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Committee approves $50,000 feasibility study amendment for UW‑Stevens Point at Wausau site
Summary
The finance committee approved a $50,000 budget modification to pay for police and fire feasibility studies and a phase‑1 environmental review tied to the UWSP‑Wausau campus; the vote was 3‑1 amid concerns about cost and uncertainty.
The finance committee approved a $50,000 budget amendment to fund feasibility studies exploring whether the UW‑Stevens Point at Wausau campus could house the city’s police and fire operations. City staff said the allocation would cover architectural and design fees and a phase‑1 environmental assessment if needed; the committee agreed to finance the work from general reserves.
Director Randy Pfeiffer described a proposed split of study work, saying: "Bringing forward a budget modification of $50,000, which would fund police and fire feasibility studies..." He added the city would only spend the money if the county awards the proposal and the city chooses to proceed. Committee members pressed for information about operating shortfalls and long‑term costs; the police chief said the department currently functions but is cramped, while the fire chief said the primary station shows aging utilities and space constraints. Concerns about long‑term renovation costs and uncertainty over revenue sources led to a measured debate; the amendment passed 3‑1 with one alder voting no.
Staff provided preliminary cost figures tied to the studies: an estimated $25,000 from FGM Architects and about $15,000 from 5 Bugles (design/engineering), with an additional allowance for incidental costs and environmental testing. Council members asked staff to return with more detailed cost projections and potential funding sources during the requested six‑month due‑diligence period.
