerk who is required to notice an “open Book” session so that persons taxed may examine the assessments. After that session the assessor makes the necessary corrections and certifies the assessment roll; the clerk than submits the roll to the board to review. At the Board of Review hearings, the assessor appears to present information in support of challenged assessments.

Are ATV’s allowed on the roads in the Town of Jackson?
There is an Ordinance #13 that states that ATV’s are not allowed on the Town of Jackson roads or road right-of-ways. Violation of the ordinance is punishable by forfeiture except as set forth in the Wisconsin Uniform Traffic Deposit Schedule.

Does the Town have a noise ordinance?
Yes. This ordinance prohibits any person to make, continue or cause to be made or continue any loud and unnecessary noise. For specific, please ask for a copy of the Noise Ordinance #12.

Can I ride my snowmobile on the town roads of Jackson?
No person shall operate a snowmobile on a roadway or shoulder of a highway not designated as a snowmobile route other than the following:
South Bass Lake Road and West Bass Lake Road to the intersection of County Trunk Highway A; and Voyager Road from the intersection of Rainbow Court to the intersection of Loon Creek Trail which gives you the right to traverse from an established trail along a town road to the intersection of another established trail.

Can I burn any kind of debris that I want to?
No. The burning of recyclable paper or cardboard painted or treated wood, petroleum or oil-based products, wet rubbish, asphalt and plastic is prohibited.

Can I use fireworks?
To possess or use restricted fireworks without a permit from the town chairperson or the local sheriff’s department is not permitted.

These permits are only issued to groups or organizations and restrict fireworks use to a certain time and place. It is unlawful to sell restricted fireworks to someone who does not possess a valid permit. Restricted fireworks are defined as those that move, jump, explode or emit balls of fire and include bottle rockets, firecrackers, jumping jacks and roman candles. Restricted fireworks are much more likely to cause a forest fire or injury because of their erratic and unpredictable behavior.

How can I find out what the current fire danger is?
There are the DNR official signs indicating the current fire danger in the area. They are located at the Ranger Station in Webster on Highway 35 and also at the intersections of County Roads A & H. You can also check by calling 1-800-WIS-BURN (947-2876).

What does the current fire danger mean?
The following are the DNR definitions of fire dangers:
LOW-Fires will start from an open flame, spread slowly and in absence of wind tend to go out. This is the safest time to burn.
MODERATE-Fire starts from a match or burning embers, spreads quickly in dry grass and/or leaves. Burn with extreme caution.
HIGH-Dangerous conditions. Fires start readily from a match or sparks, spread quickly and rapidly. Difficult to control and burning is not recommended.
VERY HIGH-Very dangerous conditions. Fires start easily; spread very rapidly, crown and spot. Very difficult to control and burning is not recommended.
EXTREME-Explosive conditions. Fires start easily, burn fiercely and crown rapidly. Often very difficult to control and impossible to control during the day. Burning is not recommended.
RED FLAG-No outdoor burning is allowed. Use of charcoal and gas grills is prohibited. Smoking outs is also prohibited. These notices are usually posted on entries to local businesses or on the DNR information boards.