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Wausau meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Plain-English weekly recaps written from official meeting records. 7 weeks available.

Weeks

Week of 2026-10-26

Wausau public works board approves sewer bids and project payments; Finance Committee backs lead line funding

The Wausau Board of Public Works approved bidders for the 2026 Sewer Rehabilitation Project and acted on a series of pay estimates and change orders for city construction work at its Oct. 13 meeting, according to official minutes. The same day, the Finance Committee approved several resolutions tied to lead service line replacement and adjusted pet license fees. Every vote recorded in those minutes was unanimous: 2-0 at the Board of Public Works and 5-0 at the Finance Committee.

Board of Public Works: sewer bids and project payments

Members approved bidders for the 2026 Sewer Rehabilitation Project on a 2-0 vote. The minutes do not name the bidders or list bid amounts.

Payments and change orders approved 2-0:

Finance Committee: lead line funding and pet fees

The committee approved a resolution to reimburse expenditures from the Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Program for the BIL SFY27-28 Lead Service Line Replacement Program, and a 3rd Amendment to the Community Infrastructure Partners Master Partnership Agreement for the 2027-2028 Lead Service Line Replacement Project. Both passed 5-0. It also approved a Second Amendment to the Service Agreement with the Marathon County Health Department for the Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building Grant (5-0).

For pet owners, the committee adjusted the spayed/neutered pet license fee to $25 and the microchip discount fee to $10 (5-0). It approved the sale of America 250 Wausau Banners at the price outlined in a staff memo (5-0). A sole source request for Fire Department Zoll Monitors and Ventilators was postponed, and the 2027 budget review was continued to a future session.

Agendas only: no outcomes yet

Most other meetings in the past two weeks were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published, so no decisions can be reported from them. That includes the Oct. 13 Common Council agenda, which listed funding options for private side lead service line replacement not covered by grants or loans, a budget amendment for a feasibility study on converting the UW-Stevens Point at Wausau Campus into a Public Safety Building, rezoning of 7100-7123 Honey Locust Court from Single Family Residential-2 to Duplex Residential-8, and designation of the Memorial Bridge as a Local Historic Landmark.

Also awaiting published minutes: the Oct. 20 Plan Commission request to rezone 909 S. 60th Avenue from Medium Industrial to Heavy Industrial, and the Oct. 20 Finance Committee's recommendation of the 2027 Budget and 2027 Fee Schedule.

Coming up

Week of 2026-10-19

Wausau agendas take up 2027 budget, PFAS funds and a Habitat land sale — but minutes are not yet posted

Wausau's committees and the Common Council met repeatedly over the past two weeks on the 2027 budget and fee schedule, options for spending PFAS settlement funds, and a proposed sale of city-owned property at 424 Burns Street to Habitat for Humanity. Minutes for these meetings have not been published, so the record reviewed here does not establish any votes, dollar amounts or outcomes. What follows is drawn from the published agendas and describes what each body was scheduled to take up.

2027 budget and fee schedule

The Finance Committee listed "Recommendation of the 2027 Budget" and "Setting of the 2027 Fee Schedule" on agendas for meetings on Oct. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 13. The Oct. 13 agenda also listed proposed amendments to dog and cat license fees under WMC 3.40.010, a sole source request for Zoll Monitors and Ventilators for the Fire Department, a 3rd Amendment to the Community Infrastructure Partners Master Partnership Agreement for 2027-2028 Lead Service Line Replacement, and reimbursement of expenditures from the Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Program.

Water: PFAS funds and lead service lines

The Water Works Commission met Oct. 6 with an agenda listing discussion and possible action on options for spending PFAS settlement funds, possible approval of a sole-source contract for magnesium hydroxide (MAG-Lime) for the Wastewater Division, and a director's report on a WDNR final decision regarding the Corrosion Control Treatment Study, including new requirements and implementation. Wastewater updates on Headworks Screening and the Crocker St. Lift Station were also listed. Separately, the Common Council's Oct. 13 agenda listed funding options for private side lead service line replacement not covered by grants or loans.

