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16 hours ago

Wausau transit commission authorizes director to sign letter backing federal bus-operator safety bill After public testimony from ATU Local 1168, the Wausau Transit Commission voted unanimously April 16 to authorize its transit director to sign a letter urging congressional leaders to include HR 6635, a bipartisan bill that would require enclosed operator workstations on new buses.

Wausau's Transit Commission takes a bold stand for bus operator safety by endorsing a federal bill that could transform the protection of transit workers nationwide.

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16 hours ago

Transit director describes AVL rollout, Wisco fare plan and fentanyl exposure that sidelined a driver Director Ron updated the commission on planned CAT AVL and regional fare-payment integration (Wisco), and described a fentanyl-contaminated transfer that caused a driver to lose his CDL and move to early retirement, underscoring staff support for cashless fare technology.

MetroRide is set to revolutionize transit safety and efficiency by launching cashless fare technology this November, following a shocking incident involving fentanyl contamination.

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#WausauMarathonCounty #WI #CivicAccountability #TechInnovation #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety

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1 month ago

DNR opens contamination case after Thomas Street tests find lead, dioxins and groundwater chemicals The Wisconsin DNR opened an environmental contamination case for Area A of Wausau's Thomas Street corridor after Phase 2 testing found lead and dioxins/furans in shallow fill soils and volatile organic compounds in deeper saturated soils; the city must hire a consultant by March 13 and submit a site-investigation work plan by April 12.

Wausau's Thomas Street corridor is facing an environmental crisis as tests reveal alarming levels of lead and dioxins, prompting the DNR to launch a contamination case!

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#WausauMarathonCounty #WI #EnvironmentalContamination #CitizenPortal #SoilRemediation #PublicHealthSafety

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1 month ago

Wausau approves HUD lead‑hazard MOU with HOLA and New Beginnings amid debate over RFP timing and compliance After heated public comment and several failed attempts to table or refer it back to committee, the council approved resolution 24‑0704 to enter an MOU with HOLA and New Beginnings for HUD lead‑hazard capacity‑building work; the resolution passed 9–2.

Wausau's Common Council has ignited controversy by approving a significant MOU for lead-hazard outreach, despite strong public concerns over compliance and transparency.

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2 months ago

Wausau seeks DNR response on biosolids class A designation as permit is finalized City staff told commissioners Feb. 3 that a final wastewater permit is pending while the DNR has not yet approved a class A biosolids designation because of a backlog apparently tied to a single reviewer; staff submitted comments and asked for a timeline and said they would escalate with legal and agency contacts.

Wausau officials are pressing the DNR for answers on a critical biosolids designation, facing delays that could affect multiple utilities.

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#WausauMarathonCounty #WI #WastewaterManagement #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalRegulation #WausauWaterQuality

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2 months ago

Residents press city to excavate, not cap, at contaminated 1300 Cleveland site; DNR testing and RAOR underway At a Wausau neighborhood meeting residents recounted buried barrels and local cancer concerns at 1300 Cleveland Avenue; city staff said the DNR required PFAS groundwater testing, the site investigation closed in 2025, and the city is preparing a Remedial Action Options Report (RAOR) with options that could change depending on a future redevelopment plan.

Residents are demanding action as buried barrels and alarming cancer rates linked to contamination at 1300 Cleveland Avenue spark urgent calls for excavation over capping.

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2 months ago

Wausau seeks neighborhood input on nonindustrial future of 1300 Cleveland Avenue City staff held a packed neighborhood engagement session to solicit public rankings of nonindustrial land‑use options for the city‑owned 1300 Cleveland Avenue parcel, explain MRL‑12 zoning constraints and a 30‑day survey, and outline next steps including ED committee review and a DNR presentation next month.

Wausau is opening the floor for public input on the future of a prime 6.77-acre city-owned site—what do you want to see there?

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#WausauMarathonCounty #WI #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #WausauNeighborhood #UrbanPlanning #PublicInput

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2 months ago

Resident urges city to probe high dioxin findings on Thomas Street; DNR to require further work in Area A A resident cited Ramboll soil results showing high dioxin TEQ in deep samples and asked the committee to seek a TEQ calculation for groundwater; city staff said the DNR found Areas B–D need no further action but Area A requires additional investigation and cleanup planning.

