Finance Committee pauses 2026–2030 CIP, asks staff to align plan with 2026 budget and bond requests

The Green Bay Finance Committee on Sept. 23 reviewed a draft 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and voted to hold the document for revision, asking staff to return a revised CIP that matches likely 2026 bond requests and budget realities.

Committee members spent the bulk of the meeting probing assumptions in the draft CIP. Department of Public Works staff said the DPW equipment request increased by about $1 million from the prior year and that bridge projects would be funded from fund balance rather than bonding. Staff recommended $1 million in 2026 for a mill‑and‑pave program and said street selections will be finalized after PASER ratings are complete.

Members urged the department to show multi‑year mill‑and‑pave allocations rather than a single‑year line item, arguing a standing annual allocation would better reflect the city’s ongoing needs. Staff responded that mill‑and‑pave is intended for streets in moderate condition and that utility coordination (water, sewer, stormwater) constrains sequencing of resurfacing and reconstruction work.

Sidewalks drew sustained concern. Several committee members described long delays in replacements and noted that many inner‑city sidewalks are in poor condition. Staff said the city sometimes uses grinding, mudjacking or partial repairs where appropriate to extend life and lower homeowner costs, but that full replacements remain expensive. Members asked staff to examine whether more grinding or alternative repair approaches could stretch CIP dollars.

Committee members also asked about the parking utility and the Main Street ramp. Staff confirmed an environmental assessment for the Main Street garage is included in the CIP, and noted demolition timing is tied to development agreements and is likely in the latter years of the plan.

Parks staff briefed the committee on equipment replacements, playground projects and a phased renovation plan for Joanne’s (Julian’s) Aquatic Center. Staff requested funds in 2026 for engineering and phase‑1 work (plaster and gutter replacement and related items) and described later phases — slide replacement and larger amenity work such as a lazy river — as likely to require fundraising or outside grant support. Parks staff also proposed heated indoor storage to protect diesel equipment and asked for a spatial needs assessment for the park shop.

Members asked that the CIP explicitly include a line item for City Hall first‑floor security and customer‑service redesign. Staff said funds for electrical and mechanical work are already set aside, and that a staff meeting with the mayor was scheduled to discuss first‑floor plans; the committee requested a formal line item be shown in the CIP and to reconvene the ad hoc security/facilities committee.

After discussion, a motion to hold the draft CIP and return it with adjustments — showing what the city intends to bond for in 2026 and integrating member feedback on phasing, recurring mill‑and‑pave funding, sidewalks, parks maintenance capacity and City Hall security — passed unanimously.