Property, land and streets

The Economic Development Committee met Oct. 6 on a development proposal and sale of city-owned 424 Burns Street to Habitat for Humanity, a Planning and Due Diligence Option with Marathon County for the UWSP at Wausau Campus at 518 S. 7th Avenue, and an update on deed restrictions for 1300 Cleveland Avenue. A closed session was listed to negotiate the sale of 424 Burns Street and the purchase of 108 Myron Street.

The Parks & Recreation Committee met Oct. 5 on buying county-owned park land on 28th Avenue for a future city park, with a closed session on offering to purchase or acquiring 625 N 29th Ave from the county. The same agenda listed a possible bid award for ash tree removal at Pleasant View Park and a hearing on a tree assessment fee appeal at 4011 Stoneridge Dr.

The Infrastructure & Facilities Committee met Oct. 8 for public hearings and possible action on vacating an alley bounded by Lake View Drive, Bertha Street, Elmwood Boulevard and Midway Boulevard, and a 134-foot southerly extension of Liberty Ridge Way. The agenda also listed 2027 construction assessment rates, a winter street maintenance policy, the West Hill 1st Addition preliminary plat, and a painted curb extension proposed by the Wausau River District.

At the Council

The Common Council's Oct. 13 agenda listed rezoning of 7100-7123 Honey Locust Court from Single Family Residential-2 to Duplex Residential-8, a resolution to approve a comprehensive audit of the City of Wausau, a budget amendment for a feasibility study to convert UW-Stevens Point at Wausau Campus into a Public Safety Building, and designation of Memorial Bridge as a Local Historic Landmark.

Other business

Agendas also listed a request for an additional Human Resources Department staff member and a recommendation to make summer hours the year-round City Hall schedule (Oct. 12); a Certificate of Appropriateness at 1010 Adams Street requested by Jason Troxell (Oct. 12); a CDBG public hearing with presentations from organizations requesting 2027 funding (Oct. 12); photo contest winners and a regular meeting time for the Arts Commission (Oct. 14); 2027 T-Hangar rental rate adjustments at the Airport Committee (Oct. 14); and pay estimates and change orders for several infrastructure projects at the Board of Public Works (Oct. 13).

Coming up

Week of 2026-10-12

Wausau agendas: 2027 budget, land sales and PFAS funds on tap — but no decisions yet posted

Wausau officials spent the past two weeks working through agendas on the 2027 city budget, city-owned land, water system spending and street projects. One caveat applies to everything below: the records provided for these meetings are agendas only, with minutes not yet published. That means the items were scheduled for discussion or possible action, but the supplied documents do not confirm what, if anything, was decided, and they contain no vote tallies or dollar amounts.

Budget and fees

The Finance Committee listed the 2027 budget and the 2027 Fee Schedule on agendas for four separate sessions — Oct. 5, 6, 7 and 8 — each described as a recommendation of the 2027 budget and setting of the fee schedule. Because minutes are not yet published, the outcomes of those sessions are not established in the records provided.

Land and property

The Economic Development Committee on Oct. 6 was set to take up a development proposal and the sale of city-owned property at 424 Burns Street to Habitat for Humanity, along with a Planning and Due Diligence Option with Marathon County for the UWSP at Wausau Campus at 518 S. 7th Avenue. The agenda also listed an update on deed restrictions for 1300 Cleveland Avenue and a closed session to negotiate the sale of 424 Burns Street and the purchase of 108 Myron Street. The committee was also to discuss rescheduling its Nov. 3, 2026 meeting because of Election Day.

The Parks & Recreation Committee on Oct. 5 was scheduled to discuss purchasing county-owned park land on 28th Avenue for a future city park, and to hold a closed session on acquiring 625 N 29th Ave from the county. Its agenda also included a possible bid award for ash tree removal at Pleasant View Park, a possible amendment to the Junior Achievement Agreement, and a hearing on an appeal of a tree assessment fee at 4011 Stoneridge Dr under Municipal Code 12.56.040 and 12.56.130.

