[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6480345,"mediaKeyId","5681893-06275844ed4f8cfe675c21e369ff9225","parentId",5681893,"title","Residents press council on shelter funding and ethics subpoenas during public comment","audioSeconds",417,"startMs",744000,"endMs",1161000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5681893-06275844ed4f8cfe675c21e369ff9225&start=744&end=1161","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5681893-06275844ed4f8cfe675c21e369ff9225/thumbnail_744000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6480345/Wausau/Marathon-County/Wisconsin/Residents-press-council-on-shelter-funding-and-ethics-subpoenas-during-public-comment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480345-e7e27ac1cd3d29f56d489577b8f43d47/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167818&Signature=XkDct3dmBHHrcKMw9YQ8tZ6PquOHcOxfZe2-YvutScsAue1heEaUHB44W6gqfXndoOsPu9gST5gYCAajki0OU7QEiKsQIN0xyqKKdY~qlvoVxAJt-dvGu2toKDctQheUMxCRkfvZb0BCK-rUWls~h1eeOSWAKEWjSxcTxSs1amx7TPVfgaZ72beO-VM8aAFJIOE8N~GDgZ2sQh6EE62C~VgWi9W~Nw6TKkUkrVPEtRfLDGkbZ-an4Oqir9zELs~NUAztukS7PmyMoLokTvkkp6V6w387-XBdHfZZu-7VBkzbYM~mEmE7NeqMl~ITM4-D5hkiSERpPImpP-pqwgr9dQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Wausau, WI","date","2025-08-27T14:22:59Z","article","At the Aug. 26 Wausau Common Council meeting several residents addressed the council during public comment, focusing on homelessness services, the Good Shepherd Shelter, and the ongoing ethics process involving city officials.

Gary Beltis (identified in the record as representing Good Shepherd Shelter) asked the council to refrain from negative comments about the shelter and described the organization’s expanded services, saying the shelter \"has served this community for years\" and noting volunteers and the shelter’s in-kind contributions. He said earlier agreements referenced about $350,000 of unspent funds and questioned what happened to that money, and urged the council to focus on helping unhoused residents.

Other speakers raised concerns about the ethics committee and subpoenas. Maggie Cronin cited the ethics committee’s authority to administer oaths and subpoenas and said she believed two city employees were refusing to comply with ethics subpoenas; she urged the council to act and warned about legal costs drawing funds away from city services. Jack Hoogendyk and Orlando Alfonso urged the council to stop spending on legal fees and criticized the ongoing investigation as politically motivated; several speakers thanked Mayor Doug Denny and urged the council to end the matter and redirect funds.

Deborah Chapman Moore, speaking for residents from multiple districts, told the council \"no more money\" and said tax dollars should instead pay for basic services. Commenters asked whether legal fees were reducing funds for police, fire, roads and housing.

Ending — council response and next steps: Council acknowledged the public comments. The ethics and outside-counsel items later on the agenda prompted an extended council debate and a decision to table further counsel funding to a closed-session special meeting for additional review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Wausau City Council Meeting - 8/26/25","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple residents used the public-comment period to criticize city handling of shelter funding, ask about subpoenas and ethics enforcement, and call for spending priorities to shift from legal fees to basic services.","taxTitle","Wausau, Marathon County, Wisconsin","taxId",4562,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6480350,"Wausau staff say DNR grants and principal forgiveness make rapid lead service-line replacement feasible; council asks for mid-term option analysis",706,1809000,2515000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5681893-06275844ed4f8cfe675c21e369ff9225&start=1809&end=2515","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5681893-06275844ed4f8cfe675c21e369ff9225/thumbnail_1809000.jpg","/articles/6480350/Wausau/Marathon-County/Wisconsin/Wausau-staff-say-DNR-grants-and-principal-forgiveness-make-rapid-lead-service-line-replacement-feasible-council-asks-for-mid-term-option-analysis","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480350-067af45eebc006a2c8a6c1d3d94df040/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167818&Signature=njbDH59VJdEvoTBLfbkfSGoQQb200GWh8ZCp~a4sTmlsuRCTFRJqS9YtfC4yyX0xI-XRrPZSmT7-kFlZbPOroG7e-HCyqYRXMhsHWvub5fD56HuNzifEvlsz6lVOIkZQQUNgesY0lYpXxX6EZxPcZPYdrhhSrhN2WE2v6PKoSAhkh85G1Dt1achI972rdBmdsQgqR-PYF~ngMB92~v8us2Sv~ZCeOxoH2iDoK1lblp00j2XVKAeIiVfhoSCUnztIXKx6658~f0Z3ZT5h7Y5POQMHkQaBzI3wKuXBtAsIespkHrDeZkn~Wruc1B~zimP1cTmsveF1g2XJLQ4O5tzpwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Community Infrastructure Partners (CIP) updated the Wausau Common Council on Aug. 26 about the city’s lead service-line replacement program and funding outlook, urging the council to weigh a three-year accelerated plan against a slower 12-year compliance schedule.

