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Restroom at Wausau River Park faces high septic and maintenance costs; commissioners consider relying on porta‑potties with better service
Summary
Staff told commissioners a permanent four‑stall restroom near the Wausau River would require an expensive raised/mounded septic system (estimated $25,000–$40,000) plus substantial construction costs; board members expressed concern about vandalism and operating costs and discussed improving porta‑potty service as an interim option.
County staff briefed the board on the feasibility and cost of building a four‑stall restroom at Wausau River Park. Because of proximity to the river, staff said the site would require a raised or mounded septic system — described as a double aerobic nitrogen system — with an estimated cost of $25,000–$40,000 just for the septic component, plus substantial construction and ADA compliance costs that could push the total significantly higher.
Staff warned the board that keeping a permanent restroom clean and functional would require regular maintenance — possibly daily checks or weekend coverage during the busy season — and that vandalism had been a recurring concern at other county facilities. Several speakers relayed constituent complaints and showed photos of poorly serviced porta‑potties at the river, prompting discussion of vendor performance, scheduling and vendor accountability. Staff said a vendor change and closer oversight had improved service at other county locations.
The board directed staff to examine costs for more frequent porta‑potty servicing as a near‑term option, investigate funding alternatives (including water management district funds and other grants), and return with proposals that compare a permanent restroom’s capital and operating costs with a more robust porta‑potty program.
