Wausau Council debates $400K homelessness funding amid concerns over accountability and planning

The Wausau City Council meeting on December 26, 2024, focused heavily on the allocation of $400,000 in funding aimed at addressing homelessness in the community. Concerns were raised about the lack of a concrete plan for how these funds would be utilized, particularly regarding day services that have seen low usage rates in the past.

During the meeting, council members expressed apprehension about providing what was described as a "blank check" to the police department without a clear strategy. One council member highlighted that previous funding for day services had not met expectations, with average daily attendance reported in single digits. This raised questions about the effectiveness of investing further in services that may not be utilized.

The discussion also touched on the need for accountability and measurable outcomes tied to the funding. Council members emphasized the importance of having a structured plan in place before dispersing the funds, suggesting that quarterly updates would be necessary to monitor progress and ensure that the money is being spent effectively.

The police chief acknowledged the concerns, stating that the $400,000 was intended as a placeholder while a more detailed plan was developed. He assured the council that no additional staff would be hired with these funds, addressing fears of long-term financial burdens on taxpayers. Instead, existing staff would be utilized to create a request for proposals (RFP) that would involve input from organizations working with the homeless and those experiencing homelessness themselves.

The meeting also referenced previous discussions with Catholic Charities, which had been funded to provide day shelter services but ultimately decided not to proceed due to staffing challenges and a lack of a long-term financial commitment. This situation underscored the urgency for the council to establish a clear and actionable plan to address homelessness in Wausau.

As the council moves forward, the focus will be on developing a comprehensive strategy that includes collaboration with other municipalities and organizations to effectively tackle the homelessness issue in the community.