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Fire/EMS

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1. Why does the Fire Department bring the fire engine/ambulance just for a simple inspection?

Two reasons: First, these inspections are conducted by on-duty crews that must be ready to respond to an emergency call from the field. Second, an important part of the value of the public safety inspection is to familiarize your local firefighters with the buildings and business in Monona. While they check for hazards and consult with business owners on how best to eliminate or minimize the likelihood of a fire, they also familiarize themselves with access points and the layout of the facility.

2. Why do firefighters break out windows and cut holes in roof during a fire?

Firefighters ventilate smoke, superheated, poisonous, or explosive gases for safety and visibility. This allows firefighters to get inside the building to find and extinguish the fire, thereby reducing property damage. This also reduces the chance of a possible dangerous explosion.

3. Why do you block traffic lanes at auto accidents, sometimes more lanes than necessary?

We block traffic lanes for the safety of our personnel and our patients. Blocking extra lanes keep our personnel safe when they go back to our apparatus to get more equipment and help protect the victim we are trying to stabilize. Over 25 firefighters are killed or injured each year while working at incidents on streets and highways.

4. Why do firefighters work 24-hour shifts?

Firefighters work 24-hour shifts, because unlike police, firefighters cannot go out and perform training, inspections etc. during the nighttime. It would take more firefighters to cover 8 hour shifts. Career staff at Monona work a 56 hour work week and the 24 hour shift allows this. This type of schedule is the most cost-effective work schedule to provide fire protection and is the most common.

5. Why do we see fire department crews at the store?

Because the crews work a 24-hour shift, they must eat their lunch and dinner at the station. At times firefighters all eat the same meal, as a group. The crews pay for their food out of their own pockets. So, after the equipment is checked and the housework completed, the crew will then make a quick trip to the grocery store to purchase the food for the shift. All crews remain in service to respond to calls during this time.

6. What other responsibilities do firefighters have other than fighting fires?

Emergency calls represents only about fifteen percent of the work of a typical fire department. The number of residential and commercial fires has steadily decreased over the years due to a variety of factors including improvements in construction, a greater public awareness of the risk factors leading to fires and a significant reduction in smoking nationwide. Fires, however, are only some of the emergencies to which the Fire Department responds. Nearly eighty percent of the Fire Department's emergency responses are, in fact, calls for medical aid, including illness/accidents at home and work, and injuries resulting from vehicle crashes. Other calls for emergency response involve hazardous materials releases, technical rescues, response to fire alarms and other calls for public assistance. Firefighters also spend much of their time maintaining equipment, doing routine public safety inspections for businesses and rental housing, training for all types of emergency responses and filling out the reports and paperwork associated with these activities.

7. How often should I change the batteries in my smoke detectors

We recommend you change the batteries in your smoke detectors every 6 months, an easy way to remember is to change batteries when you reset your clock for daylight savings time.

8. Can I burn leaves in my yard?

No, city ordinance prohibits burning yard debris within the city limits.

9. Can I have a fire?

Yes. As long as you are burning wood only in a fire pit or using the fire for the purpose of cooking food.

10. When I see an emergency vehicle approaching with lights and sirens while I am driving, what should I do?

State law, and common sense, dictates that vehicles yield to emergency vehicles that are operating their emergency lights and siren. Emergency vehicle drivers are taught to pass on the left whenever possible when responding in an emergency mode. When safe, slow down, pull over to the right, and stop. However, there are circumstances where that may not be possible (if you car is already stopped, and you don't have anywhere to pull over). Simply stay put until the emergency vehicle goes around you. If you are blocking the route of the emergency vehicle, and you are able to pull ahead and over into a clear area, use your turn signal to indicate your intentions, and proceed at a safe speed. Never slam on the brakes and stop in the middle of the road when you see apparatus approaching. Make no sudden moves. If an emergency vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction, you should pull over and stop. You have no idea if they are proceeding down the road, or are planning on turning into a driveway or intersection right in front of you. You are not required to slow down or pull over for emergency vehicles that are responding in the opposite direction on a divided highway. Do not tailgate, "draft", or follow a responding apparatus closely. Not only is this illegal, you run the risk of collision as vehicles pull back out into traffic after the emergency vehicle goes by.