A Wausau resident raises alarm over dangerously high dioxin levels in local soil, demanding urgent investigations into groundwater contamination that could affect the city's sewer and river.

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3 months ago

Wausau committee clears April property-tax referendum to fund firefighters The Wausau Finance Committee approved placing a $1.45 million property-tax referendum on the April ballot to help retain firefighter/paramedic staffing after expiring federal grants; staff cited a 3.956% levy increase (about $39.39 per $100,000 of assessed value) and recommended outreach and explanatory materials before the vote.

Wausau's Finance Committee has approved a $1.45 million property-tax referendum to support firefighter and paramedic staffing as federal funding runs out—are you ready to cast your vote in April?

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3 months ago

Wausau Board of Public Works awards $947,000 demolition contract, approves contractor payments At its Dec. 16 meeting the Wausau Board of Public Works awarded a $947,000 contract to MRD Group for the 25 water treatment plant demolition and approved multiple payments, including a $245,662.42 November pay estimate for lead service line replacement.

The Wausau Board of Public Works just awarded a $947,000 demolition contract and approved significant payments for vital infrastructure projects!

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#WausauMarathonCounty #WI #PublicSafety #WausauPublicWorks #CitizenPortal #CommunityAccountability #InfrastructureDevelopment

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4 months ago

Wausau commission endorses recommendation for $19M lead‑service reimbursement package to DNR loan process The commission recommended approval of a reimbursement resolution tied to proposed DNR funding (draft total $18,979,000) for lead‑service‑line replacement, with staff estimating about $11 million in principal forgiveness and the remainder as a low‑interest loan; the recommendation goes to finance Dec. 9 and then to council in January.

Wausau's commission just greenlit a groundbreaking $19 million plan to replace lead service lines, potentially securing $11 million in principal forgiveness!

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#WausauMarathonCounty #WI #WaterSafety #CitizenPortal #WausauLeadService #PublicHealth #InfrastructureFunding

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4 months ago

Wausau updates PFAS treatment: GAC system operating, reuse of reactivated carbon allowed, permit comment period open Donahue Engineering said the granular activated carbon PFAS treatment system has operated for more than a year, contractors will replace failing air‑release valves and coat a treatment‑room floor, and DNR allowed reactivated carbon (vendors in Oklahoma and Pennsylvania) that could save about 20% versus new carbon; the draft WPDES permit is open for public comment through Dec. 22, 2025.

Wausau's PFAS treatment system is thriving after a year of operation, with exciting updates on carbon management that could save the city 20% in costs!

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#WausauMarathonCounty #WI #WaterSafety #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalProtection #PublicHealth #WausauPFAS

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4 months ago

Wausau commissioners split as city advances $2.8M solar plan and seeks sole‑source design approval Commission staff told the Wausau Waterworks Commission the estimated solar-array project cost is $2.8 million and that the city will seek a sole‑source design award to Clark Dietz on Dec. 9 to meet tight tax‑credit deadlines; one commissioner said he cannot support the project without clearer financial justification.

Wausau is on the brink of a $2.8 million solar project, but not everyone is convinced it's the right move for the city's future.

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#WausauMarathonCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #WausauWaterworks #RenewableEnergy #TaxCreditIncentives #InfrastructureDevelopment

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4 months ago

Wausau committee votes to extend TID 7 for one year to support affordable housing After debate about alternative funding sources, the committee voted to keep Tax Increment District 7 open for one year with an affordable-housing designation. Staff said the extension would leave roughly $1.9 million for housing and could permit a one-time transfer of $355,158 to operations if approved by council.

Wausau's Economic Development Committee has made a bold move to extend TID 7 for a year, earmarking nearly $1.9 million for affordable housing amidst lively debates on funding sources.

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4 months ago

Wausau staff hear regional study projecting steep older-adult housing and care needs; affordability and workforce named top concerns Sam Wessel of the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission presented an 'Older Adult Housing Study' showing rising demand for independent living and long-term care: about 85 additional long-term care beds by 2034 and another ~60 by 2040. The study flags housing affordability and a shortage of care workers as the two main challenges.

Wausau is facing a looming crisis in affordable housing and care for its aging population, with projections showing a need for 145 additional long-term care beds by 2040.

