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Finance committee fails to advance CIP amendment for lead-service-line program; members ask for more detail
Summary
A proposed first amendment to the master partnership agreement with Community Infrastructure Partners (CIP) to change contract language for DNR loan acceptance failed 3–2 in committee. Members asked staff for additional cost transparency and details before reconsideration on Jan. 28.
The Wausau Finance Committee voted 3–2 against forwarding a first amendment to the master partnership agreement with Community Infrastructure Partners, LLC (CIP) for lead service line replacements.
Staff said the amendment changed contract language from a cost-plus model to a “cost not to exceed” model to satisfy Department of Natural Resources (DNR) payment-acceptance requirements; staff said the amendment does not change overall pricing but clarifies pay procedures so the city can close on loans. Staff also said key performance incentives for 2024 were met and that the amendment sets cost ceilings for 2024 and 2025 work.
During discussion, several committee members asked for more numerical detail, including approximate staff hours billed, the specific not-to-exceed amounts for 2024 and 2025 and a clearer explanation of subcontractor costs. Committee members noted the packet did not include the full amendment text and requested the packet show the amendment language and a breakdown of costs and hours. A staff speaker agreed to provide additional information for the finance meeting and for council on Jan. 28.
Alder Henke moved to approve the amendment; Alder McElhinney seconded. After discussion, the motion failed 3–2. One committee member then indicated intent to move for reconsideration so the item can return to committee on Jan. 28 with supplemental materials.
Staff said the not-to-exceed figure for 2024 work was about $750,000 and for CIP services in 2025 about $1,900,000, and that hourly billing rates range by position (examples cited in the packet included program executive up to $400/hour, finance executive $300/hour, outreach $150/hour); staff said the “cost not to exceed” language was intended to limit CIP billing exposure compared with hourly invoicing. The committee requested a clearer hours and cost breakdown before final approval.
