The Wausau Finance Committee convened on September 30, 2025, to discuss the city's budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting highlighted several key financial challenges and adjustments that the city is facing.

One of the primary concerns raised was the importance of maintaining a contingency account within the budget. Committee members emphasized that without a contingency fund, any unexpected expenses could quickly become problematic. The discussion included the potential voluntary departure of one staff member, which could result in an $85,000 reduction in the salary budget. This reduction is contingent on the actual occurrence of the departure.

The committee also addressed rising costs that are beyond the city's control, particularly an $11,000 increase in Microsoft licensing fees. Additionally, the city has recently begun supporting Riverside Fire, which has provided some revenue, but this was offset by a $26,000 loss from no longer providing services to Pinecrest Nursing Home after its sale in Lincoln County.

To manage the budget effectively, the committee made several cuts to contracting costs, totaling $50,000 across various areas. This included a $20,000 reduction in one contract, $10,000 in another, and a $5,000 cut in training budgets. These measures were taken to streamline expenses and address the financial constraints faced by the city.

Looking ahead, the committee noted that in 2026 and early 2027, the city will need to renew licenses for two significant software programs. There are concerns that these costs will increase substantially, particularly following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, which has already led to significant price hikes. The city is exploring alternatives to VMware, but transitioning away from this platform will take time and resources.

In summary, the Wausau Finance Committee's budget session underscored the city's ongoing financial challenges, the necessity of prudent budgeting practices, and the need for strategic planning to address future cost increases. The committee's decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the city's financial landscape in the coming years.