Oshkosh Common Council Operating Budget Workshop 10/13/26

The City of Oshkosh Common Council’s October 13, 2026 operating budget workshop reviewed department accomplishments, proposed 2027 priorities, and budget pressures. Utilities reported ongoing and planned capital work, including tertiary filtration and UV treatment, clear-well upgrades, water-main and storm-sewer projects, and lead service-line replacement. The city awarded its first citywide lead service-line replacement contract earlier in 2026; some targeted replacements are eligible for 100% principal forgiveness. Grant-funded flood-resilience studies are also underway. Wastewater biosolids hauling costs have increased after the farmer previously performing the work could no longer provide staffing, and staff are evaluating options for a future grease-processing system. A construction project-management software option with annual costs of about $750,000 was deemed unaffordable, and staff are considering alternatives.

The Fire Department proposed continuing ambulance chassis remounts rather than purchasing new ambulances, estimating savings of about 25–35% per unit, alongside planning for Station 15 modernization and a training site. The Clerk’s Office is selecting an open-records and records-management system with the legal team; the added software cost was not specified. It also expects a 2027 returned-mail permit process to avoid postage charges, citing about $3,500 in potential savings before the November election. Community Development reported reducing planning-contractual funding after the one-time zoning-code rewrite work. The transcript records no budget or procurement votes; these items were presented for workshop discussion and future budget consideration.