WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The 2022 Wausau budget is nearing completion.
Mayor Katie Rosenberg says the city plans to spend just under $100 million in the coming year, and leaders are currently working to iron out the final $700,000 before the final vote on the document in November. As usual, she says public works and public safety will take up much of the dollars, but they’re also looking to find new and better ways to retain employees at City Hall.
“Every single municipality, every single business is dealing with this employment scenario where you can’t find the people you want to do the work,” said Rosenberg. “That’s one of the things we need to focus on- how do we get the people [in the door.] Are our wages right? Are we asking the right skill set? What do we need to do here?”
One thing she’s requested as part of the new budget is a culture survey of City Hall, something that’s not been done before. She says that would go a long way towards making sure the city can get and keep the best employees.
The issue will also be taken up by the city’s HR committee this week. Rosenberg expects those discussions to center on recruitment and retention including some creative ways to get the message out about available jobs in the city such as recruitment videos on YouTube.
“We have a really great one for the mechanics at DPW, it makes me want to become a mechanic. Like, what was I thinking?,” said Rosenberg.
She would also like to see the possibility of retention bonuses explored, which is something other cities have used ARPA funding for, and a deep dive into the city’s benefits package.
“It’s not always about pay right? It’s what is the culture like, vacation time- people want [those things],” she said.
Rosenberg couldn’t provide the exact number of job openings in the city, but she says two of their biggest areas of need involve MetroRide bus service which is short drivers and the city streets crew. The Police and Fire Depts. are always looking for recruits as well.
Other topics Rosenberg discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video: Status of budget and need for workers in the city
8:03- Update on possible lead pipe ordinance or using ARPA funds to replace lead pipes citywide
12:05- Affordable housing study
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