City Council debates pilot program for extended police department hours

The Wausau City Council Human Resources Committee convened on May 12, 2025, to discuss a proposed pilot program aimed at adjusting operational hours for city services, particularly focusing on the police department. The meeting highlighted various perspectives on the potential impact of these changes on both employees and residents.

The primary topic of discussion revolved around the pilot program, which would extend service hours, including opening earlier on Fridays. Some committee members expressed concerns that this pilot could lead to permanent changes in operational hours, particularly regarding closing services on Fridays. One member voiced apprehension about the implications of transitioning from a pilot to a year-round adjustment, emphasizing the need for data-driven decisions based on community feedback.

Another committee member suggested delaying the pilot program to gather more input from residents before implementation. This proposal aimed to ensure that any changes would align with community needs and preferences. Additionally, there was a suggestion to shorten the pilot duration, potentially running it from July 4 to Labor Day instead of the originally proposed Memorial Day to Labor Day timeframe. This adjustment would allow for more time to collect pre-implementation data and inform the public about the changes.

The discussion also included insights from the police department, where staff had previously felt disenfranchised compared to other clerical staff regarding operational hours. The police chief indicated a willingness to support the pilot program, provided that data would be collected to assess its impact on service accessibility for residents. The chief highlighted the importance of understanding how many residents might benefit from earlier service hours, particularly those who work early shifts.

Overall, the committee's deliberations underscored the importance of balancing operational changes with community needs and the necessity of data collection to inform future decisions. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further evaluate the pilot program's implications and gather more public input before any permanent changes are made.