Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Special Events Fee topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee amends special-event policy to waive $1 public-safety fee if no services provided or event canceled
Summary
After public concern about charging a $1 public-safety fee even when events are canceled, the committee amended the special-event policy so the fee is waived when no city services are provided or the event is canceled, and approved the change unanimously.
The Wausau Public Health and Safety Committee unanimously approved an amendment on April 21 to the city’s special-event policy clarifying that a $1 public-safety fee approved in the 2025 budget will be waived if an event is canceled or if no city services are provided.
Committee members said some organizers and residents objected to the original wording, which could have required collection of the fee even when events did not take place. Committee member Becky described the fee as a service charge and said, "if there's no event and we're not there and we don't put in staff hours and we don't utilize equipment and staff time, then we aren't entitled to the dollar either." Sarah asked about oversight for self-reported attendance and the committee discussed ticketing, refunds and how organizers handle nonrefundable tickets.
Police and fire representatives said the fee and any surplus could be used to fund equipment such as vehicle barriers needed for event safety. The police chief recommended reviewing revenue and program outcomes after the first event season; the committee asked for a fall report to the finance committee.
The committee amended language to clarify that the fee is waived if no services were provided or needed, and directed staff to consolidate the cancellation clause into a single section of the application. Watson moved approval and Macalini seconded; the motion passed unanimously. The committee will forward the revised policy to council.
