Waukesha council approves $87,500 2025 capital budget for Parade Memorial; $15,000 annual maintenance to come from fund

The Waukesha Common Council on Aug. 19 approved a $87,500 capital budget for the Waukesha Parade Memorial that includes a security camera, irrigation and water access; council members said ongoing maintenance costs will be covered by a Parade Memorial Fund held at the Waukesha County Community Foundation.

City Administrator Tony told the council the capital package includes three items: a security camera (about $30,000), water access and an irrigation system to serve plantings. He said the items together total $87,500 and that, after the expenditure, roughly $435,000 would remain in the Parade Memorial Fund. Tony said routine annual maintenance for mowing and plant care is estimated at about $15,000 and will be included in the city administrator's 2026 operating budget, to be financed from the memorial fund rather than tax levy dollars.

The proposal followed several public comments during the meeting asking for clarity about where leftover fundraising dollars had gone and how ongoing maintenance would be funded. Resident Katie Punlighter asked whether funds raised by the original commission would be applied before the city drew on the fund; resident Ethel Marshall asked whether the city sought bids and the rationale for the proposed watering budget. Tony said the Parade Memorial project team — including staff from Public Works, Parks, Recreation & Forestry and Administration — reviewed capital versus ongoing maintenance needs and recommended the items before the council.

Council members pressed staff on long-term funding. Alderman Owen Piper confirmed the $15,000 operating estimate would come from the Parade Memorial Fund and not from property taxes; Tony confirmed the fund is invested by the community foundation and can earn or lose returns, and that donations can continue to be made to replenish the fund. Alderman Eric Payne said his concern was that the fund would be drawn down over decades and asked what would replenish it; staff said the account is invested by the foundation, and the city will continue to accept donations to the fund.

Council members also asked about a planned sculpture and whether its costs were covered; Tony said staff would confirm whether unspent public art commission funds remain for that installation and would follow up by email to the council.

The council motion to approve the 2025 Parade Memorial capital budget was made and seconded during the meeting and passed unanimously.