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#WausauMarathonCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #WausauOlderAdults #LongTermCare #WorkforceDevelopment

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4 months ago

Wausau committee approves pursuing WEDC certified-sites program for Innovation Way campus The committee voted to proceed with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) certified sites program to prepare roughly 99.5 acres on the Innovation Way business campus for industrial development; WEDC offered a pilot grant to cover up to half of due-diligence costs.

Wausau is gearing up to attract big developers by moving forward with a certified sites program that promises to streamline the path for new industrial projects!

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#WausauMarathonCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #BusinessInnovation #SiteDevelopment #EconomicGrowth

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4 months ago

Wausau forester outlines $500,000 urban-forestry grant, ash-removal push and plan to strengthen tree protection City forester John told the Parks and Recreation Committee the department received roughly a $500,000 grant used for a concentrated tree-planting effort and private ash-removal assistance; he urged staff training, contract changes and policy steps modeled on Madison to better protect trees during construction.

Wausau's city forester reveals a bold $500,000 initiative to combat ash tree loss and enhance urban greenery—discover how this plan aims to reshape our streetscapes!

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#WausauMarathonCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #CommunityGreening #WausauUrbanForestry #UrbanCanopy #TreeProtection

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4 months ago

Wausau committee weighs one-year TID 7 extension to steer $1 million-plus toward affordable housing Wausau’s finance committee reviewed options to extend Tax Increment District 7 for a year to dedicate roughly $1,000,010 in increment—75% of which state law requires be used for affordable housing—while weighing a one‑time transfer to address near‑term operating needs such as firefighters. The committee did not vote and asked for further review before council action.

Wausau's Finance Committee is poised to potentially direct over $1 million towards affordable housing, but will they prioritize immediate operational needs or long-term community benefit?

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#WausauMarathonCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #WausauAffordableHousing #CommunityFunding

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4 months ago

Wausau council rejects proposal to sell PFAS settlement payments, citing loss of funds and conflicts After extended debate, the Wausau Common Council voted 0-11 to reject a master payment purchase and joiner agreement that would have converted future PFAS settlement payments into a discounted lump sum; council members raised concerns about forfeiting hundreds of thousands of dollars and potential conflicts involving the purchaser and law firm.

The Wausau Common Council just made a bold move, unanimously rejecting a proposal that could have cost the city hundreds of thousands in future PFAS settlement payments!

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#WausauMarathonCounty #WI #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability #WausauCouncil

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4 months ago

Wausau council overrides mayor's veto, adopts 2026 budget after debate over staffing and taxes The Wausau Common Council on Nov. 25 overrode the mayor's veto of the finance committee's 2026 budget and general property tax, 9-2, after members debated staffing reductions, firefighters and long-term budget pressures that the mayor said could lead to a $1.4 million tax increase.

The Wausau Common Council has made a bold move by overriding the mayor's veto, setting the stage for a contentious 2026 budget amid fears of a looming $1.4 million tax hike.

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#WausauMarathonCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #WausauBudget #TaxReform #CivicAccountability

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4 months ago

Wausau transit director briefs commission on WISDOT grant, upcoming FTA review and staffing needs The transit operations director told the commission a WISDOT grant application is due Dec. 10, an FTA triannual review begins in December and staff turnover has created recordkeeping challenges; the mayor plans to advertise the director position soon.

Wausau's transit system is gearing up for a critical grant application and a comprehensive federal review, but staff turnover is creating challenges—what’s next for operations?

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4 months ago

Wausau Transit Commission votes to release RFPs for facility study and CAD/AVL upgrades The Wausau Transit Commission unanimously approved two RFPs: a facility condition assessment and feasibility study to assess readiness for future bus needs, and a CAD/AVL system RFP to add live cameras, GPS tracking and customer-facing tools; both use time-limited grant funding.

The Wausau Transit Commission just took a major step towards modernization by unanimously approving two crucial RFPs aimed at enhancing bus facilities and upgrading tech systems for real-time passenger information.

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4 months ago

Wausau outreach coordinator: shelter has served 310 unduplicated people since May; partners aiding elderly guests The committee heard that Wausau’s shelter has served 310 unduplicated people since opening May 1, including 44 new arrivals last month; outreach staff said volunteers and inter-county collaboration helped house seven new guests and expected two elderly residents to move into stable housing this week.

Wausau's shelter has welcomed 310 individuals since May, with dedicated volunteers helping to house vulnerable residents, including two elderly guests before winter hits.

