Fredonia, Wisconsin Public Records

The Village of Fredonia operates a Municipal Court at 242 Fredonia Avenue, Fredonia, WI 53021, phone (262) 692-9125, which handles local ordinance violations, traffic citations issued within village limits, and forfeitures for non-criminal matters. Municipal court sessions are typically held monthly. Wisconsin Circuit Court records can be searched online through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system at wcca.wicourts.gov, which provides free access to case information including party names, case numbers, charges, dispositions, court dates, and judgments for both criminal and civil cases statewide. The system is updated daily and includes records from all 72 Wisconsin counties. To obtain certified copies of court documents, requests must be made to the Clerk of Circuit Court at the Port Washington Justice Center; fees are $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page of a certified document, as established by Wisconsin Statutes §814.61. Additional fees may apply for extensive searches or document reproduction. The Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Some sealed or confidential records, such as certain juvenile matters or sensitive family court documents, are not available through the public access system and require a court order for release.

Property records can be searched online free of charge through the county's Property Information Search at www.ozaukeecountywi.gov, where users can search by owner name, address, or parcel number to view current assessments, property tax history, sales history, and parcel details. The Ozaukee County Register of Deeds, located at 121 West Main Street, Port Washington, WI 53074, phone (262) 284-8230, website www.co.ozaukee.wi.us/registerofddeeds, records and maintains all real estate documents including deeds, mortgages, land contracts, easements, liens, satisfactions, and other instruments affecting title to real property in Ozaukee County. The Register of Deeds office provides online document search and viewing through the Laredo system at ozaukee.landrecords.us, where users can search by name, document type, or parcel number to view recorded documents dating back to the 1800s. Recent documents can be viewed free online, though printing or downloading copies requires payment. Recording fees vary by document type: standard documents are $30 for the first page and $2 for each additional page, per Wisconsin Statutes §59.43. The county also provides an interactive GIS mapping system at gis.ozaukee.wi.us where users can view parcel boundaries, zoning, aerial imagery, and property information layers for Fredonia and all areas of Ozaukee County.

The village's location along Interstate 43 provides easy access to employment centers in Milwaukee and throughout Ozaukee County, making Fredonia attractive to commuters. Agriculture remains an important part of the local economy, with dairy farming and crop production in surrounding areas. The downtown Fredonia business district features local retailers, restaurants, service businesses, and professional offices. Median household income in Fredonia is estimated at approximately $75,000-$80,000, reflecting the village's middle-class character and proximity to higher-wage Milwaukee-area jobs. Ozaukee County overall has one of the highest median household incomes in Wisconsin, approximately $85,000, and Fredonia benefits from this regional prosperity. Recent economic development has focused on maintaining the village's small-town character while supporting local businesses and controlled residential growth. The village has seen modest population growth and new housing development in recent years. Fredonia's economy reflects its role as a small village serving both as a residential community for Milwaukee-area workers and as a local center for surrounding agricultural townships, with strong schools and quality of life attracting families to the area.

The Fredonia Police Department, located at 242 Fredonia Avenue, Fredonia, WI 53021, phone (262) 692-9125, provides law enforcement services to the village. The department responds to calls for service, conducts investigations, and maintains incident reports and accident records. Citizens can request police reports by contacting the department in person or by phone during business hours; there is typically a fee for copies of reports. The department's records are subject to Wisconsin's public records law under Wisconsin Statutes §19.31-19.39, which requires agencies to provide access to records unless specifically exempted. The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office, located at 1201 South Spring Street, Port Washington, WI 53074, phone (262) 284-7172, website www.co.ozaukee.wi.us/sheriff, provides countywide law enforcement services including patrol coverage for unincorporated areas of Ozaukee County, operation of the county jail, and specialized services such as investigations and K-9 units. The Sheriff's Office also assists the Fredonia Police Department when needed. Arrest records and jail bookings for Ozaukee County can be searched online through the Ozaukee County Jail Inmate Search at www.co.ozaukee.wi.us/sheriff, which displays current inmates, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and booking photographs. To request law enforcement records under Wisconsin's public records law, requesters should submit a written request to the custodian of records at the specific agency, identifying the records sought with reasonable specificity. Agencies may charge fees for locating, copying, and redacting records, and must respond to requests as soon as practicable and without delay. Wisconsin Statutes §19.35 establishes the procedures and timelines for public records requests, with presumption in favor of disclosure unless an exemption applies under §19.36.

