The Village of Belleville operates under the laws of the State of Wisconsin as a village and uses a village president/board form of government. The Village Board of Trustees appoints a full-time professional Village Administrator who directs and coordinates the Village's operations and services on a day-to-day basis. The Village Board appoints the Village Administrator to carry out council priorities and administer Village operations. The Village Board appoints Village department heads as specified in village ordinances.
Our Location
The Village of Belleville, Wisconsin (pop. 2,761 est.) is located in both Dane and Green County, just 10 minutes from south of Verona, Wisconsin and 30 minutes from the capital of Wisconsin, the City of Madison. Due to its location and intersecting highways, Belleville allows residents to enjoy the convenience and amenities of the Madison Metropolitan region while enjoying the small-town feel. Belleville has experienced rapid population growth and development and is one of the fastest growing communities in Dane and Green County.
Our History
The Village was founded by John Frederick in the 1840s, Federick named Belleville (“Belleville Village”) after his hometown in Ontario, Canada. When he arrived in Dane County, Frederick came across a waterpower source on the Sugar River in the Town of Montrose. He purchased land along the Sugar River and eventually built a dam, sawmill, and stone grist mill. Other individuals built a blacksmith shop, general store, doctor’s office, and hotel. The first school was built in 1847. In 1886, the Chicago, Madison, and Northern Railroad constructed a line from Freeport to Madison allowing business expansion into Wisconsin. With completion of the Stuart Tunnel, the first passenger and freight trains traveled through Belleville carrying grain, livestock, and other freight materials. In the early 1900’s, a bandstand and gazebo were erected in an area now known as Library Park. The Village developed a 12-acre park on a peninsula called Community Park where future Community Picnics, Fourth of Julys, and Bastille Days were celebrated.
The Village of Belleville was incorporated on July 19, 1892.The Village is in a unique geographic and economic position to grow in the future. Located 30 miles from the University of Wisconsin and a nationally recognized health care system, Belleville has seen an increase in single-family housing starts reflecting a desire of young families to find more affordable new homes. The School District of Belleville has received an “Exceeds Expectations” district report card from the Wisconsin Department of Public Education and for the second time in the past three years, is one of only 13 school districts’ in the country that has been designated as a PLTW Distinguished District.
The quality of life for residents and business owners is augmented by the Sugar River, Lake Belle View, Badger bike and walking trail, 5 beautiful park and recreations areas, and an aquatic center offering residents of Belleville swimming opportunities for the entire family. A Veterans Memorial Park was dedicated in 2018 recognizing all honorably discharged Veterans in the Belleville and surrounding area.
The Sugar River Senior Center offers a comprehensive programming schedule to keep seniors active in the community. The Belleville Public Library opened its new facility in 2021 offering programs and services such as its Summer Concert in the Park series and other creative and lifelong learning programs for all ages. Belleville has a strong volunteer spirit where residents and business owners participate in the Community Club, Chamber of Commerce, and other fraternal organizations hosting special events throughout the year.
The governing body of the Village is comprised of the Village President and six Village Trustees. All are elected to staggered two-year terms. The Village Board is the policy setting body for the Village, responsible for passing the annual tax levy and budget, appointing committee members and employees, and carrying out other policies and directives designed to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community. The Village Administrator is responsible for carrying out the policies and directives of the Village Board and for overseeing the day-to day operations of the organization. The Public Works Department is responsible for all street, water, and sewer infrastructure while maintaining the park system. Emergency services are provided by the Belleville Police Department, Belleville Fire Department, and Belleville Area EMS.