City of Wausau. MWC file graphic
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – The Wausau City Council passed the 2026 budget in a 10-1 vote after a lengthy meeting Tuesday night. However, Mayor Doug Diny has vetoed the budget, following on his promise to do so. The City Council will take an override vote on November 25.
Three council members who voted for the budget would have to switch sides for the veto to be upheld.
“We owe it to the residents to make sure we double-check our math,” said Diny. “We can’t be caught flat footed in April if the referendum fails.”
The proposed referendum, included in the budget by the council, focuses on public safety. It calls for $1.4 million mainly to fund a dozen firefighter-paramedic positions for the Wausau Fire Department. These positions are currently funded through grants that will expire next year.
Diny is advocating for cuts in other operational areas, which he says would permanently fund four firefighter positions instead of potentially losing all 12 if the referendum were to fail in April.
“I am trying to get as many as I can, and then put ourselves on a path to get to the highest levels in time,” Diny said.
Earlier this month, Wausau Fire Chief Jeremy Kopp addressed the city council about the potential consequences of losing staff.
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