# 7/15/2026 Finance Committee

The Waupaca County Finance Committee met on July 15, 2026. The Highway Department presented its proposed 2027 capital improvement plan for discussion; it was scheduled to go to the Highway Committee for consideration, so no approval was recorded at this meeting. The plan included about $3.3 million in project costs for a major project supported by an AIP grant, with paving to be competitively bid in 2027, and an estimated $5,251,042 in net county costs across the proposed construction, paving, and engineering program. Other projects included bridge and road work supported by state and federal grants, engineering and right-of-way preparation, and a proposed $1.8 million in equipment purchases. Westwood Engineering was identified as working under a master contract on design work. The department also reported competitively bidding its concrete sand supply. Members discussed how federal requirements can add project costs and how grant eligibility can affect road design and scope.

The Finance Director reviewed 2026 budget trends and the early 2027 budget process, including a sales-tax projection approximately $325,000 below budget and planning assumptions of a 2.5% cost-of-living increase and roughly 10% health-insurance increase. The committee discussed the county’s $25,000 threshold for distinguishing operating purchases from capital items and the related bid requirements, without recording a policy change. The Treasurer reported a high bid of $125,000 for the Cardinal Street property in New London, with the sale proceeding subject to completion of financing and title work. The committee approved the prior meeting minutes and monthly claims totaling $12,516.80; no vote approving the Highway Department’s proposed 2027 plan was recorded.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Transportation
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** July 15, 2026

### Sources
- [7/15/2026 Finance Committee](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHSNuwNdy4M) - Waupaca County