Wausau Finance Committee to Discuss 2027 Budget and Other Key Issues
By Shereen Siewert | Wausau Pilot & Review
Meeting Details
The Wausau Finance Committee will convene at 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, in council chambers at City Hall (407 Grant St.). The meeting will precede the full Wausau City Council meeting by 75 minutes. Members of the public can provide comments, and the session will be streamed live on the city’s YouTube channel and Channel 981.
Proposed Budget Overview
The committee is set to vote on a proposed budget for 2027, which features the largest levy increase in a decade — raising the city’s property tax levy to $40.63 million, a 6.8% increase from the previous year. The tax rate could increase from $8.74 to $9.24 per $1,000 of assessed value, adding approximately $100 to the tax bill for a home valued at $200,000.
Key factors contributing to this increase include:
- An April referendum for firefighters, contributing $1.45 million.
- A 9.6% rise in health insurance costs.
- A new garbage contract.
- A $341,000 increase in the Metro Ride levy.
The committee also plans to leave four positions unfilled for most of the year to save $410,000, and propose $11.63 million in new general obligation borrowing.
Fee Adjustments
The budget will determine the 2027 fee schedule, including:
- A 3% increase in most parks and recreation fees.
- Monthly parking permits will rise approximately $2.
- Pool rentals will increase significantly, from $398 to $450 (without waterslides) and *$451 to $550 (with waterslides).
Pet License Fees
Staff will once again propose raising the pet license fee for spayed/neutered dogs and cats from $23 to $30, while also reducing the microchip discount from $8 to $5. These changes need prompt approval for license renewals scheduled in November.
Lead Line Replacement Project
The plan to replace lead service lines is also on the agenda, with overall costs estimated at $36.66 million for the 2027-2028 period. This includes a mix of principal forgiveness and state loans, alongside planned city expenditures.
Fire Department Equipment Purchase
The committee will consider a $214,522 purchase of cardiac monitors and ventilators for the fire department. The current equipment is aging and no longer reliable, and the purchase price reflects trade-in credits.
Other Business
Additional items for discussion include:
- An amendment to the agreement with the Marathon County Health Department for lead hazard surveillance.
- Selling previously displayed America-themed banners.
- Reviewing the August general fund financial report.
Conclusion
Following this committee’s recommendation, the final budget will be adopted by the full council in November, with potential shifts in the tax rate depending on state assessments scheduled for mid-October.