CIP said the city has received more than $11 million in DNR grants and that, to date, the program has leveraged roughly $20 million of water-main and service-line work for about $8 million of city funds. The presentation noted the city celebrated its thousandth private-side line removal in the first year of construction and that more than 3,000 right-of-entry permissions have been secured.

CIP laid out two options: a three-year accelerated replacement that would take advantage of anticipated principal forgiveness for private-side replacements in 2026 (CIP estimated about 1,700 lines across four census tracts could qualify for 100% principal forgiveness) and additional principal forgiveness allocations that could reduce net costs. CIP estimated doing the work over three years could be roughly $17 million cheaper than spreading it out over 12 years, largely because of inflation and greater access to principal forgiveness and very low interest financing early in the program.

Under CIP’s assumptions, Wausau still has roughly 5,700 homes needing replacement after work already completed and assessed unknowns on private sides. The presentation noted rock conditions in some neighborhoods increase construction costs, and staff emphasized the city will need to decide whether to use payment programs for homeowners whose installations do not qualify for full forgiveness.

Council members asked for additional analysis. Ald. Rasmussen asked whether five- or seven-year scenarios could be modeled; CIP replied the replacement schedule can be adjusted within the EPA-mandated 12-year window (with a minimum 10% replacement per year from the effective baseline) and that construction bundling affects per-unit prices. Staff said the DNR’s allocation for 2026 looked favorable and that award announcements are expected in November.

Ending — next steps: Council asked staff and CIP to return with mid-range (five- and seven-year) financing scenarios and cost projections so members can compare savings from accelerated principal forgiveness with the risks and cash-flow implications of a multi-year program.","Community Infrastructure Partners and city staff reported progress on Wausau’s lead service-line replacement program, highlighted DNR principal forgiveness opportunities and presented two financing schedules — a three-year accelerated plan and a 12-year compliance plan — while aldermen asked for five- and seven-year cost comparisons.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6480355,"Wausau council approves up to $14.96 million in promissory notes, adopts multiple budget modifications",0,4374000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5681893-06275844ed4f8cfe675c21e369ff9225&start=4374&end=4374","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5681893-06275844ed4f8cfe675c21e369ff9225/thumbnail_4374000.jpg","/articles/6480355/Wausau/Marathon-County/Wisconsin/Wausau-council-approves-up-to-1496-million-in-promissory-notes-adopts-multiple-budget-modifications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480355-381b6ca4a9efad7bf966c80b1b07b3e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167818&Signature=E6WpwNLBx0mLFAhu~IihCrzvp73REE0u4cuSd8fbCeUGfyDMmc~~MG7O8x3qDhPDieBtGnjIvJHrMuOCHrwt6zlNqiDeevSiH0VntsvrREb2cPB5hPWBUaTEdokxuCBhGZ~Ynjxim69lRTN3Sc~v5ICGruLgUFyGfaW3qLPi-eM6SArqVbmj-gnpsmIKfrT7XZZ5dxqibHCtbZAaEXiEtG2WCU1Bigcx420A0Dbso6G3L3O2SeAjH9-E8CRYSDDjlPq0-NA5AKHTX-S~RIxi367d7CQhVPIVNFUxGUkSBiom~-PRjreSoUlp2NE77AioMINk4Hy8CkaemjJctZzSAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wausau Common Council on Aug. 26 authorized the city to issue a general obligation promissory note not to exceed $14,960,000 to finance several capital projects and refinance tax-increment district (TID) obligations.

