Frequently Asked Questions

Who is my alderperson?
To locate who your alderman is in the City of Jefferson, you will first need to view the Ward and District Map. Once you determine what ward in which you reside, you will need to visit our Your Council page. This page will allow you to find out more about your alderperson. If you have questions about locating your alderperson, contact City Hall at 920-674-7700.

Where do I get passports?
Passports are currently processed through the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office. They can be reached at 920-674-7140.

Where do I get a marriage license?
If you are getting married in the County of Jefferson, you may purchase a marriage license through the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office. They can be reached at 920-674-7140.

I have a court date in Jefferson, but I don’t know when?
The first thing you need to determine is whether or not your court date is with the City of Jefferson or the County of Jefferson. The easiest way to determine this is the address on your ticket.

If the address is 311 South Center Avenue, you need to call the Jefferson County Clerk of Courts at 920-674-7150.
If the address on the ticket is 425 Collins Road, you need to contact Sandy at 920-674-0444. Sandy is located at the Jefferson Police Department.

Do I need to get a license for my pets?
Yes, by ordinance, all cats and dogs residing in the City of Jefferson are required to have a license. Visit our Pet Licensing Page for more information or contact our City Hall office at 920-674-7700.

Where can I purchase a pass for the dog park?
Dog park passes can be obtained through the Jefferson County Parks Department. The County Parks Department can be reached at 920-674-7260. 

How do I rent a shelter in the park?
Anyone can rent a shelter in the parks. Visit our Shelter Rental Page for more information or contact our Parks & Recreation Department at 920-674-7720.

Do I need a building permit?
You are required to obtain a building permit for any work that is done on your property. If you do not obtain a permit before work begins, you will be required to pay double the fees. Visit our Building Inspection page for more information or contact our Building Inspector at 920-674-7727.

When is my garbage picked up?
Garbage is picked up by John’s Disposal Services out of Whitewater, WI. Garbage collection is every Tuesday throughout the entire city. Recycling is picked up every other Tuesday. Visit our City Services Page for more information. Please direct all of your garbage questions to John’s at 1-888-473-4701.

When is brush picked up? When are bulky items picked up?
The City of Jefferson Streets Department picks up brush throughout the city once a month. The pickup begins the first Monday of every month and will proceed until all of the brush is cleared. (During certain times of the year, this may take longer than one week). You must have your brush organized in a neat manner so the limbs are all in the same direction. This allows the Streets Department quick and easy access to the brush.

Please contact John’s Disposal for bulky trash collection.  John’s  1-888-473-4701.

Does the city have a dump site?
No, the city does not have a landfill. There is one located in Johnson Creek called Deer Track Park Landfill, N6756 Waldmann Lane, 920-699-3475.

Can I use the compost site?
The compost site is open to City of Jefferson residents and is located at the end of Maple Grove Drive.  The site is open April through November and secured by 24-7 video surveillance.  If you observe unlawful dumping, please report it immediately to the Jefferson Police Department.  We appreciate all residents adhering to signage to properly place yard waste in designated areas.  Mulch and wood chips are free to City residents.   

Monday:         Closed
Tuesday:         Closed
Wednesday:   Open after 8am
Thursday:       Closed
Friday:            Open after 2pm
Saturday:        Open all day
Sunday:          Open all day

Can I install a fire pit in my backyard?
You must follow strict guidelines when placing one of these pits in your backyard. These are considered fire hazards and must be handled with caution. Please contact Fire Chief Ron Wegner at the Fire Station, 920-674-7723, for information about placing one of these on your property.

Can I burn leaves or trash?
Any burning done within the city limits is at the discretion of the Fire Chief only. It is illegal to burn without the Fire Chief’s prior approval. Please contact Chief Ron Wegner at 920-674-7723.

Who do I contact if my neighbor’s weeds are taller than eight inches?
All property owners in the City of Jefferson are required to properly maintain their parcels, this includes overgrown weeds. If you find that a property in the city has weeds that are taller than eight inches in height, our Weed Commissioner has the authority to act upon the complaint. Please contact our Weed Commissioner, Bill Pinnow, at 920-674-7737 for more information.

What do I do if my sewer backs up?
Contact the Wastewater Treatment Plant at 920-674-7705, if it is after hours contact the Police Department at 920-674-7707. Please visit our Wastewater Treatment Plant page for more information on sewer backups.

Frequently Requested Phone Numbers:

Jefferson Post Office 
920-674-3131

Jefferson County Clerk of Courts 
920-674-7150

Jefferson County Clerk
920-674-7140

Jefferson County Treasurer
920-674-7250

Jefferson County Land Information
920-674-7254

Jefferson County Register of Deeds
920-674-7235

Jefferson County Zoning 
920-674-7130

Town of Jefferson
920-674-8336

Severe Weather

TORNADO WATCH: Conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms.

TORNADO WARNING: A tornado is imminent (based on weather radar information) or has been sighted by spotters. If a tornado warning is issued for your area – move to your pre- designated place of safety. SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY!

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH: Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms with damaging straight-line (downburst) winds and/or large hail.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING: Severe thunderstorms with damaging straight-line winds and/or large hail are imminent or are occurring.

Where to Go In Severe Weather:

• In a house with a basement: Avoid windows. Get in the basement and under some kind of sturdy protection (heavy table, work bench or stairs), or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag.

• In a house with no basement, a dorm, or an apartment: Avoid windows. Go to the lowest floor, small center room (like a bathroom or closet), under a stair well or in an interior hallway with no windows. Crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down; and cover your head with your hands. Even in an interior room, you should cover yourself with some sort of thick padding (mattress, blankets, etc.), to protect against flying or falling debris.

• In an office building: Go directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building — away from glass. Then, crouch down and cover your head. Interior stairwells are usually good places to take shelter. Stay off elevators- you could become trapped in them if the power is lost.

• In a mobile home: Get out! Most tornadoes can destroy even tied-down mobile homes. If your community has a tornado shelter, go there fast. If there is a sturdy permanent building within close distance, seek shelter there. Otherwise, lie flat on low ground away from your home, protecting your head. If possible, use open ground away from trees and cars.

• At school: Follow the drill! Go to the interior hall or room in an orderly way as you are told.  Crouch low, head down, and protect the back of your head with your arms. Stay away from windows and large open rooms like gyms and auditoriums.

• In a car or truck: Get out of the vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a permanent building. Do not try to out run a tornado. If there is no shelter, lie flat and face down in a low lying area – be aware of flash flooding, protecting the back of your head with your arms.  Do not seek shelter under an overpass.

The Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management encourages everyone to have a NOAA Weather Radio along with a Family Disaster Plan and Supply Kit.  Visit www.readywisconsin.wi.gov for additional information.

Need Help?

Jefferson City Hall: (920) 674-7700
Jefferson Chamber of Commerce: (920) 674-4511