Lake Mills Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Lake Mills, Wisconsin government websites.
About Lake Mills City Government
Annual Budget
$3.4 million
Regular Meetings
Public Sessions
The governing body of Lake Mills, Wisconsin, is the Lake Mills City Council, which consists of 6 elected members. Council members are elected to serve 3-year terms, with elections held in April. The council is responsible for making policy decisions and overseeing the city's operations.
For the fiscal year 2023, Lake Mills has an approximate annual operating budget of $3.4 million. This budget allocates funds for various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.
The Lake Mills City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM. Meetings take place at the Lake Mills City Hall, located at 200 Water Street, Lake Mills, WI 53551. These sessions provide a platform for community members to engage with council members and discuss local issues.
About Lake Mills, Wisconsin
Key landmarks within Lake Mills include the historic Lake Mills Main Street, which features a variety of local shops and eateries, and the Lake Mills Community Center, a hub for local events and activities. The city is also home to the Korth Park, which offers trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the lake.
Historically, Lake Mills was established in the mid-19th century and has a rich agricultural background, which contributed to its growth. The city has maintained a strong sense of community, with a 2023 budget of approximately $3.5 million allocated for various public services, including infrastructure improvements and community development initiatives.
Lake Mills, Wisconsin Public Records & Government Resources
Lake Mills Wisconsin Archives and Genealogy
Wisconsin Historical Society archives and genealogy for Lake Mills.
Lake Mills Wisconsin Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court Eastern District of Wisconsin for Lake Mills.
Wisconsin Courts – Lake Mills Case Search
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access case search for Lake Mills.
Lake Mills Wisconsin Vital Records
Wisconsin Department of Health Services vital records for Lake Mills.
Lake Mills Wisconsin Missing Persons
Wisconsin DOJ missing persons for Lake Mills.
Lake Mills Wisconsin Most Wanted
Wisconsin DOJ most wanted for Lake Mills.
Lake Mills Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry
Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry for Lake Mills.
Lake Mills Wisconsin Criminal History Records
Wisconsin DOJ criminal history record search for Lake Mills.
Lake Mills Wisconsin Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Lake Mills.
City of Lake Mills
Directory of Lake Mills city records and information 200 D Water Street Lake Mills, WI 53551 Phone: 920-648-2344 Fax: 92
Lake Mills Fire Department
Fire prevention, suppression, and rescue services 200 D Water Street Lake Mills, WI 53551 Phone: (920) 648-5117
Lake Mills Police Department
Crime prevention and law enforcement services 200 A Water Street Lake Mills, WI 53551 Phone: (920) 648-2354
Lake Mills Municipal Court
Traffic and city ordinance violations Post Office Box 6 Lake Mills, WI 53551 Phone:(920) 648-8385
Lake Mills Aztalan Historical Society
Research genealogy and family histories HWY B & Q fire # N6284 on Q Lake Mills, WI 53551 Phone: (920) 648-4632
Lake Mills School District
General education information and services 120 E. Lake Park Place Lake Mills, WI 53551 Phone: 920-648-2215 Email: Infor
L. D. Fargo Public Library
Access to Lake Mills libraries, reference materials, and research assistance 120 E. Madison St. Lake Mills, WI 53551 Pho
Lake Mills Area Chamber of Commerce
Listing of local businesses 200 C Water Street Lake Mills, WI 53551 Phone: 920-648-3585 Email: chamber@lakemills.org
Lake Mills Leader Newspaper
Current local newspaper articles 320 N. Main St. Lake Mills, WI 53551 Phone: 920.648.2334
City of Lake Mills Census Bureau Information
Population demographic information Lake Mills, WI. 53551
Lake Mills Wisconsin Crime Information Bureau
Conducting criminal background checks Wisconsin Department of Justice P.O. Box 7857 Madison, WI 53707-7857 Tel: 608-266-
State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections
Lake Mills Inmate and offender search 3099 East Washington Avenue Post Office Box 7925 Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7925 DOC
Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement in Jefferson County operates through a network of agencies that includes the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and several municipal departments. The Lake Mills Police Department handles local duties within city limits, working alongside the Watertown Police Department and Fort Atkinson Police Department in their respective jurisdictions. These city-level agencies maintain close coordination with the sheriff's office when major crimes occur or regional safety efforts require a unified response.
