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Proposal to pay $14K–$15K for city design element fails amid budget concerns
Summary
The committee considered a recommended contract with McDaniels for a complementary design element to integrate with a website redesign. Staff said the work could be funded within the existing website budget, but several alderpersons objected to spending roughly $15,000 during a tight budget cycle; the motion failed on roll call.
City staff recommended contracting with McDaniels to develop a complementary, flexible design element for Wauwatosa that would be integrated into a planned website redesign. Staff said five proposals were received, McDaniels had relevant municipal experience and the work could be funded from savings in the website project so no new funds were required.
Several alderpersons expressed concern about the timing and cost. Alder First said $15,000 felt substantial coming out of a difficult budget season and said he would vote against the contract. Alder McCluth also opposed the expenditure, calling it a “rabbit hole” and preferring a refund to the general pot or redirecting funds to higher‑priority items. Staff clarified the website project came in under budget and that the design element’s $14,000–$15,000 cost would come from those savings.
The committee proceeded to roll call. The motion to authorize the contract failed after members recorded a series of 'no' votes; staff will not proceed with the McDaniels contract as presented.
