Waupaca officials propose cutting taxi hours, warn shared-ride contract may end after 2025

Mayor Bridal Smith and city staff told the Waupaca Common Council on June 17 that the city plans to reduce hours on its shared-ride taxi service and will notify Brown Cab of the city's intent not to continue the current contract into 2026.

Finance Director Stephanie Reif summarized the city's financial review and said, "These actions are being considered in response to the escalating operational costs and ongoing funding challenges." She told the council the approved 2025 tax levy contribution for the transit fund is $10,000 but that the city projected a subsidy need of approximately $135,000 for 2025 after state and federal aid covered roughly 53% of expenses.

Reif said audited 2024 figures show the city’s actual subsidy that year was $116,000 and that the city is under a two‑year agreement with Brown Cab. She said the vendor and WisDOT partners proposed cutting service hours to help reduce the deficit; the proposed schedule changes would take effect Aug. 1. Under the plan presented, Monday–Thursday service would shift from 6:30 a.m.–10 p.m. to 7 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday would move from 6:30 a.m.–2:30 a.m. to 7 a.m.–8 p.m.; Saturday would move from 7:30 a.m.–2:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.–8 p.m. The total reduction is 23.5 hours per week.

City staff gave projections that the full 2025 operating budget would be about $672,000, with a net operating shortfall of roughly $497,000 and state/federal funds expected to cover about $359,000. Reif said the city has asked WisDOT about issuing another RFP but was told that other municipalities are facing the same cost pressures and that going back out to bid might not reduce rates; "when we went with Brown Cab, it was because they were the lowest bidder," she said.

Council members pressed staff for more usage detail before committing to a course. Council member Henry Velacher said the service "has been around a long time" and asked for ridership and time-of-day data. Several council members suggested the city could use fund balance to cover part of 2025's shortfall while staff pursues longer-term alternatives; staff said even with the proposed hour cuts the immediate 2025 savings would be modest (staff estimated roughly $20,000 saved by the cuts).

The mayor and staff also outlined next steps and public process. Reif announced a required public hearing in July; early in the discussion she said the hearing would be July 19 at 6 p.m., and later Mayor Bridal Smith said the hearing will be held at the July 15 council meeting (the transcript contains both dates). Staff said they will notify Brown Cab at least 120 days before the contract end and continue exploring alternatives, including a possible countywide option, Catch a Ride, or private‑market services such as ride‑hail providers.

The council heard more than a dozen public comments. Several residents said they rely on the taxi for work, medical appointments and social connections; Mike Afaroski, a city resident, wrote that "I depend on the taxi service for everything." Harold Beatty, a resident of King's Veterans Home, said the taxi is essential for veterans to get downtown. Several other riders described regular use to reach employment, doctors and groceries and urged the council to maintain service or find a like-for-like replacement.

City staff characterized the item as discussion and direction at this meeting; a formal action on hours and the contract will appear on the council’s July agenda after the required public hearing. Staff advised residents who want to comment in writing to use the city's public-comment channels or to attend the July hearing.

The council did not take a vote on discontinuing the contract on June 17. The city plans to present a staff recommendation and hold the public hearing in July before the council considers any formal decision.