Jail & Inmate Records
Jefferson County operates its primary detention facility in Jefferson, where Jefferson County jail processes everyone arrested within its borders. Once booked, individuals are fingerprinted, photographed, and entered into the system. The public can search for information about current detainees through inmate lookup services provided by the sheriff's office. Visitation at the facility requires advance scheduling and strict adherence to security protocols.
Arrest Records
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office keeps arrest records for everyone taken into custody within Jefferson County. These documents capture the circumstances of each arrest, listing charges filed, the agency that made the arrest, and booking details. Anyone seeking these records—whether residents or attorneys—can submit requests through the sheriff's office by following procedures established under the Wisconsin Open Records Law. Each record contains personal information about the arrested individual, specifics about the alleged offense, and updates on where the case stands.
Court Records
Lake Mills Municipal Court handles the city's day-to-day legal matters, from traffic violations and minor criminal offenses to small claims disputes. Residents looking for court records or case information can search through the Wisconsin Courts website. When more serious legal issues arise in the community, they fall under the jurisdiction of the Jefferson County Circuit Court, which presides over felony cases and major civil matters originating within city boundaries.
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Jefferson County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Wisconsin Department of Justice provides statewide background checks through the Wisconsin Bureau of Investigation. Residents can request background checks to obtain information on criminal history, which includes details of convictions, charges, and any registered sex offender status.
Public Records Access
Anyone researching the history of Lake Mills, Jefferson County, Wisconsin will find a treasure trove at the Wisconsin Historical Society's Lake Mills Archives and Genealogy collection. The archives hold property deeds, land surveys, and documents that trace the community's evolution over generations. For current property information, the Jefferson County Assessor's Office maintains assessment records and valuation data for all parcels within city limits. Both resources are available to homeowners and historians through the Wisconsin History website.
Vital Records
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services oversees the state's vital records, including birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses for Lake Mills residents. Individuals can obtain copies of these important documents by contacting the Vital Records Office or visiting the department's website. The city's municipal offices also maintain some local vital records, such as marriage licenses issued by the Lake Mills City Clerk.
Business & Licensing Records
Local business operations in Lake Mills, Jefferson County, Wisconsin run through city government channels that oversee licensing, zoning permits, and regulatory compliance. Entrepreneurs and established business owners alike obtain necessary paperwork and approvals through the municipal administrative offices. The Lake Mills Community Development Authority complements these services by fostering economic growth and supporting development projects that strengthen the city's commercial base.
Economy & Demographics
Lake Mills' economy is anchored by a diverse mix of industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. Major employers in the city include the Lake Mills School District, the Aztalan Historical Society, and several local manufacturing and processing facilities. The city's proximity to Rock Lake and its charming downtown district also attract visitors, contributing to the local tourism industry. With a 2023 municipal budget of $3.5 million, the City of Lake Mills is committed to supporting economic growth and development initiatives that benefit the community.
Elections & Voter Records
Election services for Lake Mills voters flow through the Jefferson County Clerk's Office at 320 S. Main Street, Room 106, Jefferson, WI 53549. Residents can call 920-674-7220 or visit jeffersoncountywi.gov/county-clerk for everything from voter registration and absentee ballots to polling locations, candidate filings, and certified results. The office handles these responsibilities for the city and every other municipality across Jefferson County. Wisconsin residents can register to vote online at myvote.wi.gov, the statewide portal run by the Wisconsin Elections Commission.
