The Wausau Finance Committee convened on September 30, 2025, at 6:00 PM for the second budget session aimed at discussing and recommending the 2026 budget, including the fee schedule. The meeting followed a previous session held the day before, which experienced technical difficulties in recording and streaming. These issues have since been resolved, and the prior meeting is now available for viewing on the City of Wausau's YouTube page.

The committee's agenda focused on gathering additional insights from department heads regarding the budget process for the current year. This approach was intended to enhance understanding of how the budget was formulated and to address any questions that arose from the committee's review of the budget documents.

The session began with the Parks Department presenting its budget overview, as the Parks Director needed to leave for another commitment. The director expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present first and prepared talking points to facilitate the discussion. The committee members were encouraged to ask questions to clarify any aspects of the budget.

As the meeting progressed, the committee aimed to ensure that all department heads could provide their input, fostering a comprehensive dialogue about the budgetary needs and priorities for the upcoming year. The session is part of a broader effort to engage with various departments and refine the budget proposal before final recommendations are made.

Overall, the meeting underscored the committee's commitment to transparency and collaboration in the budget process, setting the stage for further discussions and decisions in the coming weeks.