Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Waukesha public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues in taxes budget with high priority
2027 Water Rate Increase
The utility has formally asked the PSC to pause its water rate increase until Milwaukee's rates are known, so customers don't face back-to-back increases. No answer yet.
2027 Property Tax Levy Increase
The proposed 2027 budget raises the property tax levy about 1.7% ($1.3 million), meaning an average $350,000 home pays roughly $33 more — about 1.2%. 80% of the city's revenue comes from taxes and state aid, and the city is pushing for more state shared revenue since its share lags peer communities.
2027-2031 Community Investment Program
The utility's draft 2027 Capital Improvement Plan was reviewed — it's the roadmap for next year's water infrastructure spending, which ultimately affects rates and service reliability.
2026 GO note issuance for capital projects and TID 17 roads
The council approved selling up to $20.7 million in general obligation promissory notes. This is the city's borrowing for 2026 capital needs, and debt service on it flows into future property tax levies.
Special election polling places consolidated at City Hall
Because of the county executive special election, all city voting on November 17 (if a primary) and December 15 will be at City Hall only — expected ~6,500 voters.
2027 Library Operating Budget
The board approved the first draft of next year's library budget, with no personnel changes yet. This shapes library hours, collections, and services — and the library's share of local taxes — for 2027.
2026 WisDOT transit operating aid
The annual state operating aid agreement with WisDOT funds a significant share of Waukesha Metro's day-to-day bus service costs. The commission's recommendation sends it to the Council, where it will be formally adopted. Without it, transit service budgets would need to make up the difference locally.
$11.3M settlement of excessive-assessment lawsuit
The council settled an excessive-assessment lawsuit with SBV Fox River LLC after discussing terms in closed session. Settlement terms and costs weren't disclosed in open session.
Exhausted Buildings and Grounds signage budget
A guardrail project on Madison Street, approved by Public Works in March, consumed nearly all of this committee's 2026 budget. With roughly zero dollars left, the committee plans to take only free referrals for the rest of the year and escalate the funding problem.
2027 CDBG funding allocations
About $233,000 in federal grant money will fund a long-overdue Grandview Boulevard crosswalk, Buckner Park playground upgrades, historic home paint grants, public art and youth swim programs — all without city tax dollars.