Wausau committee approves $52,000 retention of Miller Communications for referendum outreach, 3–2

The Wausau Finance Committee voted 3–2 to retain Miller Communications to provide referendum education and related communications, a package the committee said will cost about $52,000 and come from city reserves.

Finance Committee Chair said the Committee of the Whole previously approved approximately $52,000 for communications services and one mailer. Alder Watson asked whether the payment would come from reserves and how much would remain; city staff replied the city holds "about $14,000,000 in reserves." The chair added that the vendor would create the assets needed for the education campaign and that "the significant cost ... is the postage for the mailer itself."

Albert Henke moved to approve retention of Miller Communications and Alder Watson seconded. The motion carried by a 3–2 vote; Alders Tierney and McElhaney recorded opposition. The committee noted the contract includes design work and one mailing; no further contract details or payment schedule were provided during the meeting. The item will proceed to the full common council for final approval.