Wausau Human Resources Committee Meeting - 7/13/26

The City of Wausau Human Resources Committee met on July 13, 2026, to discuss several key personnel and budget-related items. The committee approved a two-year collective bargaining agreement with the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1168, covering July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, which included uniform concessions, removal of the perfect attendance leave program, and six-month compensation increases aligned with budget constraints. Additionally, the committee approved a firefighter paramedic apprenticeship partnership with North Central Technical College, with an amendment requiring contractual language addressing the termination of apprenticeships if grant funding expires, thereby protecting the city from financial liability. The meeting also featured detailed presentations and discussions on overtime costs across the fire, police, and public works departments, highlighting challenges such as staffing shortages, specialized training requirements, and the financial trade-offs between hiring additional staff versus paying overtime. Concerns were raised about discrepancies in overtime reporting and the need for improved oversight and data integration between HR and finance departments. The committee acknowledged ongoing efforts to manage overtime costs while maintaining essential public safety and city services.