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Committee approves revisions to city property‑disposition policy to require ED review for repurposed parcels
Summary
The Economic Development Committee approved edits to the property's redevelopment/disposition policy to ensure parcels purchased for redevelopment that are later proposed for public use are reviewed by both Economic Development and Infrastructure committees before council action.
The Wausau Economic Development Committee unanimously approved Oct. 7 revisions to the city's property redevelopment/disposition policy to add a requirement that parcels bought for redevelopment be reviewed by the Economic Development Committee as well as the Infrastructure and Facilities Committee if staff or others later deem a property better suited for public use.
Economic development staff explained the edits were intended to create additional committee review when city‑owned parcels shift from an intended redevelopment purpose to a proposed public facility (for example, public works, fleet or fire). The changes add a referral step so both standing committees see such proposals before a recommendation to the full council.
Alder Neal moved to accept the proposed policy changes; Alder Henke seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Staff said the revisions clarify process steps including a 30‑day posting period before application review, assessor valuation for properties before sale, and additional outreach options such as web listings and possible MLS coordination.
What happened: Committee adopted policy language clarifying committee referral paths for city‑owned parcels and adding procedural details intended to improve transparency and marketing of surplus properties.
Why it matters: The change formalizes involvement of Economic Development in instances where a property bought for redevelopment is later proposed for public, nontaxable use, and it adds transparency measures (assessor valuations, posting windows, outreach) that staff said will improve public access to information about city property.
Next steps: Staff will incorporate the edits into policy materials and pursue options for public listing of surplus properties, including conversations with the Central Wisconsin Board of Realtors and potential MLS/listing costs.
