Eau Claire City Council approves film-incentive resolution, backs state early childhood funding and other measures; pay-plan change passes 8-2

The Eau Claire City Council on May 13 unanimously approved a resolution urging the state to create a film-and-television production incentive program and to reestablish a Wisconsin film office, and passed several other funding and policy items. Council also approved an ordinance changing comp-time and vacation carryover rules by an 8-2 vote.

The film-and-television resolution, introduced by Councilmember Charlie Johnson and seconded by Councilmember Brewster, expresses municipal support for a state-level incentive and a statewide film office to help attract productions to Wisconsin and steer them toward communities such as Eau Claire. Johnson told the council that Wisconsin is one of 13 states without an incentive program and that a state film office could point productions to local partners.

The council also unanimously passed a resolution supporting Gov. Tony Evers’ proposal to invest $480 million in early childhood education and childcare. Councilmember Nate Otto, who carried the measure, said parts of the state legislature have proposed cutting the item to zero and that the resolution is intended to urge lawmakers to restore funding. Supporters warned the council that without the funding as many as one in four childcare providers statewide could close.

Other approved items on the business agenda included acceptance of a…