Deadlines require online or mail registration by the third Wednesday before an election—20 days out—though the state permits same-day registration at polling places on Election Day if you bring proof of residence. Acceptable documents include a Wisconsin driver's license, state ID card, recent utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or other government-issued paper showing your current name and address. The city holds municipal elections for mayor and city council seats during spring of odd-numbered years, typically in April. The next Lake Mills municipal elections are scheduled for April 2025 and April 2027. The Lake Mills Common Council seats alderpersons from districts throughout the community on staggered terms. Information about local candidates, sample ballots, and any referendum questions appears on the Jefferson County Clerk's website as each election approaches. To locate your assigned polling place, visit myvote.wi.gov and use the "Find My Polling Place" tool by entering your address. The system displays your polling location, hours (generally 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM), and current election details. Wisconsin law opens numerous election records to public access. Voter registration lists are available for purchase by certain authorized requesters. Campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees can be searched at cfis.wi.gov. Candidate filing documents, nomination papers, and precinct-by-precinct election results are similarly accessible. During the November 2024 presidential election, Jefferson County posted turnout of approximately 72-75% among registered voters, numbers that reflect Wisconsin's position as a swing state where civic engagement runs high. Looking toward the November 3, 2026 general election, Lake Mills voters will weigh in on Wisconsin's gubernatorial race (Governor Tony Evers' current term expires in January 2027), all State Assembly seats (the city sits in Assembly District 38), even-numbered State Senate districts if applicable, constitutional offices such as Attorney General and Secretary of State depending on cycle timing, Jefferson County offices including County Board supervisors, and potentially county-wide referendums. Wisconsin does not have a U.S. Senate seat up in 2026—Senator Tammy Baldwin won re-election in 2024 for a term running through 2030, while Senator Ron Johnson's seat isn't contested until 2028. Absentee voting is available to any registered Wisconsin voter without needing to provide an excuse. Voters can request an absentee ballot online at myvote.wi.gov beginning the third Wednesday before the election, or submit requests by mail, email, or fax to the Jefferson County Clerk. Photo ID is required both when requesting and returning an absentee ballot. Mail-in ballots must arrive by 8:00 PM on Election Day to count—postmarks alone won't suffice. The state also offers in-person absentee voting at the Jefferson County Clerk's office and potentially at Lake Mills City Hall during the two weeks leading up to Election Day.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal (CCAP wcca.wicourts.gov provides free comprehensive access to all circuit court records) | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder (Jefferson County provides excellent free access to both assessment data and recorded land documents with digital images) | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster (Jefferson County Sheriff maintains current jail roster online with booking details and charges) | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required (Wisconsin vital records require requests through state office in Madison, though online ordering is available via VitalChek) | Business: Yes: Free State Database (Wisconsin DFI corporate/LLC search is comprehensive and free, though municipal licenses require city hall contact) | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results (MyVote.wi.gov offers excellent voter tools, and Jefferson County provides detailed election information and results) | Overall: 8.5/10 — Jefferson County and Wisconsin provide exceptional public records access with strong online portals for court records, property data, business entities, and election information, though some vital records and older documents still require state office involvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Lake Mills, Jefferson County, Wisconsin?
The Lake Mills Area School District serves the city of Lake Mills, Jefferson County, Wisconsin. According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the district had an overall score of 79.2 out of 100 on the 2018-19 School Report Card. The district scored above the state average in all four categories: Student Achievement (77.2), Student Growth (83.2), Closing Gaps (77.2), and On-Track and Postsecondary Readiness (83.2).
2 What are the crime statistics for Lake Mills, Jefferson County, Wisconsin?
According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, the crime rate in Lake Mills, Jefferson County, Wisconsin is lower than the national average. In 2019, the total number of reported crimes in Lake Mills was 5, with 0 violent crimes, 0 property crimes, and 5 other crimes.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Lake Mills, Jefferson County, Wisconsin Library?
The Lake Mills Public Library in Jefferson County, Wisconsin provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Wisconsin government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, which governs access to government documents in Wisconsin. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Lake Mills Wisconsin Archives and Genealogy at https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/. Contact the Lake Mills Public Library reference desk at (920) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
4 Where is the Lake Mills, Jefferson County, Wisconsin Public Library located?
The Lake Mills, Jefferson County, Wisconsin Library is located at:
Lake Mills Public Library
201 S. Main Street
Lake Mills, WI 53551
Phone: (920) 648-2712
Lake Mills Public Library
201 S. Main Street
Lake Mills, WI 53551
Phone: (920) 648-2712
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Lake Mills, Jefferson County, Wisconsin?
Fingerprinting services for Lake Mills, Wisconsin residents are provided at the Lake Mills Police Department, which serves Jefferson County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Lake Mills Police Department at (920) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Wisconsin Department of Justice for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Wisconsin Department of Justice at https://www.doj.state.wi.us/dles/cib/criminal-history-record-search.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Lake Mills, Jefferson County, Wisconsin, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records for Lake Mills, Jefferson County, Wisconsin, you must contact the Jefferson County Register of Deeds.
