WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Wausau residents will get a chance to weigh in on how the city should spend some $15.5 million in American Recovery Act funding during a public open house and listening session this week.
Rosenberg says it’s another way she is trying to make local government accessible to everyone. “I talked to the finance [committee] chair and I just said ‘let’s do this’- so we set it up because we want to hear from people.”
Like many other local and regional municipalities the city is looking to see if the funding will help scratch a few items off their public works projects list such as lead service line replacement or to help with the cost of upgrades to the water treatment plants.
“It would be wonderful to borrow less when it comes to that project. And one of the other things we brought up at the Utility Commission was those lead service lines. We are trying to replace those, and oh man this could go a long way to replacing those lines. That would protect us for the next 100 years.”
But, that said there is nothing set in stone just yet and that’s why the public input session is being organized. Rosenberg says they want to hear all ideas from the public because chances are someone may have a good idea that hasn’t been thought of yet at City Hall.
Rosenberg adds the city is still unpacking what the money can and can’t be used for. That includes a suggestion that came from within her own house after the session was announced.
“My husband [asked me if] we could just put it in an account and get interest for the rest of time- I said ‘wouldn’t that be great?-‘ and actually, that’s a question municipalities have been asking. Are we allowed to put this money in an interest-bearing account?- that’s clarification we are waiting on.”
Wednesday’s session will be held at the auditorium at John Muir Middle School beginning at 5:30 PM. Handouts explaining how much the city will get and what they know about how the money can and cannot be used will be made available.
Rosenberg adds they chose that location to allow for better social distancing for those who have not been vaccinated yet.
Other topics Rosenberg discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video- Mayor Rosenberg and Mike discuss their experiences with the COVID-19 vaccine.
5:00- Public input session regarding ARA Funding
10:15- City’s involvement in the new Taste N Glow Baloon Fest
13:40- Move with the Mayor event coming this summer
14:00- What’s the coolest thing you’ve added to your office since the last time we were in person?
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