Wausau Finance Committee Budget Session #3 - 10/7/26

The Wausau Finance Committee’s third 2027 budget session was held October 7, 2026. Discussion focused on special revenue funds, capital projects, tax increment districts (TIDs), debt service, and enterprise funds. The capital plan includes about $18 million in infrastructure projects, including street reconstruction and resurfacing, sidewalk and concrete repairs, lead service line work, and facility and equipment needs. The proposed funding includes $7.9 million in clean-water principal forgiveness, a $4.2 million safe-drinking-water loan, and $6.2 million in promissory notes. Staff also described a proposed $150,000 consultant-led downtown trail and street plan, intended to support future grant applications. For TID 8, the city is seeking a $250,000 WEDC brownfield grant toward demolition and environmental work estimated at just over $600,000. No contract awards or procurement approvals were made during the session.

Members discussed whether to reduce borrowing or defer capital work: one member proposed limiting borrowing to $17–18 million, finding $4.2–$5.2 million in projects that could be postponed, and considering a 1% general-fund spending reduction. These were proposals for further review, not adopted budget changes; members also requested clearer capital-project and funding schedules and additional fiscal information. The committee agreed not to meet October 8 so members could develop and circulate amendments for a later meeting. Existing arrangements discussed included the city’s homelessness contract with Bridge Street Mission and room-tax support for the CVB and local institutions. A stormwater-utility study presentation was noted for a future City Council meeting; no utility decision was made.