Manitowoc council adopts 2025 budget after close votes on park funding and revenue assumptions

The Manitowoc Common Council adopted the city's 2025 budget after a series of amendments and close votes, approving the package 6-4.

The budget vote followed an extended discussion about a $500,000 borrowing item in the capital plan intended for Red Arrow Park beach access and site improvements. Alderman John Norell moved to remove the $500,000 for "Red Arrow boat beach access/launch reconstruction," with Alderman Joe Reckelberg seconding. The amendment was defeated 4-6; the four aye votes were recorded as Debates, Norell, Reckelberg and Vanderkin.

The budget includes proposed general city expenditures and $1,518,202 in tax incremental financing. Finance committee chair Alderman Bill Bridal presented the committee's recommendation to adopt the mayor's proposed levy and borrowing plan. After debate, the council adopted the finance committee report and the budget as presented.

Why it matters: The Red Arrow Park debate illustrated a broader tension at the council between preserving debt capacity for roads and infrastructure and funding a high-profile parks project that advocates say will support tourism and community events.

Councilors argued both sides. Alderman Mike Cummings said investments at Red Arrow could create a "jewel for Manitowoc" and attract visitors, while Alderman Vanderkin and others said the council should not commit $1 million in two-year borrowing without clearer design and cost estimates. Council President Bill Schley argued Red Arrow was the only park project in the 2025 capital list and urged maintaining the funding.

Parks staff described the planned work. Brock Wettenkamp, parks planner for the city of Manitowoc, said the primary goal of phase 1 is to provide accessible, permanent walkways from the parking lot to the beach and a viewing platform along the existing asphalt path. Wettenkamp said phase 1 could be completed as a standalone $500,000 project and would address access problems exposed during the sand sculpting festival, which drew about 8,000 visitors this year. Dan Koski, director of public infrastructure, said phase 2 items under consideration for a subsequent $500,000 would include boat launch improvements, parking reconfiguration and safety features.

A second, high-profile amendment would have increased the city's projected interest and dividend income by $200,000 (from $550,000 to $750,000) and used that revenue to reduce the amount borrowed. Alderman Joe Reckelberg proposed the change, arguing the city's investment balances and current rates supported a higher estimate. Finance staff and the city's finance director advised caution. The amendment initially tied 5-5; the mayor broke the tie with a vote against the amendment, and it failed.

Other amendments proposed by Alderman Reckelberg included reducing a $100,000 contingency for retirement/termination payouts to $0 and eliminating a $250,000 line for community development capital improvements; those proposals were discussed but did not carry as part of the final budget.

Votes at a glance - Motion to amend budget: remove $500,000 Red Arrow project — mover: Alderman John Norell; second: Alderman Joe Reckelberg; outcome: failed 4-6 (ayes: Debates, Norell, Reckelberg, Vanderkin; noes: Schley, Cummings, Sitkiewicz, Bridal, Bolt, Sikowitz). - Motion to increase interest/dividend income by $200,000 and reduce levy by same amount — mover: Alderman Joe Reckelberg; outcome: failed after tie and mayoral tiebreaker (ayes: Rekelberg, Norell, Vanderkin, Debates, Cummings; noes: Schley, Sitkiewicz, Bridal, Bolt, Sikowitz, Behman). - Final adoption of 2025 budget as presented by finance committee/mayor: outcome: approved 6-4 (ayes: Schley, Cummings, Sitkiewicz, Bridal, Bolt, Sikowitz; noes: Debates, Norell, Reckelberg, Vanderkin).

Council also disposed of a number of routine committee items and resolutions during the same meeting (see Votes at a glance below).

What's next: With the budget approved, the borrowing plan remains in place; some projects will proceed to design and bidding. Staff said phase 1 of the Red Arrow improvements can proceed as a standalone project if later bids and funds align. Councilors who opposed the park funding said they remain open to reviewed designs, cost estimates and staged approaches before committing additional borrowing.

Votes at a glance (other business adopted unanimously unless noted) - Resolution: 2025 special events application fee schedule — adopted unanimously. - Resolution: 2024 WEDC Vibrant Spaces grant application for Maritime Plaza and Heritage Garden — adopted unanimously. - Ordinance: amend section 11.13 (direct sellers/direct purchasers) — adopted unanimously. - Resolutions: ornamental lighting (York & Maritime; Chicago & Buffalo) — adopted unanimously. - Resolutions/authorizations related to sewerage and loan bonds (documents 19-86 through 19-88) — adopted unanimously. - Ordinance: official map/master subdivision plans (section 22.01) — adopted unanimously. - Conditional use permit amendment for Hope House (1000 S. 30 1/2 Street) to increase capacity from 26 to 35 — approved unanimously.

Ending: The council concluded the evening having adopted the mayor's 2025 budget with a mix of capital and revenue assumptions that will guide next year's spending and borrowing. Several members said they expect follow-up design work and cost estimates on Red Arrow Park before additional funds are committed.