Eau Claire Hosting Budget Forums for Residents Next Month

City of Eau Claire officials are inviting residents to share their input on the 2027 budget at a series of forums over the next few weeks.

Eau Claire is facing a projected budget deficit of about $2.2 million in 2027. City officials cited issues like reduced state funding and inflation as contributing factors as they begin to evaluate their options. They’re looking for input from residents as they seek to overcome that projected deficit with the goal of preventing staff layoffs and maintaining currently available services more efficiently.

According to the City Manager’s report, four budget forums have been scheduled over the coming weeks. All four will take place at 3 pm at The Plus on S Barstow Street on April 12th, April 19th, April 26th, and May 3rd.

A number of potential options have already been considered, including transferring some recreational facilities like Hobbs Ice Arena or the Fairfax Pool to community partners and consolidating trash utility services. Another potential option would be expanding paid parking to more residential neighborhoods. Expanding paid parking was previously considered in November when the City Council voted to approve increasing the local vehicle registration fee, or wheel tax, from $24 to $50.

The City is also considering cutting about $100,000 from the Eau Claire City-County Health Department budget. According to a WQOW report, Health Department officials say the cut would also result in a proportional funding cut from Eau Claire County. Combined with increased health insurance costs, it would effectively result in the department facing a $500,000 deficit of its own.