The Wausau Finance Committee convened on September 30, 2025, to discuss critical budgetary matters, including a significant infrastructure project and departmental funding strategies. The meeting highlighted the urgency of commencing a major project by July 2026 to secure substantial tax credits, which could cover 30% to 50% of the total estimated cost of $2.5 million.

A key point raised was the necessity to start construction before the end of 2025 to avoid additional federal requirements that could complicate the project timeline. The committee discussed the potential for delays due to material availability, emphasizing the importance of timely decision-making to ensure compliance with federal guidelines. The city is currently applying for an EPA grant of $1.18 million to help fund the project, but the council must commit to the project before the grant notification in April to allow for timely bidding and construction.

In addition to the infrastructure project, the committee reviewed the budget for the City County IT department, which operates on a unique funding model. The department's annual budget is approximately $6 million, funded through a combination of usage tracking, direct cost pass-throughs for software, and charges for equipment. The discussion included the impact of rising healthcare costs and a recent compensation study that revealed staff salaries were significantly below market rates. As a result, the department plans to implement salary adjustments in the upcoming budget.

The committee noted a $150,000 reduction in the IT budget after a thorough review, but emphasized that this budget is already at a bare minimum, lacking a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. The meeting underscored the importance of strategic planning and timely action in managing the city’s financial resources and infrastructure needs.