WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) — Like most other communities, the city of Wisconsin Rapids is nearing the end of its 2025 budget process.
That means Mayor Matt Zacher’s first budget is nearly in the books, and he says it’s been good to learn as he goes. That includes managing all the unplanned expenses that can upset the numbers at every stage. “You got something that comes in and disrupts the entire budget. You gotta go back and equalize everything out to get back to where you need to be. There’s a lot of stress that goes along with that.”
One of those disruptions occurred midway through the 2024 budget when the City Council implemented the results of a wage study for employees. That means the 2025 budget will be the first full year with those new salaries. “There are so many moving pieces, nuts and bolts in the whole big picture. It’s really hard to wrap your mind around what it takes to put that whole budget together.
“I will say we have a really great team in finance; Karen, Lori, Tim, and Erin. They’ve kept me in line. There have been a few times where I used the credit card for something or have to do this with payroll- and they’re quick to make sure that everything is straight and lined up, nothing’s missing. I appreciate that a lot,” added Zacher.
While the numbers are still being finalized Zacher says they’ve managed to keep spending level on items outside of payroll, which was his biggest goal. Though with the recent city-wide revaluation some residents may still see an increase in their tax bills.
Zacher says he’s also learned that being Mayor doesn’t mean you get unfiltered access to the city’s credit cards, though he’s only used them once to treat a drawing winner to lunch with the Mayor.
The budget process will wrap up in November. Tax bills are due to be sent by mid-December.
Other topics Zacher discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video- Budget
7:10- Recent proclamations
Comments