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General Questions / Municipal Services

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1. Does Monona have public transportation?

Yes, Monona contracts express bus service to downtown Madison, the UW campus, and all four downtown hospitals. Monona is also served by Metro Transit Route 16.

View more information on Monona's public transportation.

2. When is garbage and recycling picked up?

Monona's trash and recycling is collected by a contracted service provider, Advanced Disposal (formerly Veolia Environmental Services). Monona is divided into two districts for trash / recycling collection. District 1 is collected on Tuesdays; District 2 is collected on Wednesdays.Trash is collected every week; recycling is collected every other week. Read more...

3. Does Monona have alternate-side parking rules in the winter?

No. Per Monona ordinance, parking is prohibited on any City of Monona street after a snowfall of 2 inches or more for 12 hours OR until the street has been cleared. If the Mayor declares a snow emergency, street parking is prohibited for the duration of the emergency. Municipal parking lots are available for free parking during snow events.

4. When will the leaves / brush be collected?

The City offers free curbside brush collection for residents in April, June, August, and October. Curbside leaf collection occurs in the spring and fall of each year. Read more...

5. I have a large item (couch, appliance, etc.) for the trash. How can I dispose of it?

Collection of large trash items (for example: furniture, mattresses, appliances, computers, etc.) can be arranged on an individual basis by calling any trash provider of your choice. The city's contracted provider for weekly trash and recycling pick-up is Advanced Disposal (608-251-7878). Advanced Disposal picks up large items on the last Friday of each month.

There is a separate charge for collection of these items. Residents will be billed directly by the provider. View a list of estimated charges per item from Advanced Disposal.

In addition, the Dane County Landfill, located at 7102 U.S. Hwy 12 (beltline east toward Cambridge, across from the Yahara Hills Golf Course) is also available for disposal of large items.

6. How can post a message on the electronic message sign?

Monona State Bank, at the corner of Broadway and Bridge Road, offers an electronic message sign on which local non-profit organizations can post announcements. You can submit a request for a message posting directly through this website. Submit a message request

7. What do I do if my sewer backs up?

If sewer wastewater is backing up into your home, it may mean the city main is blocked due to significant rainfall or a power failure affecting the pumping stations. If you experience a backflow:

• Call City Hall immediately to inform them of the problem. If City Hall is closed, call the Monona Police Dispatch line at 608-222-0463.
• Keep people and pets away from the affected area(s).
• Do not attempt to clean it yourself.
• Turn off central heat and air-conditioning systems and prevent flow from reaching floor vents by using towels or blankets as a berm. You can also remove the vent cover and stuff a towel in the opening to help prevent the flow from entering.
• Call an experienced restoration company for cleanup and removal of affected surfaces.
• Leave items in the affected area for the experts to handle.
• Report a claim to your homeowner's insurance carrier.
• If you had recent plumbing work, contact your plumber or contractor.

Consider installing a backflow prevention device or BPD. A BPD is a fixture put on a sewer line, and sometimes a drain line, in the basement of your home or building foundation to prevent sewer backflows. A properly installed backflow preventer works on a one-way system; sewage can go out, but not back in. Many backup prevention devices can be installed by the homeowner or a plumber.

Residents can also help to prevent backflows by curbing water usage during heaving rainfall or storms (don’t run dishwashers, washing machines, flush toilets or take showers.

8. Do I need to license my pet?

All dogs and cats 5 months of age and older must be licensed each year in the City of Monona. The license year is January 1-December 31. Pet License Application

9. Does the City have a generator I can use?

In the event of widespread power outages, the City of Monona does not have generators to supply power to private residences. Citizens concerned about flooding should consider renting or purchasing a generator or a gasoline-powered trash pump to keep sump pumps working during a power outage.