Certified copies can be ordered online through the state VitalChek system at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords/order.htm with additional processing fees, or by mail with a completed application form, valid photo ID copy, and payment. Processing time is typically 3-4 weeks by mail, faster for online orders. Wisconsin birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 50 years old are restricted to eligible persons under Wisconsin Statutes §69.20-69.21, including the registrant (if of legal age), parent, guardian, legal representative, or person with direct and tangible interest. The Ozaukee County Register of Deeds, 121 West Main Street, Port Washington, WI 53074, phone (262) 284-8230, also maintains historical vital records and can provide certified copies. Marriage licenses are issued by the Ozaukee County Clerk's Office, located at the Ozaukee County Courthouse, 121 West Main Street, Port Washington, WI 53074, phone (262) 284-8200. Wisconsin requires a marriage license application in person by both parties, with valid photo ID and Social Security numbers; there is no waiting period or blood test required. The marriage license fee is $110 and the license is valid for 30 days. Marriage records are public and can be searched at the County Clerk's office or Register of Deeds. Divorce records are filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court at 1201 South Spring Street, Port Washington, WI 53074, phone (262) 284-8243, as part of family court case files and can be searched through the WCCA online system.

The village clerk can provide specific requirements and applications. Ozaukee County does not generally require separate county-level business licenses, though certain regulated activities may require county permits or inspections through the Planning and Parks Department at (262) 284-8257. Wisconsin state business entity registration is handled by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Corporate & Consumer Services, phone (608) 261-7577, website www.wdfi.org. All corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal business entities must register with the state. The searchable Corporate Registration Database at www.wdfi.org/apps/CorpSearch allows free searches by business name, registered agent, or registration number to view entity status, registration date, registered office address, officers/directors, and annual report filing status. Initial filing fees are $100 for LLCs and $100 for corporations, with annual report fees of $25. Fictitious name registrations (trade names) for sole proprietorships or partnerships doing business under a name other than the owner's legal name must be filed with the Ozaukee County Register of Deeds at (262) 284-8230; the filing fee is $30 plus $2 per page. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) financing statements and lien searches are also filed with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and can be searched at www.wdfi.org. Business property assessments and tax information can be viewed through the Ozaukee County Property Listing Department online database at www.ozaukeecountywi.gov.

Fredonia voters are served by the Ozaukee County Clerk's Office, Elections Division, located at 121 West Main Street, Port Washington, WI 53074, phone (262) 284-8200, website www.co.ozaukee.wi.us/clerk. This office administers all federal, state, county, and local elections for Fredonia residents, maintains voter registration records, provides absentee ballots, certifies election results, and assists with voter registration and election information. Wisconsin residents can register to vote online at myvote.wi.gov, the state's centralized voter information portal, which also allows voters to check registration status, request absentee ballots, find polling places, and view sample ballots. Wisconsin allows same-day voter registration at the polls with proof of residence. Voters must provide a valid photo ID to vote in Wisconsin under 2011 Wisconsin Act 23; acceptable IDs include Wisconsin driver's license, state ID card, military ID, passport, or tribal ID. The Village of Fredonia holds municipal elections on the spring election date (first Tuesday in April of odd-numbered years) for village president (mayor) and village trustees. The village president serves a two-year term, and trustees serve three-year staggered terms. The next Fredonia municipal elections will be held in April 2025 and April 2027. Candidate filing and local ballot information are available through the village clerk at (262) 692-9125 and the county clerk's office. Fredonia residents can find their assigned polling place by entering their address at myvote.wi.gov or by contacting the county clerk. Fredonia's polling location is typically at the Fredonia Village Hall, 242 Fredonia Avenue. Wisconsin provides extensive public access to election records under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 7. Voter registration lists are available for inspection at the county clerk's office, though use is restricted to election-related purposes. Campaign finance reports for all state and local candidates must be filed with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission and are searchable at ethics.wi.gov. Candidate nomination papers and declarations of candidacy are filed with the county clerk for county and local offices, and with the state for state offices. Precinct-by-precinct election results are published by the county clerk and Wisconsin Elections Commission at elections.wi.gov. In the November 2024 presidential election, Ozaukee County reported approximately 67% voter turnout, with about 61,000 total registered voters and approximately 41,000 ballots cast, reflecting high civic engagement typical of Ozaukee County. On November 3, 2026, Fredonia and Ozaukee County voters will decide several important races. Wisconsin will hold elections for Governor (four-year term), Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, all 33 State Senate seats (four-year terms), and all 99 State Assembly seats (two-year terms). No U.S. Senate seat from Wisconsin is up in 2026. County offices on the ballot will include County Executive, County Clerk, Register of Deeds, Treasurer, Sheriff, Clerk of Circuit Court, and District Attorney, as well as County Board supervisors for even-numbered districts. Circuit Court judges may also appear on the ballot if seats are up for election. Fredonia voters will elect village trustees if positions are expiring that year. Wisconsin offers absentee voting both in-person and by mail. Registered voters can request an absentee ballot online at myvote.wi.gov, by mail, email, or in person at the county clerk's office. Absentee ballot applications must be received by 5:00 PM on the Thursday before the election for regular absentee voting. In-person absentee voting is available at the county clerk's office starting two weeks before each election. Military and overseas voters have special provisions under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). All absentee ballots must be returned by 8:00 PM on Election Day to be counted.