During a recent government meeting, public comments focused primarily on the village budget, with particular attention given to the proposed WNC 6040 position and funding for the annual community event, Wannaboom.

Linda Ashmore, a resident of Waunakee, expressed her gratitude to the village staff for creating a budget that is accessible to the general public. She voiced strong support for the WNC 6040 position, which aims to assist non-English speakers in navigating local government services. Ashmore highlighted the challenges faced by individuals in a country where they do not speak the primary language, drawing from her own experiences while traveling.

Conversely, Ashmore opposed the $40,000 allocation for Wannaboom, arguing that the event should be funded through donations rather than taxpayer dollars. She suggested that the funds could be better utilized for essential services such as road maintenance or staffing. Additionally, she proposed exploring more sustainable alternatives for the event's fireworks, such as drone displays, to reduce environmental impact.

The meeting also included an email from Krista Schmelk, who echoed Ashmore's support for the WNC 6040 position, further emphasizing community backing for the initiative.

As the meeting progressed, the council moved on to the consent agenda, indicating a structured approach to addressing the budget and community concerns raised during public comment.