10. Where do I vote?

Monona has two polling places. Voters in wards 1-5 vote at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church (5700 Pheasant Hill Road). Voters in wards 6-10 vote at the Monona Community Center (1011 Nichols Road). View a listing of polling places by street

11. How can I contact the City Council?

Monona has a mayor and six alderpersons who are elected at-large, which means that all alderpersons represent all Monona voters. You can email them individually or all at once by visiting the City Council page. Visit the City Council page

12. Where does the City post job openings?

All open positions are posted and applications accepted online. View current job openings

13. A light is out on my street. Who do I contact to get it fixed?

Monona's streetlights are maintained by Madison Gas & Electric. Problems can be reported directly to them online or by phone. Contact MG&E

14. How can I find information about a specific property in Monona?

The City of Monona's Geographic Information Systems (GIS) maps contain maps layered with great information for each property in Monona. Links to property assessment and tax information are also available.

15. Where can I launch my boat?

View information on the city's boat launch sites.

16. How can I contact City staff?

The online staff directory allows you to search by name or department. Or, just call City Hall at 608-222-2525. Visit the staff directory

17. I received a letter from the Code Enforcement Officer. Who is this?

The City's Code Enforcement Officer is responsible for enforcing property maintenance standards per section 15-1-81 of the Monona Code of Ordinances. These include standards on the parking and storage of vehicles, noxious weeds and lawn maintenance, accumulation of brush, yard waste or debris, and junk or garbage at the curb. Read more...

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Monona Public Library - Internet & Computer Access

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1. Can children use your computers?

Children ages 13 and under may use the computers in the Children’s Room and in TEENeSCAPE. They may not use the computers in the main Computer Corral.

2. Can I print?

Yes, we offer both black-and-white and color printing. There is a $0.10 per page fee for black-and-white printing, and a $0.50 per page fee for color printing.

You may also print from flash drives.

3. Can I reserve a computer in advance?

Absolutely, call the Library at 608-222-6127 to schedule your session for the current day, the next day, or the following day. You may also create your own reservation online by logging onto MyPC. When you first log in select "Monona Public Library" from the "Site" menu.

4. Can I save files to a flash drive?

You may save files to a flash drive on most of the library’s computers. You may not save to a CD, as all CD-drives are disabled on library computers

5. Do you have time limits for computer use?

Yes, currently, patrons may have one 2 hour session on Monona Public Library computers each day. Additional time may be granted by library staff if no patrons are waiting to use a computer.

6. Do you offer help with computers or provide training with specific software?

Library staff can provide brief explanations or other assistance. However, due to staff and time constraints, we cannot provide substantial one-on-one training. The library does provide computer informational workshops periodically. Also, the Book a Librarian service will allow you to schedule time with the Library's Public Services Librarian for uninterrupted tutorials on various computer tasks.

7. How many computers are available for use by the public?

The Monona Public Library currently offers nine internet and word processing terminals. Six are located in the computer corral, next to the DVD and CD shelves. One is located in one of the study rooms. Two are located in TEENeSCAPE.

8. I want to listen to music or watch an online video. Do you have headphones I can borrow?

Yes, we have headphones available to check out for in-library use. Just ask at the main desk.

9. What programs and operating system are on your computers?

The library’s computers run Windows 7. All public computers have Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Adobe Reader available to use.

10. Who can use the library’s computers?

Anyone with a library card from an SCLS member library may use Monona Public Library’s computers. You will log onto the computers by entering the barcode on the back of your library card and your PIN. Visitors to the library from outside the SCLS service area may obtain a temporary internet pass upon presenting identification.

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Municipal Court - Trial Facts

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1. Are trials recorded?

Trials are recorded by audio tape. It is therefore important to speak up and make sure that all responses are spoken.

2. Do I have to have an attorney?

No, you can represent yourself. Many people do so in municipal court. If you have an attorney, you must hire and pay for the attorney yourself.

3. How can I subpoena witnesses?

You may obtain subpoenas from the clerk of Municipal Court. You will have to personally serve the subpoenas on the witnesses. Allow at least two weeks before the trial to obtain and serve the subpoenas. There is no charge for obtaining subpoenas, but if you lose at trial you may be required to pay witness fees of $5 per witness plus their mileage at the current IRS mileage rate. The court clerk may be reached at 608-222-0463.

