WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Wausau Mayor Robert Mielke covered a wide range of topics during his 2018 State of the City address at City Hall on Tuesday.
Highlights of the speech included:
On Thomas Street: “We are now finally moving forward and advancing to phase two. Even critics of this project have stated in the past year that the City of Wausau has gone above and beyond in listening, being respectful, and addressing the needs of the residents in that area. We have had more public meetings where we listened and accommodated the wishes of those residents including changing the plan designs, hiring translators, eliminating medians, and not acquiring as many properties as originally planned.”
On the City’s debt rating: “I do not deny that the city’s debt burden has been increased, but the good news is the city is in a positive economic growth cycle. Moody’s reacted to a new policy created by them over viewing debt and related deficits and reduced our credit rating. We are not the only community to experience such a credit rating downgrade. The City’s Double-A 3 credit rating remains a very strong credit rating. Interest rates have remained very low, and as the tax base and new development occurs the city will revisit our credit rating with Moody’s.”
Economic development: “We are investing heavily in our riverfront, as are all riverfront communities in America, and developing future industrial sites in the new industrial business campus. The city by investing in infrastructure will be helping support business growth which in turn attracts new business and commerce, new jobs, new residents, and a bevy of tax base. Because infrastructure is the first investment the city has to take a risk, the city’s debt payments come due immediately while it takes time for properties to develop”
Wausau Center Mall future: “In regards to the Sears building there is another theater project on the horizon. It will be coming to be talked about and possibly voted upon in May at this point. I’m not holding firm to that. In terms of the Mall, we have been meeting periodically with different representatives. The owners of the mall say they will have a new plan in position within 90 days, we were just told the other day they will be presenting that plan to the city in the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned.”
Future of the University of Wisconsin-Marathon County: “Unfortunately enrollment is down at UWMC and all the two-year centers. We are going to do what we can to make sure we have a presence in the UW system. As far as the naming, I’ve made a suggestion of University of Central Wisconsin, that is what it is. What we are hoping for is we can get some programs here from Stevens Point so this is a go-to place to get a certain degree depending on what field or whatever it is you want to go and apply for. It’s a transition, it’s a fact of life, UW while very good in so many ways there are some issues that need to be addressed.
Needed upgrades to the city’s wastewater treatment plant: “it’s just another challenge that we have to take on through no fault of our own, unfortunately that’s just today’s world. Those demands are being brought forward by the state, I sure am hoping that they are willing to help with the cost.” And if the costs to upgrade will be passed along to residents: “It’s just one of those things that needs to be done. If you explain to folks in an honest, direct manner, most people get it and they’ll realize the situation we are in.”
See the full speech and Q-and-A session in the video above.
