Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a permit required to move a garage, house or any other oversized/overweight load on a county highway?

YES, a permit is required. There is a fee for the permit and the applicant must supply a current certificate of insurance. Depending on the size and weight, a Sheriffs escort may be required. 

How do I get a new driveway or field entrance on a county highway?

New driveways require review and approval from our department. Driveway locations must adhere to the spacing regulations contained in the County’s Highway Policy and fee schedule. A representative from our department will review the application form and the driveway location to determine if the driveway is permissible. If you have any questions about driveway permits or State Highway permits please contact our office at (608)297-3068Please contact town officials for information about driveways on town roads 

Is Farm Equipment exempt from overweight and oversized laws?

NO – Farm equipment, or implements of husbandry (IOH), are not exempt from overweight and oversized laws. For additional information contact the Wisconsin State Patrol or see the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bulletin “Wisconsin Farmers on the Road – Size, weight, and load” (PDF)

Can I install a sign in the right-of-way?

NO. Only official signs are authorized by the Highway Department may be placed in the right-of-way. Official sign include speed limit, stop signs, curve and intersection warning signs, and road names. (NO REAL ESTATE, RUMMAGE SALE, POLITICAL OR OTHER ADVERTISING SIGNS ARE ALLOWED IN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY)

Can you send someone out to pick up a deer?The Marquette County Highway Department can’t pick up dead deer; however, you may report them to us at (608) 297-3068. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources contracts out for their removal. 

I drove through wet traffic paint and got some on my vehicle. How do I remove it?Marquette County Highway contracts with other contractors to paint yellow roadway centerline and white edge fog lines on the county roads. The contractors use different paints. Please contact the Highway Department at (608) 297-3068 and we’ll help you determine which contractor was working in the area and how to contact them to get the information you need to remove the paint. You will need to know where and when you drove through the paint. Please have this information available before you call.

A stone chipped my windshield while driving on a County Highway; who is responsible?Typically stone chips are a road hazard the vehicle owner is responsible for correcting. Occasionally a stone chip may be caused by Highway Department operations. If you feel the operation negligently caused the stone chip, you will need to file a claim against Marquette County. The first step is to contact the Highway Department at (608) 297-3068 and ask to speak with the commissioner or a supervisor. Please provide them with the date, time and location the stone chip occurred. If you know the number from the Marquette County Highway truck and any other detailed information please provide it when you call. 

What if my mailbox is damaged during snowplowing operations?If your mailbox was damaged during snowplowing operations, please refer to the Mailbox Policy for full details.If your mailbox was hit by a plow, contact the Highway Department via email or phone.

How can I stay informed about emergencies?It’s important that you know the potential emergencies that can happen in your state, region and community. Go to Wisconsin Emergency Management and click on the Facebook, Twitter, or Email buttons to get emergency information. We also recommend including a battery operated radio, such as a NOAA radio with tone alert, in your emergency kit to stay apprised of developments during emergencies. It is always important to listen to and follow the advice of local officials in the event of an emergency.

How can I develop a Family Emergency Plan?Preparing a Family Emergency Plan is easy. You can get started by using the free Family Emergency Plan template. A Family Emergency Plan can help a family to stay in contact if they are separated during an emergency

How can older Americans and individuals with disabilities and other access and functional needs prepare for emergencies?We encourages all individuals to make an Emergency Supply Kit, including food and water, medications, a list of medications, dosage and schedule and medical records, and personal items such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, wheelchair battery charger and other appropriate supplies to maintain health and independence. ReadyWisconsin also recommends that individuals develop an emergency plan that considers their unique needs and a personal support network they can call upon in the event of an emergency. Additionally, every individual should include their friends and neighbors, with disabilities and without, in their emergency planning. In an emergency, neighbors will need to be prepared to help each other until first responders arrive. Know if your neighbors have disabilities or other access and functional needs and help them prepare.

How can pet owners prepare for emergencies?Pet owners should assemble an Emergency Supply Kit that includes enough pet food and water for three days, medications and medical records, leashes, ID tags, and other appropriate supplies. It’s recommended that pet owners have an emergency plan that includes the needs of their pets. Taking into consideration the types of emergencies that could happen in their area and the appropriate responses.

What should be included in an Emergency Supply Kit?In a basic Emergency Supply Kit, Emergency Management recommends including the following:

One gallon of water per person per day for three days – remember to include enough for your pets, too!

At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation, or cooking and little or no water, and choose foods your family will eat: ready-to-eat canned meats, peanut butter, protein or fruit bars, dry cereal or granola. Also pack a manual can opener and eating utensils.

Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

Flashlight and extra batteries

First aid kit

Whistle to signal for help

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Local maps

What is Probate?Probate is the court-supervised process for the orderly transfer of a decedent’s assets to those that are entitled to them. The process ensures that notice is properly given, that all debts, taxes, and expenses are paid, that the assets are distributed in accordance with the last Will or to the heirs as determined by statute. Reference the Probate section for additional information on common probate proceedings.

Are probate records on the internet?Yes. Court records are available online at http://wcca.wicourts.gov/index.xsl. Probate records are open to the public. The record will show the name and case number of the estate, the name and the address of the personal representative, the name of the attorney, if any, any scheduled activities, and what has been filed to date.

How can I access standard court forms?Standard, statewide forms are required by all Wisconsin circuit courts. Forms can be obtained in person from the Register in Probate office. There is a fee for some form packets. Forms can also be obtained online at Wisconsin Court System – Circuit court forms.

How can I file a claim against an estate?There is a $3 filing fee to file a claim against an estate. Form-1819 Claim Against Estate is available from the Register in Probate office. There is a time limit for filing a claim based on when the probate action was started. You can check the court file in person or preview the case record on the internet to find out the claims deadline for a particular case.

What do I have to do when someone dies?If the decedent left a Will, it must be filed with the Probate office within 30 days of death even if no probate proceeding is required. Complete and file with the Register in Probate office an Affidavit of No Probate form. The form can be obtained in person at the Register of Probate office. If a probate proceeding will be initiated, file the original Will with those documents. If there was no Will, the statutes outline a priority system, called “intestate succession”, which determines how the decedent’s assets will be distributed.

What are some types of probate procedures?Informal Administration is the most commonly used procedure. In most cases, you do not need an attorney to proceed informally.Summary Settlement proceeding can be used whenever there is a surviving spouse or minor children and the estate, less the amount of the debts for which any property is security, does not exceed $50,000. It may also be used whenever the value of the estate does not exceed the priority debts (e.g., taxes, administrative, funeral and burial, last illness, spousal and family allowances).Summary Assignment can be used whenever the value of the estate, less the amount of the debts for which any property is security, does not exceed $50,000 and summary settlement does not apply.

Do I need a lawyer?A lawyer is not required for Informal Probate or other proceedings. You may seek advise or the services of an attorney at any point during the process. A lawyer is required, however for Formal Probate proceedings. Probate office staff cannot give legal advice.

What does the personal representative do?The Personal Representative (PR) is the person nominated to administer the decedent’s assets in an Informal or Formal proceeding. The PR cannot assume the duties until the Court appoints the PR. Duties and responsibilities include making and inventory of and managing the decedent’s property; paying debts, administrative expenses and taxes and distributing the property to the heirs or beneficiaries. The PR has the duty to protect the property of the estate, administer and distribute estate assets in a diligent and timely manner according to statutory deadlines and file required tax returns for the decedent.

Can I obtain adoption records?No. Adoption records are confidential. All search request must go through the Adoption Record Search program,
PO Box 8916
Madison WI 53708-8916
608.266.7163
Additional information is available online.

When is the second installment of my postponed real estate taxes due?The second installment of property tax is due on or before July 31 to the County Treasurer.  Payments that are mailed must be postmarked no later than July 31st to be considered a timely payment.

Does the County Treasurer set up repayment plans with taxpayers?No, but we encourage taxpayers to make whatever payments they can to reduce their outstanding balance as well as the amount of interest and penalties that will be assessed.  We will accept partial payments of $50 or more on delinquent property taxes.

How does the Treasurer determine if a real estate tax payment is considered timely?Property tax payments are considered timely if they are postmarked on or before the respective due dates according to WI State Statutes.  We urge taxpayers to mail several days early to avoid postal delay when mailing from community mail boxes.  You may consider going to the Post Office and having them hand-cancel your envelope to assure a timely postmark.

What happens if I miss the January 31 deadline?If the first installment is not paid by January 31, the entire unpaid balance becomes delinquent and is subject to interest and penalty retroactive to February 1 at a rate of 1.0% per month until it is paid in full.  Delinquent real estate tax payments are payable to the Marquette County Treasurer.

When are the real estate property tax bills mailed out each year?The County Treasurer mails out the property tax bills by December 15th.

What happens if I don’t receive a real estate tax bill?If you do not receive your tax bill by December 20, please call the County Treasurer’s office.  Failure to receive a property tax bill does not relieve the taxpayer of the obligation to pay their taxes timely.

Where do I pay my Taxes?Taxes can be paid at the Marquette County Courthouse Treasurers Office, 77 West Park, Rm 102, Montello or mailed to PO Box 186, Montello, WI 53949.

How to buy a plat book?Plat books can be purchased through the Planning, Zoning and Land Information Department. 

How to pay taxes online?Pay Taxes OnlinePay your property taxes by Credit Card or Electronic CheckONLINE at www.co.marquette.wi.us (You will need your parcel numbers(s) from your tax bill(s) and the amount owed.)FEES: Credit Card/MC Debit Card – 2.39% of the total payment – i.e. ($1,000.00 x 2.39% = $23.90)E-CHECK – Flat fee of $1.50, up to $10,000.00CURRENT YEAR TAXES “CAN NOT” BE PAID THRU THIS PAYMENT WEBSITE FROM DECEMBER THRU FEBRUARY 20TH OF EACH YEAR YOU MUST PAY YOUR 1ST INSTALLMENT OR FULL PAYMENT TO YOUR LOCAL TREASURER ARE DUE BY JANUARY 31ST OF EACH YEAR TO YOUR LOCAL TREASURER.THIS WEBSITE IS FOR PAYMENTS TO MARQUETTE COUNTY ONLY (2ND INSTALLMENTS OR DELINQUENT TAXES)