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Council adopts 2026 budgets after heated debate over yard waste and Bubbler bike funding
Summary
After extended debate and several failed amendments, the Wauwatosa Common Council approved the 2026 operating and capital budgets with a levy of $53,149,153. Major debates included a failed effort to require an additional traffic circulation plan for a daycare CUP, a failed proposal to reallocate $10,000 from vehicle registration fees for Bubbler bikes, and an amendment that preserved biweekly yard waste pickup by increasing the levy by $32,000.
The Wauwatosa Common Council adopted the city’s 2026 operating and capital budgets with a levy of $53,149,153 after more than two hours of discussion and a series of amendments.
Council members debated several contested budget items. Alder Morgan led an effort to withhold or reallocate a proposed additional $10,000 in Bubbler bike funding, suggesting the council examine alternative funding sources and ask the bike‑share operator to present to the Transportation Affairs Committee. "This is only a $10,000 increase," Morgan said as part of his remarks, urging a public discussion of the program’s performance and funding options. A motion to reallocate $10,000 from vehicle registration fees failed on a roll call; a separate motion to reduce the Bubbler line item also failed (motion failed 5–10).
Members also debated yard waste options recommended by Financial Affairs. Alder Bridal proposed an amendment to retain biweekly curbside collection by reducing the number of pickups from 13 to 11, restoring the yard‑waste drop‑off fee to 2025 levels, eliminating a subscription‑service directive for 2027, and increasing the levy by $32,000 (about $1.40 per household). Supporters argued the change preserved an essential, accessible service for elderly and fixed‑income residents; opponents said it deferred necessary capital decisions for aging collection trucks. The amendment passed 11–4.
On the broader budget, staff and the Finance Chair described a structural deficit that required difficult choices; staff highlighted a roughly $1.4 million budget shortfall addressed through adjustments across departments. The council ultimately approved the full 2026 operating and capital budgets on a roll call (12–3). Following that vote, council approved bills and claims and several Board of Public Works contract items. The council also approved a payroll adjustment (a 1.5% bonus) for the city administrator 14–1.
The council directed staff to continue reviewing Bubbler bike performance and asked Transportation Affairs to schedule a follow‑up so the operator can respond to questions about coverage and performance. The budget vote is final pending any required procedural filings.
