Wausau City Council to vote on city budget, public safety referendum

WAUSAU, Wis. (WXCO) – The Wausau City Council will vote on the city budget tonight.

The proposed budget sets next year’s property tax levy at around $38 million, which is a slight increase from 2025’s budget.

District 5 alder Aaron Griner says the biggest question of tonight’s budget discussion is the referendum aimed at saving twelve firefighter-paramedic positions. If the positions aren’t funded by the end of 2026, the city faces a roughly $1.4 million shortfall. 

“These people took an oath and made a commitment to this city, and they prove that to us every single day by putting their lives on the line to do their jobs,” Griner said. “It’s the least we can do to uphold our end of the bargain to say, thank you giving your time and your lives for this. We can at least try to keep you guys employed.” 

Mayor Doug Diny has proposed what he calls a “veto-proof plan” to save four of the firefighter positions by leaving eight of the positions vacant, reorganizing parks administration, and cutting one police officer position.

Griner said he wants to find a funding solution internally rather than taking it to the ballot.

“If we are going to be asking these people for money, we need to be able to show them that we have been doing everything that we can to try to solve this problem ourselves before we go to ask the taxpayers for additional money,” he said.

If the referendum is advanced, the council will need to finalize the ballot question by January for the April 2026 election. If it is not advanced, they will have to find other permanent funding or reductions before December 2026. 

The city’s budget proposal includes funding to restore full swimming-pool operations, animal control staffing, and the contracted operation of an emergency homeless shelter.

The City Council on Tuesday will vote on the city budget, consider adding the referendum to the spring ballot, and consider a communications contract aimed at educating the public about the referendum.

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