The Infrastructure & Facilities Committee on Oct. 8 scheduled public hearings and possible action on vacating an alley bounded by Lake View Drive, Bertha Street, Elmwood Boulevard and Midway Boulevard, and on vacating a 134-foot southerly extension of Liberty Ridge Way. Also listed: 2027 construction assessment rates, a winter street maintenance policy, the West Hill 1st Addition preliminary plat, and a painted curb extension proposed by the Wausau River District.

Water, PFAS and lead lines

The Water Works Commission on Oct. 6 was set to discuss and possibly act on options for spending PFAS settlement funds, and to consider a sole-source contract for magnesium hydroxide (MAG-Lime) for the Wastewater Division. A director's report was scheduled on a WDNR final decision regarding the Corrosion Control Treatment Study, plus updates on the Headworks Screening and Crocker St. Lift Station projects.

The Board of Public Works on Sept. 29 was to consider a recommendation for 2026 Parking Lot Lighting, for which proposals were opened Sept. 22, 2026, and pay estimates tied to lead service line replacement, an outreach grant program, and street and sidewalk work.

Other business

The Sustainability, Energy & Environment Committee on Oct. 1 was scheduled to vote on an Earth Week Student-Built Schoolyard Pollinator Garden and Student Art Installation proposal and to review Buildings sections of the Five-Year Climate Action Work Plan. The Human Resources Committee on Oct. 12 was to consider adding a Human Resources Department staff member and making summer hours the year-round City Hall schedule. The Historic Preservation Commission on Oct. 12 was to consider a Certificate of Appropriateness at 1010 Adams Street, requested by Jason Troxell. The Citizen Advisory Committee held a public hearing Oct. 12 on Community Development Block Grant activities and 2027 funding requests.

Coming up

Week of 2026-08-24

Wausau Board of Public Works approves $459K in pay estimates, denies claim

The Wausau Board of Public Works approved two pay estimates totaling $459,216.19 for ongoing construction projects and denied a claim for $1,519.93 at its Aug. 12 meeting. All votes were 2-0.

Board of Public Works decisions

The board approved Pay Estimate #3 for the 2026 Asphalt Paving Project 'A' to RC Pavers, LLC in the amount of $322,718.16, and Pay Estimate #3 for the 2026 Downtown Utility Project to Haas Sons, Inc. in the amount of $136,498.03. It also approved a Portland Cement Concrete License for Ross Construction LLC. The board denied a claim by Thomas P. Miller for $1,519.93 after reconvening from closed session.

Other recent meetings (agenda only)

Several other committees met during the past two weeks, but their agendas were published without minutes, meaning no final decisions are recorded.

Coming up

Week of 2026-08-17

Wausau roundup: Parking lot project awarded, council to weigh $6.8M in bonds

The Wausau Board of Public Works awarded the base bid for the 2026 Riverfront Parking Lot Project to PGA, Inc. for $549,751.75 at its Aug. 4 meeting. The board also approved several change orders and pay estimates for other public works projects.

Board of Public Works decisions

The board voted 3-0 to award the base bid for the Riverfront Parking Lot Project to PGA, Inc. The alternate bid, which would expand the lot from 120 to 150 stalls, is contingent on Common Council approval. The board also approved:

All votes were 3-0.

Other recent meetings

Several other committees met over the past two weeks, with most items still pending action:

Coming up

Week of 2026-08-10

Wausau Board of Public Works awards $145,846 concrete project; city committees tackle bonds, hiring

The Wausau Board of Public Works awarded a $145,846 concrete project for City Hall and the Fire Department to Concrete Creations at its July 28 meeting. The board also approved two contractor pay estimates and selected seven bidders for the Riverfront Parking Lot Project. Many other city committees met over the past two weeks, but their minutes have not yet been published, so decisions are pending.