Phil Kassem of Ehlers presented the presale report, which recommended a parameter sale to give the city flexibility on timing and maturities. Kassem said the city has seen valuation growth that keeps borrowing capacity manageable and that Wausau’s rating with Moody’s (Aa3) was expected to be retained. He told the council the borrowing would be split by purpose — TID 3 and TID 8 projects would be repaid from increment, while general-city projects would be paid from the debt service levy — and noted the issue is callable in 2032.

After discussion the council adopted the presale parameters for the not-to-exceed $14,960,000 GO promissory note (file 250812). The motion was moved by Ald. Martins and seconded by Ald. Watson; the resolution passed with two recorded “no” votes.

The council also approved several related finance items:
- A budget modification to cover a shortfall on the 2024 lead service line project (file 24-1109P). City staff said the shortfall resulted from negotiated DNR decisions that rejected certain outreach costs; finance recommended covering the shortfall from reserves. The motion passed.
- A budget modification for Athletic Park construction (file 24-1109Q). Passed.
- A budget modification for bracing on Hangar Door 4 at the Wausau Downtown Airport (file 24-1109N). Passed.
- A budget modification for a public safety building chiller (file 24-1109O). That motion passed with at least one recorded “no” vote from Ald. Larson, who criticized repeated budget increases for city engineering projects.
- Acceptance of a VW settlement grant and a budget modification to purchase up to 10 buses for Wausau Metro Transit (file 18-0915). The council approved the grant-funded bus purchase; the interim transit director and council noted the grant sets per-bus limits under the award.

Votes at a glance (formal actions recorded on Aug. 26):
- File 250812: Authorize presale parameters for GO promissory note not to exceed $14,960,000 — moved: Martins; second: Watson — outcome: approved (2 opposed).
- File 24-1109P: 2025 budget modification for lead service line shortfall — moved: Lukens; second: Watson — outcome: approved.
- File 24-1109Q: Athletic Park budget modification — moved: Neil; second: Larson — outcome: approved.
- File 24-1109N: Hangar Door 4 bracing (Downtown Airport) — moved: Rasmussen; second: Lukens — outcome: approved.
- File 24-1109O: Public safety building chiller budget modification — moved: Tierney; second: Watson — outcome: approved (record shows at least one “no” vote).
- File 18-0915: Acceptance of VW settlement grant, purchase of up to 10 buses for Wausau Metro Transit — moved: Henke; second: Martins — outcome: approved.

Council members pressed for oversight on project cost increases. Several aldermen said engineering projects repeatedly return for supplemental appropriations, and Ald. Larson declined to support one budget modification to send a message about project controls. City finance and outside advisors said the structure of the promissory note allows flexibility and that some TID-financed projects do not rely on the general levy.