4. How can I use other types of evidence?

If you have charts, photographs, maps, diagrams, or other exhibits, they must be identified for inclusion in the record. It is helpful if you have enough copies to provide a copy to the city attorney and the court. The court must follow the rules of evidence and most written statements are not admissible unless they meet one of the hearsay exceptions. If you need testimony from individuals, it is best to have those individuals in court to testify.

5. How long will a trial take?

Most municipal court trials take between a half hour and 1.5 hours.

6. If I lose at trial, will I be able to appeal?

Yes, either party can appeal the decision of the municipal court. You will be given a notice of your appeal rights if you are found guilty.

7. If I lose at trial, will I have to pay more than the amount on my ticket?

There are no special court costs or charges for taking a case to trial, but if you are found guilty the court may fine you more than the amount on your citation.

8. What happens if I change my mind before the trial and decide that I want to settle my case?

Call the assistant city attorney handling your case as early as possible and see if they will agree to settle the case with you. The City Attorney’s Office may be reached by calling 608-221-0079.

9. What is the order of procedure at trial?

The city will present their case first. After each witness you will have an opportunity to cross examine the witness. The city may ask additional questions when you are done (re-direct) and then you would have the opportunity to cross examine the witness on any new information that has come up.

After the city has presented all of its evidence, they will rest their case. It is then your opportunity to present your case. You may call witnesses, including yourself, to testify. Your witnesses will be subject to cross examination by the city. When you are done presenting evidence, the court will give each party the opportunity to present a closing argument (the city will go first, then rebuttal by the defendant, and the city may make a final comment (the party with the burden of proof always goes last).

After all evidence has been presented and closing arguments made, the trial is over. The court may then make an oral decision from the bench or may issue a written decision.

10. What will happen at trial?

The city will present its case first. They will call witnesses and introduce evidence. After each witness, you will have an opportunity to cross examine the witness. This means you can ask questions of the witness. It does not mean that you can argue with the witness or make statements. You will have an opportunity to testify later.

11. Who has the burden of proof at a trial?

The burden of proof is on the city. They have to prove the charge by evidence that is clear, satisfactory, and convincing.

12. Who will be present at a trial?

If your case goes to trial, the city will be represented by an assistant city attorney (who will be the prosecutor). You may appear on your own behalf or you may hire an attorney to assist you. Anyone who is needed to provide evidence in the case also needs to be present. Written statements are almost never acceptable as testimony. You should verify in writing with the City Attorney’s Office if you want to find out what witnesses they plan to call. If you need witnesses present in court you can subpoena them to make sure that they will be present.

13. Will I be sworn in?

Anyone who testifies in court will be sworn in by the court.

It is helpful if you think about your case ahead of time and make of list of questions you would like to ask witnesses. The judge will have no information about your case except what is heard at trial. Do not assume that the court has read the police report - it has not. You may be able to obtain a copy of the police report by contacting the Police Department.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. Can I rent a park shelter?

Monona has six shelters which are available for seasonal rental for your picnics and parties. More information...

2. Where is the pool and when is it open?

The Monona Community Pool is open every day (weather permitting) from early June through late August. The pool is located at 1013 Nichols Road, next to the Community Center and across the street from the Library. From Monona Drive, turn west onto Nichols Road. More information...

3. How can I sign up for a recreation program?

The Monona Parks & Recreation department offers program for all ages. You can register online, by phone, or in person at the Monona Community Center. Read more...

4. Where can I ice skate in Monona?

The Winnequah Park Lagoon is open for ice skating (weather permitting). A warming house with skate rentals and concessions is also available. Read more...

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Paying Your Property Taxes

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1. When will I receive my property tax bill?

Wisconsin taxing districts (municipalities, schools, counties, etc.) set their budgets in the fall, usually November. After each district has set its levy for the next year, property taxes are calculated and bills are prepared. This means bills are usually received by taxpayers in early- to mid-December. This year's bills were mailed on December 10.

2. When are my property taxes due?

Because of the deductability of property tax on federal income taxes, many property owners pay all of the bill by December 31. However, all that is required is that the first installment be paid by January 31. For those who choose to pay in two installments, the second installment is due by July 31, and a statement for the installment is mailed in May.

