Finance Committee approves $319,000 for City Hall security upgrades

The Waukesha City Finance Committee voted 4–0 on June 30 to recommend a $319,000 capital budget amendment to fund security upgrades at City Hall, including card-access changes, additional cameras, exterior bollards and ballistic glass at public service counters.

Rebecca Peterson, communications and engagement manager, told the committee the request follows a police review and an increase in disturbing incidents at City Hall that have left staff fearful. "The fear has gotten to the level that we have had employees actually resign from their position stating that they did not feel safe in in their work environment," Peterson said, urging the committee to act promptly.

The proposal groups four primary measures: revise access levels and install card readers across floors to limit public access to employee-only circulation; add exterior barriers and vehicle protections at utility access points; standardize room and door numbering to speed first-responder response; and install ballistic-rated glass at the Clerk Treasurer's desk and the second-floor customer counter in engineering and community development.

Joe Welter, the city's facilities and construction manager, outlined technical details, saying the city has identified camera blind spots, will add access-controlled doors between staff and public counters, and plans ballistic-rated glass with design and installation included. "That's the general gist of what we're looking to accomplish," Welter said, describing a design process that will also consider alternative treatments and preserve counter capacity to maintain service levels.

Chief Thompson of the Hawkshaw Police Department supported the package and cited past incidents at other agencies to underscore the need for protective measures and clear exterior numbering so first responders can locate people faster in emergencies. "What we're doing here — the cost is what we're talking about is the safety of our employees," the chief said.

Committee members asked why the city was not waiting for the 2027 CIP. Staff responded the amendment would be paid from existing capital fund balance and accumulated interest earnings rather than operating reserves, allowing the city to move forward now. Staff also said unit pricing and some quotes have been obtained for glass and access control, while numbering and interior signage likely can be completed in-house.

During discussion members proposed lower-cost alternatives (for example, drywall and windows) and asked staff to vet options during design, taking into account artwork and building aesthetics. Staff said the ballistic glass assembly is intended to provide floor-to-ceiling protection where needed but that final design decisions and bidding will determine precise assemblies and costs.

Committee member (name on the record) moved to recommend amending the capital budget by allocating $319,000 for the City Hall Security Improvements Project; the chair seconded. Staff clarified the amendment makes funding available so future bid awards and contracts can proceed through regular procurement channels.

The committee conducted a voice vote and the clerk recorded ayes for Wooderson, Henderson, Matthews and Lemke; the chair announced the motion passed 4–0. Next steps include completing design work, issuing bids where required, and scheduling construction to avoid heavy-use periods (elections, tax season) and managing any temporary relocations of staff during installation.