Ending — implementation: If market conditions meet the adopted parameters, the sale could be conducted in early September with an estimated closing in mid-September; staff will continue work with bond counsel and financial advisors to finalize sale documents and amortizations by fund.","The council authorized presale parameters for a not-to-exceed $14.96 million general obligation promissory note to refinance TID projects and fund capital needs, and approved a set of budget modifications for lead-service-line shortfalls, parks, airport hangar repairs, a public safety chiller and bus purchases under a VW settlement grant.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6480360,"Wausau council tables vote on continued outside counsel in mayor ethics matter, schedules closed session",3207,4888000,8095000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5681893-06275844ed4f8cfe675c21e369ff9225&start=4888&end=8095","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5681893-06275844ed4f8cfe675c21e369ff9225/thumbnail_4888000.jpg","/articles/6480360/Wausau/Marathon-County/Wisconsin/Wausau-council-tables-vote-on-continued-outside-counsel-in-mayor-ethics-matter-schedules-closed-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480360-e46ceebd9ab668dba6758b1c0731f3cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167818&Signature=Ubm7-mykKOo3~2aqmBdJaHDk4JqhUKOCU-3JeZx3F4JXYzPtPr3uwj4D02u70bZDKR6JBV~-Nmi~yWWr5EI-9nNbIu8DWgHfvBN96TDfF3xe34uD1B1DhK5Ky0LxnHAJTvJMKKhhzMHNX0~YMS4F~Iu6Q1Vk36k18CeE61Q2bIIEoTAhOc0XA4k56pW~MKB1Ljaz34uqvDNQrPYxY5C2IxhLkP0M2fty69IbAkkusHceON-v2HKoJi3jJ6QrLD1Vtyf4wxDWtT4YIqSfHGz16z4mSeWZg-qqlN9wP3-MFlUCEzksnlHyOkagbvEl9SKHi4jp-CGfykiL70FaKSIedg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wausau Common Council on Aug. 26 tabled a resolution to continue engaging outside legal counsel to represent unelected city staff in an ethics complaint related to a citizen complaint against Mayor Doug Denny.

Council members debated whether to authorize new funding for outside counsel before deciding to move the matter to a special closed session for further consideration. The council voted to table the resolution after an earlier attempt to limit additional fees to $15,000 — split $10,000 for prehearing preparation and $5,000 reserved for hearing attendance — failed on a 5-6 vote.

Supporters of continuing the representation said staff and subpoenaed witnesses need legal preparation and that the process must reach a conclusion. Ald. Aldo Rasmussen said the city needs “closure on this” and argued that without representation, the ethics process would stall. Outside counsel Sam Hall told the council that “this entire process has been incredibly unpredictable” and warned that discovery and depositions could expand in scope and cost; he said he could not give a firm estimate of remaining hours because the volume of required document review and length of depositions were unknown.

Opponents and some council members pushed for tighter limits and more transparency. Several aldermen asked for itemized billing and said additional spending should be authorized only after the council reviewed more detailed invoices; some said that if itemized privileged materials were needed for review, the council should meet in closed session to examine them. Ald. Mark Killian said constituents had expressed “tremendous concerns about the money we’re spending on legal fees.”

Council procedure: the resolution (file 25-0112) was put on the floor by Ald. Larson with a second; Ald. Rasmussen offered the amendment to cap additional fees at $15,000, which was seconded and then defeated on a 5-6 vote. After further discussion, Ald. Luke Lukens moved to table the resolution to a special meeting to be held in closed session; Ald. Tierney seconded and the motion to table was approved.

The council did not decide whether to approve further funds at the Aug. 26 meeting. Members said they would canvass availability for a special closed session meeting to consider further authorization and to review privileged billing details if necessary.

Ending — next steps: The council directed staff to schedule a special closed-session meeting to consider the outside-counsel authorization and related billing details before the ethics board hearing proceeds further. No new authorization was approved on Aug. 26.","After heated debate and an unsuccessful amendment to cap fees, the council voted to table a resolution to continue paying outside counsel to represent city staff in an ethics complaint against Mayor Doug Denny and will consider the matter in a special closed session.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents press council on shelter funding and ethics subpoenas during public comment

Wausau staff say DNR grants and principal forgiveness make rapid lead service-line replacement feasible; council asks for mid-term option analysis

Wausau council approves up to $14.96 million in promissory notes, adopts multiple budget modifications

Wausau council tables vote on continued outside counsel in mayor ethics matter, schedules closed session