3. Can I pay my taxes in person?

If paying your taxes before January 31, you may pay in person at Monona City Hall, 5211 Schluter Road. City Hall is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm. City Hall is closed on December 24 & 25. If paying your taxes after January 31, you must pay at the Dane County Treasurer's Office, located in the City/County Building in Madison.

4. Can I mail my payment?

Yes, can you send a check or money order in the mail to: Monona City Hall, 5211 Schluter Rd., Monona, WI 53716. Please do not send cash in the mail. If you'd like a receipt for your payment, please include the entire bill and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The top portion of your bill will be stamped "paid" and returned as your receipt.

Any payments made after January 31, must be sent to the Dane County Treasurer at P.O. Box 1299, Madison, WI 53701-1299.

5. Can I pay by credit card?

You can pay by credit card online or by phone only. Credit card payments cannot be accepted at City Hall. To pay by credit card, go to www.officialpayments.com or call 1-800-272-9829. Please note that an additional fee is charged for paying by credit card.

6. Can I drop off my payment after regular business hours?

Yes. There are two options for dropping off your payment after regular business hours. You may drop your payment in the payment drop box located in the parking lot of City Hall, or you may drop your payment in the after-hours drop slot located in the front administration counter at City Hall. Payments dropped in the after-hours box or slot will be stamped as paid on the next regular business morning. In addition, all payments dropped in the box or slot by midnight on December 31 will be marked as paid in 2015.

7. How can I get a receipt?

If paying in person, please bring your entire bill. The top portion will stamped "paid" and returned as your receipt. If paying by mail, include your entire bill and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Electronic receipts can also be downloaded from the Dane County Treasurer at Access Dane.

8. Who should my check be made payable to?

If paying before January 31, make your check payable to "City of Monona." Payments made after Janaury 31 should be made payable to "Dane County Treasurer."

9. Can I send my escrow check?

Yes. Please be sure that the escrow check is endorsed by all parties named on it.

10. What if my tax is less than the amount of my escrow check?

If your escrow check was written for more than your tax amount, the City of Monona will issue you a refund. Please allow 10 days for the City to process your refund check.

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Senior Center

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1. What are Senior Center hours?

Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

2. Do you need to be a Monona resident to participate at the Monona Senior Center?

No, you do not need to be a Monona resident to participate. Residents from anywhere are welcome.

3. How old do you have to be to participate in programs at the Senior Center?

50 years young

4. Do you have to be a member to participate?

No you do not.

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Voter I.D.

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1. My driver's license doesn't show my current address? Can I still use it as my photo I.D.?

Yes. You can use a driver's license with a non-current address as long as the license is current or didn't expire before the last November election (November, 2012). Election officials will only be looking at the type of .ID. presented, the name and photograph on the I.D., and the expiration date of the I.D.

2. My photo I.D. is expired. Can I still use it?

You can use a Wisconsin driver's license, a Wisconsin Department of Transportation-issued photo I.D. card, a U.S. passport, or a military I.D. card, as long they didn't expire before the last November election (November 2012).

3. I want to vote absentee. How do I show I.D.?

If you are requesting that an absentee ballot be mailed to you, you must include a photocopy or picture of your acceptable form of photo I.D. with your absentee ballot request form.

If you are voting in-person absentee at City Hall prior to election day, you must present your photo I.D. when you vote.

4. My child is a college student. Can she use her student i.d. as a voter I.D.?

Your child can use her student I.D., as long as it's current, issued by a Wisconsin accredited university or college, includes the issuance date and expiration date within 2 years of issuance, and contains her signature. In addition, she must provide proof that she is currently enrolled.

5. I won't have time to get an I.D. before the election. Can I still vote?

If you don't have an acceptable form of I.D., you will be allowed to vote as a provisional voter. You must then provide your voter I.D. to the City Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on the Friday after election day in order for your ballot to be counted. If you don't provide your I.D., your provisional ballot will not be counted.

6. Do I need a photo I.D. to register to vote?

No, you do not need a photo I.D. to register. However, you do need to show a proof of residence document which includes your name and current residential address. A proof of residence document can be a current driver's license or state I.D. You will need a photo I.D. in order to vote.