WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAU) -- Wausau's city council will be holding their annual public hearing on the proposed city budget at tonight's meeting.
Wausau mayor Jim Tipple says tonight's public hearing will be a chance for residents to address the upcoming budget. "What we're hoping is to get some honest feedback from our taxpayers. Not just 'the taxes are too high' or 'the increase is too high', but to give us some direction or a roadmap on what they want changed, what they want eliminated, and then go from there."
The proposed budget would raise the levy 992-million dollars, or 4% over last year. City Council president Romey Wagner says the increase would allow the city to hire staff. "Some additional police officers, staffing for the fire department, putting a couple of part time people on the technology department. Basically the increase is additions to staffing." He says that tonight's meeting will be a chance to talk over other items that are on the budget that could be cut to make room instead of vital services. Wagner says one of his district's residents suggested ending the city's use of Christmas decorations. "Yes it's beautiful, and it really says something about Wausau, but before we cut police officers I would hope we cut just things that are beautiful and not necessary."
Mayor Tipple says these meetings are usually lightly attended. "This year may be different. Time will tell, but that's why we have a public hearing is to get input and take that into consideration when the council votes on the 25th."
The meeting gets underway tonight at City Hall starting at 6 pm.