A significant discussion unfolded during the Milwaukee Public Works Committee meeting on December 10, 2024, focusing on the underutilization of $840,000 in a capital account designated for blight elimination. Bill Christianson, the city comptroller, highlighted that this amount has been stagnant since it was borrowed in 2019, losing value over time without contributing to any projects.
Christianson proposed reallocating funds to the Housing Infrastructure Preservation Fund, emphasizing the need for action as the current funds are "sitting and accomplishing nothing." His initial amendment to transfer $150,000 from the blight elimination account faced resistance, prompting him to seek alternative funding sources. He suggested moving $300,000 from the deconstruction account instead, aiming to put the dormant funds to productive use.
However, the proposal encountered legal hurdles, with budget office representatives expressing concerns about the legality of transferring funds between departments. Christianson argued that the transfer would occur within a single account, not between different departments, and called for clarity on how to proceed legally.
The committee discussed potential solutions, including suspending the authority to spend the $300,000 in the blight elimination account, which would allow for a separate file to be created for contingent borrowing authority. This approach would maintain a neutral budget impact while enabling the funds to be utilized effectively.
The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing Milwaukee's housing infrastructure needs while navigating bureaucratic challenges. As discussions continue, the committee seeks a viable path to mobilize the stagnant funds for community benefit.