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#WausauMarathonCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #WausauHomelessness #PublicHealth

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5 months ago

Council approves bonds, fees and grants including water revenue bond and promissory notes On Nov. 11 Wausau’s council approved the 2026 fee schedule, authorized promissory notes up to $311.8M, and approved a water system revenue bond (approx. $4.6M) tied to lead‑line and water projects; the council also accepted a Peak Patrol grant for the police department.

Wausau's Common Council just made a historic move, approving over $316 million in bonds and fees to enhance the city's water system and public safety!

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#WausauMarathonCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #WausauFinance #CivicAccountability #WaterInfrastructure

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5 months ago

Wausau council adopts 2026 budget after narrow amendment votes, declines to strip utilities item After hours of debate about developer payments, TID projects and lead‑service line funding, the Wausau Common Council adopted the 2026 budget 10–1 on Nov. 11; an amendment to remove a $40,000 study on a city administrator passed 8–3 while a proposal to cut a $1.2 million utilities relocation in TID 3 failed 4–7.

Wausau's Common Council navigated a heated debate before adopting the 2026 budget, marked by intense discussions on funding for utilities and community support.

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#WausauMarathonCounty #WI #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #WausauBudget #InfrastructureImprovements

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5 months ago

Wausau council adopts 2026 budget after amendments, rejects removal of $1.2M utilities item The Wausau Common Council approved the city's 2026 budget 10-1 following debate and two floor amendments — one removing a $40,000 study of a city administrator that passed 8-3 and another to strip a $1.2 million TID-funded utility relocation that failed 4-7. Council discussed lead-line grants, TID developer payments and referendum timing.

Wausau's Common Council just passed the 2026 budget after intense debate over developer payments and community concerns about growth versus affordability.

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#WausauMarathonCounty #WI #BudgetTransparency #CitizenPortal #WausauCommonCouncil #CommunityEngagement

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5 months ago

Wausau panel recommends April referendum after fire chief warns of staffing, safety and insurance risks After a data-heavy presentation from Fire Chief Jeremy Kopp on chronic understaffing, rising call volume and risks to life and property, the Wausau Committee of the Whole voted to recommend a citywide referendum on April 7, 2026, and to retain Miller Communications for a reduced voter-education campaign. Councilmembers debated alternatives, grant-s

Wausau's fire department is facing critical staffing shortages that could jeopardize public safety, prompting a push for a referendum to secure funding by April 2026.

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5 months ago

Wausau committee recommends referendum after fire chief warns staffing shortfalls threaten response capacity After a presentation by Fire Chief Jeremy Kopp warning that rising call volumes and cross-staffing leave engines and ambulances short, the Wausau Committee of the Whole voted to recommend the common council place a funding referendum on the April 7, 2026 ballot. The committee also recommended retaining Miller Communications to produce neutral voter

Wausau's firefighters are facing staffing shortages that could jeopardize public safety, prompting a committee recommendation for a crucial funding referendum in 2026.

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5 months ago

Room Tax Commission approves funds for local events and trails, denies CVA request; flower-basket funding fails The commission voted to fund multiple 2026 events and one-year infrastructure items: Wings Over Wausau ($20,000), Fourth of July fireworks ($10,000), Truckfest ($2,500), Grand Theater season marketing ($30,000), a one-year $50,000 trail development allocation, and $6,900 for RiverLife pier maintenance. It denied a $6,500 request from the Center for

The Wausau Room Tax Commission has greenlit funding for exciting local events while denying a key arts-marketing request—discover what this means for the community!

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#WausauMarathonCounty #WI #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #TourismDevelopment #WausauEvents

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5 months ago

Wausau CVB asks room-tax commission for three-year contract and bigger allocation to fund data, marketing and events Tim White of the Wausau Central Wisconsin Convention and Visitors Bureau asked the commission to approve a three-year contract and increase the CVB’s room-tax allocation from 40% to 45% to pay for data subscriptions, marketing and event attraction. The commission heard the presentation and asked questions but did not vote; members said the request,

The Wausau Central Wisconsin Convention and Visitors Bureau is pushing for a bigger slice of the room tax pie to fuel marketing and event growth, but will the commission agree?

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#WausauMarathonCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #EventAttraction #TourismMarketing #WausauCVB