The types of records available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. To obtain any of these records, you must provide a valid photo ID, proof of relationship to the person listed on the record, and the appropriate fee.
The types of records available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. To obtain any of these records, you must provide a valid photo ID, proof of relationship to the person listed on the record, and the appropriate fee.
7 How do I register to vote in Lake Mills, Wisconsin?
Lake Mills voters and election services are administered by the Jefferson County Clerk's Office, located at 320 S. Main Street, Room 106, Jefferson, WI 53549 (phone: 920-674-7220, website: jeffersoncountywi.gov/county-clerk). This office handles all aspects of voter registration, absentee voting, polling place information, candidate filings, and election result certification for Lake Mills and all Jefferson County municipalities. Wisconsin residents can register to vote online at myvote.wi.gov, the official statewide voter portal managed by the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Registration dead...
8 How do I look up property records in Lake Mills, Wisconsin?
Property and land records for Lake Mills are maintained by Jefferson County offices in the county seat of Jefferson. The Jefferson County Assessor's Office, located at 320 S. Main Street, Suite 150, Jefferson, WI 53549 (phone: 920-674-7240), maintains property assessment records including parcel identification numbers, assessed values, property characteristics, and ownership information. Jefferson County offers a free online property search tool at jeffersoncountywi.gov under the Assessor section, where residents can search by address, parcel number, or owner name to view current assessments, ...
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Lake Mills, Wisconsin?
Vital records for Lake Mills residents are primarily handled at the state level through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital Records Office, located at 1 W. Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703 (phone: 608-266-1371, website: dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords). Birth certificates cost $20 for the first copy with a typical processing time of 3-4 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service is available for additional fees. Wisconsin offers online ordering through VitalChek at vitalchek.com for an additional convenience fee, allowing residents to request certified birth certificates w...
10 How do I find business license records in Lake Mills, Wisconsin?
Business licensing in Lake Mills is handled at the municipal level through Lake Mills City Hall, 200 Water Street, Lake Mills, WI 53551 (phone: 920-648-2344). The city requires business licenses for various commercial operations, with fees and requirements varying by business type—typically ranging from $25-100 annually depending on the nature of the business. Certain businesses such as alcohol beverage establishments, temporary vendors, and specific professional services require additional permits. Applications are available at City Hall and must be renewed according to the schedule specific ...
11 Vital Records Procedures
To obtain vital records for Lake Mills, Jefferson County, Wisconsin, you must contact the Jefferson County Register of Deeds. The Register of Deeds is located at 311 S Center Ave, Jefferson, WI 53549.
The types of records available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. To obtain any of these records, you must provide a valid photo ID, proof of relationship to the person listed on the record, and the appropriate fee.
The types of records available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. To obtain any of these records, you must provide a valid photo ID, proof of relationship to the person listed on the record, and the appropriate fee.
12 School District & Education Data
The Lake Mills Area School District serves the city of Lake Mills, Jefferson County, Wisconsin. According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the district had an overall score of 79.2 out of 100 on the 2018-19 School Report Card. The district scored above the state average in all four categories: Student Achievement (77.2), Student Growth (83.2), Closing Gaps (77.2), and On-Track and Postsecondary Readiness (83.2).
13 Crime Statistics
According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, the crime rate in Lake Mills, Jefferson County, Wisconsin is lower than the national average. In 2019, the total number of reported crimes in Lake Mills was 5, with 0 violent crimes, 0 property crimes, and 5 other crimes.
14 Library Public Records Access
Yes, the Lake Mills Public Library offers access to public records. The library has a variety of resources available, including local, state, and federal records. The library also offers access to online databases, such as Ancestry.com, which can be used to search for public records.
15 Public Library Location
The Lake Mills, Jefferson County, Wisconsin Library is located at:
Lake Mills Public Library
201 S. Main Street
Lake Mills, WI 53551
Phone: (920) 648-2712
Lake Mills Public Library
201 S. Main Street
Lake Mills, WI 53551
Phone: (920) 648-2712
16 Fingerprinting Services
The closest fingerprinting office to Lake Mills, Jefferson County, Wisconsin is the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation located at 17 West Main Street, Madison, WI 53703. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm.
Nearby Cities in Jefferson County, Wisconsin
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: