Budget passage, with a twist | The Weekly Wausonian
Wausau News for the week of Nov. 11, 2024
Both the city of Wausau and Marathon County passed their budgets Tuesday evening.
But for Marathon County, a lot of the battles over cuts that happened in the city’s finance committee budget sessions happened on the board floor Tuesday.
The county board approved several amendments Tuesday:
Taking $1.6 million off the levy. That amendment takes reserves from the highway department and capital funds and replaces levy dollars. That means a 9-cent reduction in the mill rate, meaning taxpayers won’t pay more than county taxes next year than in 2024. (The actual amount a homeowner pays is complicated by recent property revaluations though.)
Adding $250,000 in revenues to the levy. That’s the amount county leaders say is reasonable that the county will collect in additional revenue from stepping up its efforts to go after people delinquent on their tax bills.
Defunding the OWI court and adding it to drug court. The idea is that the additional funding in the drug court would help fund treatment programs that are separate for men and women. Marathon County Judge Suzanne O’Neill says not having separate courts has been an issue with the otherwise successful treatment courts.
Other amendments that didn’t pass include defunding the wheel tax (which would later have to be repealed with separate action) and cutting $150,000 from the warm water therapy pool.
Wausau’s budget by contrast was relatively low-drama, but that’s because those battles already happened at the city’s four budget meetings, totaling roughly six hours between them. The budget includes a 2.47% levy increase, a touch under Mayor Doug Diny’s 2.5% target. After Diny announced his target in a press release, the committee added a new revenue from charging a fee for ticketed events in which the fire, police and public works departments must assist. That alone was enough to meet the mayor’s target after previous cuts got the city most of the way there.
You can see our Wausau Budget breakdown here. (From before the last budget meeting.)
Readers this week learned about the new Nevermore on Third in north downtown Wausau, which renovated the former Polack Inn building into an Edgar Allan Poe-inspired gothic dream.
And paid subscribers read our latest Full Court Press, which breaks down civil cases in Marathon County Court:
What else in Wausau?
Lead service line update: CIP, which was contracted to operate the city’s lead line replacement program partially funded by the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Bill, has replaced 580 lead service lines for people’s homes. A representative from CIP who did not identify himself to the city council said they plan to replace the lines of all 629 homes that registered by Dec. 6. CIP plans to complete many more than that next year: the target is 1,862 lines next year.
Meth dealer gets federal prison: Jonathan Rodriguez, 39, of Wausau will be headed to federal prison for 8 years after being sentenced by a Western District Judge. Police arrested Rodriguez in downtown Wausau with meth on him after receiving a tip from police, and he later admitted to having sold a pound of meth prior to his arrest.
A Wausau man started jail fight: John Dabroski, 20, is facing new charges following a jail fight he had with another inmate in the Lincoln County Jail. Both are from Wausau. Police say Dabroski got into a heated argument with the other inmate, a 40-year-old man, and the encounter turned violent. He’s facing felony bailjumping and misdemeanor assault charges from the incident.
Appointment confirmed: After a couple of tries, the city council approved the mayor’s appointment of Vylius Leskys to the city’s Police and Fire Commission. The council previously punted on the appointment, citing a lack of information for them to make the decision. Mayor Doug Diny said that was on him, and shouldn’t reflect on Leskys, who council members said seemed more than qualified for the role with a long career in the military. Leskys ran for District 4 city council, prompting a primary before dropping out of the race.
Around the metro
Former Riverside fire chief enters plea as district looks for new chief: Former Riverside Fire Chief Rob Bowen pleaded not guilty to charges of felony child enticement and two counts of misdemeanor sexual assault of a child. Bowen is expected to appear for a pre-trial conference Dec. 17. Bowen was put on administrative leave when the charges were made public in May. He ultimately resigned in August. The district has not hired a new chief yet.
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Entertainment
Friday, Nov. 12: When the Polack Inn, well known for years of music, closed and became the new Nevermore on Third (you can read about it in this week’s Buzz!), many wondered whether they would continue the tradition of live music at the north downtown venue. Well, guess what? They are! Owner Ashley Dadabo told City Pages the music would include more variety, with everything from metal to country. The live music is back this Friday, with a lineup that includes Wilted, Hollow Flowers and Robin McDumphy. McDumphy is really interesting - she live-loops an electric violin to create a one-woman orchestra. It should be a lively evening and will mark the return of music to a place well-known for it. 9 pm. Check out their Facebook page (post three down as of this publishing) for more information.
Friday, Nov. 12: The Go Rounds have a pretty interesting background. They’ve opened jazz festivals. Been featured in Warren Miller films. And even had their music used as cue music for NPR shows. Their music has a chill, jazzy 70s vibe to it that leaves you nodding your head. Friday’s show at Lamplight Sessions is part of a four-part stint through the Midwest as the band tours from Chicago to the UP. This award-winning band is joined by opener Sleepy Gaucho, which should be a perfect fit with their jazzy country fusion - the pair should make for a chill evening vibe. 7 pm. $32. Check out the event page for more.
Saturday, Nov. 13: There are a few things you need to know about Terri Clark. One, she’s Canadian and is still the only Canadian woman ever to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Two, she’s sold over 5 million albums, including two triple-platinum records. Three, she plays one mean Telecaster (for the country illiterate, if you play country you’re pretty much required to play a Telecaster guitar for that sweet, sweet twang). Her voice has a deep, throaty quality but with a great deal of range that sets her apart. Clark is destined for a country hall of fame career (She’s already in the Canadian one), and you can check her out right at the Grand. 7:30 pm. $40-$70. See the event page for more.
Looking for kids/family events? Check out the family-oriented listing from The Wausonian’s partner Wausau Mama, who puts together a weekly listing of children/family activities.
Sports
Football: D.C. Everest defeated Waunakee 31-21 Friday to earn a spot in the state semi-final game this Friday against Bay Port. The game will be played 7 pm Friday and UW-Oshkosh Titan Stadium. If the Evergreens win, they will take on the winner of the game between Muskego and Mukwonago.
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