Board of Public Works awards concrete project

The board voted 2-0 to award the 2026 City Hall and Fire Department Concrete Project to Concrete Creations for $145,846.00. It also approved, also 2-0, the 2026 Asphalt Paving Project 'A' Pay Estimate #2 for RC Pavers LLC in the amount of $157,421.56, and the Washington Street Retaining Wall Pay Estimate #2 for Janke General Contractors in the amount of $197,776.40. The board approved seven bidders for the 2026 Riverfront Parking Lot Project and the July 21 meeting minutes, both by 2-0 votes.

Other recent meetings (agenda only)

Several committees met but have not yet published minutes, so no decisions are confirmed.

Coming up

Week of 2026-08-03

Wausau Board of Public Works approves $2.1M lead service line payment; other panels weigh licenses, grants, and crossings

The Wausau Board of Public Works approved a $2,188,222.64 pay estimate for the city's lead service line replacement program on July 21, the largest dollar action among recent city meetings. The board also approved a $252,712 deduction under the same program and several smaller project payments, all on 2-0 votes.

Board of Public Works — July 21

The board approved Pay Estimate #30 for lead service line replacement at $2,188,222.64 and approved Equiflow Lead Service Line Replacement Change Order #7, a $252,712 deduction. Both passed 2-0.

Additional approvals, all 2-0: an Outreach Grant Program pay estimate of $22,622.19; an REI agreement amendment for the Thomas Street Corridor Area A Site Investigation at $26,375; an REI agreement amendment for the 2026 Riverfront Parking Lot at $1,300; and the 2026 Asphalt Patching Project Pay Estimate #3 at $1,750.47. The board also approved its July 14 meeting minutes 2-0.

Members tabled a recommendation on the 2026 City Hall and Fire Department Concrete Project for further review of funding sources.

Public Health & Safety Committee — July 20 (agenda only)

The committee was scheduled to consider a 90-day opening extension for The Copper Kettle Steakhouse at 5512 Stewart Avenue. Other items included amending Section 10.40.040 on Rules of the Road and Areas of Operations, reviewing the large-item drop-off event, receiving the Wausau Police Department Q2 2026 report, and hearing community outreach reports on organizations supporting the unhoused. Minutes have not yet been published.

Liquor License Review Subcommittee — July 20 (agenda only)

The subcommittee was set to review a Class B Beer & Liquor Reserve License application for The Rec Room LLC at 881 N. 3rd Avenue. Minutes are not yet published.

Plan Commission — July 21 (agenda only)

The commission was scheduled to hold a public hearing on a conditional use permit for an assisted living facility at 151 McIndoe Street, filed by Beacon Resources, LLC. Other items: action on a Specific Implementation Plan for 1010 S. 16th Avenue and discussion of the Comprehensive Plan Update, Chapter 1: Issues and Opportunities. Minutes are not yet published.

Police & Fire Commission — July 27 (agenda only)

The commission planned a closed session to interview two candidates for Firefighter/EMT and to discuss recruitment and appointment of a new Deputy Police Chief, with potential open-session action afterward. The agenda also included monthly Police and Fire Department operations updates, with the Police report covering Q2. Minutes are not yet published.

Room Tax Commission — July 27 (agenda only)

The commission was set to elect a chair and vice chair, review minutes from April 27 and June 26, and consider tourism grant requests from the Performing Arts Foundation/The Grand Theater, Wausau Festival of Arts Inc, and the Great Northern Blues Society. Minutes are not yet published.

Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee — July 27 (agenda only)

The committee was scheduled to vote on installing a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon at the Thomas Street and River Drive pedestrian crossing. Other items included approving the fall Wausau Works for You newsletter topic, discussing the Bicycle Friendly Community survey results, and receiving updates on the 6th Avenue/Bridge Street RRFB installation, River Edge Parkway, and Comprehensive Plan public engagement. Minutes are not yet published.

Other meetings (agenda only, minutes not yet published)

Coming up

Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.