The City of Waukesha's Finance Committee has unveiled a significant shift in its garbage and recycling funding model, proposing a new special charge that could impact residents' property tax bills. This initiative, aimed at addressing a projected $3.2 million net impact for 2026, seeks to alleviate the financial strain on the city's general fund, which has remained stagnant in real dollars for over a decade.

Currently, all costs associated with garbage and recycling services are covered by the general fund, leading to an unsustainable model where non-eligible properties, such as commercial and multifamily units, indirectly bear the burden through property taxes. The proposed special charge would introduce a flat fee of $160 per household unit, directly linking the cost of services to those who utilize them. For example, a two-family home would incur two charges, totaling $320.

This change is designed to strengthen the city's financial capacity by reducing reliance on the general fund, allowing for better budget management and protecting essential services from being crowded out by rising garbage and recycling costs. The new model also provides a mechanism to adjust the special charge in line with actual collection and disposal costs, ensuring that only those receiving the service pay for it.

The estimated impact on individual households is projected to be minimal, with an average increase of about $49 in city taxes for a property valued at $350,000. This adjustment is crucial for maintaining a balanced budget in 2026 and beyond, especially as the city faces a projected deficit in 2027.

As the Finance Committee moves forward with this proposal, residents can expect further discussions and refinements to ensure the new funding model meets the city's financial needs while remaining fair to taxpayers.