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Wausau city leaders are finalizing the 2026 budget, which proposes a total expenditure of $168.7 million.

Key budget additions include pay raises for city employees and increased funding for homeless services and trash collection.

Discussions continue on how to fund 13 firefighter positions after a grant expires, with a potential tax referendum being considered.

WAUSAU – City leaders have nearly developed a final version of the 2026 budget ahead of an expected Common Council approval date of Nov. 11.

Mayor Doug Diny, department heads and other city staff worked to produce an initial budget proposal that was released in late September. A committee of the Common Council has since considered several budget amendments with final approvals expected in coming weeks.

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