Council approves $50,000 to repair Menominee Park train; members urge long‑term plan

The Oshkosh Common Council approved Resolution 25‑45, a $50,000 revenue facilities operating budget amendment to pay for repairs to the Menominee Park amusement train. The vote carried 5‑1; one member voted no.

Council member Stevenson led support for the funding, calling the train “something that’s uniquely Oshkosh” and urging the council to develop a longer‑term operations plan. “I really hope we move to pass this. I think the Menominee train is something that’s worth saving,” Stevenson said.

Council members who opposed or expressed caution said the money is a short‑term fix and the city should seek a sustainable funding or public‑private partnership for ongoing operations. Deputy Mayor Belo said she would not spend $50,000 personally on the item but supported responding to what she described as community interest. One council member warned against repeated short‑term repairs for a 70‑year‑old engine.

Parks Director Ray Mauer explained the $50,000 request covers parts, track ties and storage improvements but does not fund seasonal salaries or full operating costs; staff will return with a fuller revenue facilities budget amendment for the operational side. “Annual expenses typically are about anywhere from $40 to $50,000 roughly,” Mauer said when describing historic operating costs, and he noted the train previously ran more days per week before service reductions.

The council approved the one‑time repair funding, 5‑1. Council members asked staff to pursue a long‑term plan for equipment replacement, operations, and potential private‑sector partners; staff said seasonal positions will be posted and a budget amendment addressing salaries and full operations will come back to the council.