Council trims 2026 contribution to Waukesha County Center for Growth; redirects $12,500 to senior meals program

The Oconomowoc Common Council on Oct. 7 voted to remove a planned $12,500 city contribution to the Waukesha County Center for Growth (WCCG) from the 2026 budget and reallocate those funds to a city senior meal program.

Why it matters: WCCG is a regional economic development nonprofit that provides business retention, attraction and financing assistance across Waukesha County; the city has previously funded WCCG as a regional partner. Council members debated the city’s continued membership and funding amid recent county budget cuts that reduced WCCG’s county support.

Teresa (WCCG) delivered an annual update describing activities including business retention visits, a revolving loan fund (the GROW Fund), and talent‑development programs (Schools‑to‑Skills). WCCG reported active projects and said it had supported local firm recruitment efforts and provided small‑scale incentive lending from a community loan pool. “Our focus is on primary employers that have jobs that typically pay higher wages and are more likely to have benefits,” Teresa said.

Several aldermen said they value WCCG’s regional work but expressed frustration that recent county funding reductions coincided with cuts in county services for elderly residents, including changes at the ADRC and senior meal programs. Council members also noted the city now has its own economic development staff; some called for a pause to reevaluate membership and results.

After extended debate, Councilmember Jennifer moved to cut the $12,500 city contribution to WCCG and reallocate it to support an on‑site senior meal pilot program. The motion passed by roll call with a majority voting Aye. Council instructed staff to use the reallocated funds to provide one meal per week for an identified group of about 25 seniors for approximately 25 weeks (staff estimated the immediate need at $9,375 on a $15/meal basis) and to seek additional donors or funding for longer‑term sustenance of the program.

Council discussion emphasized this was a one‑year funding decision tied to current county cuts; several aldermen asked staff and WCCG to keep lines of communication open and indicated an interest in revisiting funding in future budgets if county support or regional conditions change.

What the funds support: Staff said $12,500 would cover the proposed pilot (staff proposed 25 meals once a week for approximately 25 weeks at $15/meal, estimated cost $9,375) and allow contingency for related supplies and coordination while the ADRC and other partners adjust their service models.

Next steps: The council asked staff to implement the pilot, coordinate donors where possible, and to return with updates on senior meal delivery and WCCG’s outcomes so the council can reassess membership in subsequent budget cycles.