Wausau Joint Human Resources Committee and Finance Committee Meeting Pt.1 - 9/14/26

The City of Wausau held a joint Human Resources and Finance Committee meeting on September 14, 2026, primarily discussing the city's employee health insurance benefits package. The committees reviewed proposed increases in deductibles and monthly rates, with concerns raised about the impact on employees, particularly regarding the significant rise in family plan deductibles and the adequacy of the city's Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions. It was noted that the city negotiated a 9.6% premium increase after initially receiving a 20.3% increase offer, and the city currently contributes $1,200 to employee HSAs. The financial impact on the city budget was discussed, with an estimated additional half a million dollars for 2027, and potential increases if HSA contributions were raised. After discussion, the finance committee approved the benefit package as presented. The meeting also included procedural items such as approval of minutes and a closed session to consider a union grievance regarding employee termination, with no procurement-related decisions in that portion.