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Onalaska council advances 2026 capital plan, approves $95,000 replacement command vehicle and schedules Nov. 4 public hearing
Summary
The Onalaska Common Council approved adding a $95,000 replacement for a 2008 GMC Yukon command vehicle to the 2026 capital improvement budget, discussed audio-visual upgrades for the council chambers and set a public hearing for Nov. 4 on the 2026 capital budget and 2027 water and sewer projects.
The Onalaska Common Council voted unanimously Oct. 7 to add the replacement of a 2008 GMC Yukon command vehicle (unit No. 2) to the 2026 capital improvement project budget and to move the broader 2026 capital improvement budget forward to a public hearing on Nov. 4.
Councilmember Diane moved to replace the 2008 GMC Yukon command car No. 2 and place the $95,000 cost in the 2026 capital improvements; Alder Larry seconded the motion. “I moved that we … replace the 2008 GMC Yukon command car,” Diane said before the council voted. The motion passed unanimously.
The discussion also covered planned audiovisual upgrades for the council chambers. Finance staff noted a $46,300 line item intended to “band-aid” existing audio issues; IT staff member Joe said that amount would not cover a full room overhaul and that staff are pursuing demonstrations of more-complete replacement systems. Joe described features under consideration including individual displays and microphones at each seat, upgraded room audio and potential online voting integration so roll-call results could display on the meeting livestream or minutes system.
Public works director Jared and multiple council members said they support moving the budget package forward. Jared moved that the council present the 2026 capital improvement budget and the 2027 water, sewer and stormwater projects (including mortgage revenue bond items) at a public hearing; Alder Larry seconded. The council set the hearing for Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, at 4 p.m. The council also confirmed an updated 2026 capital budget total, which, after adding the $95,000 vehicle, was stated as $2,869,900.
Council members and staff said addressing the council-chamber audio is a priority: several members reported prior difficulty hearing presentations, and IT staff emphasized the $46,300 figure was for limited upgrades rather than a full replacement. Mayor Kim and the finance director said year-end excess revenues or reserves could be considered to accelerate larger projects such as an elevator replacement or OmniCenter chiller repair if funds permit.
The council took no formal vote on a comprehensive AV overhaul during the meeting; staff said they will return with additional information and a demonstration to inform any larger expenditure.
The council adjourned at 5:53 p.m.
