WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Wausau residents can expect more discussion about a shift to a city-manager or city-administrator form of government.
Mayor Doug Diny says he feels there is an appetite for the discussion, especially after last week’s town hall with UW Oshkosh Professor of Municipal Administration Michael Ford and Jay Shambeau of Innovative Public Advisors.
Diny estimated that about 40 people attended the discussion, which included an open forum with Ford and Shambeau. “We had some very good and well-informed comments and questions. There were some former Alders and Administrators there. I think it was very positive to get that citizen input.”
Just one current Alder made it to the meeting, Bruce Trueblood, but Diny notes that several had scheduling conflicts and planned to watch the video later. Former Alder David Nutting was one of those in attendance.
Diny says he thinks the proposal will see significant discussion at the City Council and Committee levels, despite his previous efforts to restart the debate falling flat. In 2022, he tried to bring the idea forward as an amendment to the city budget. Then in 2025, he proposed a task force to study the idea, which was never assembled.
“It’s something that I’ve seen other cities doing. I think there is a lot of evidence out there, and as you saw with the presentation [Wisconsin has] 190 some cities, and 129 have professional management,” added Diny.
Last week’s Town Hall is available on the city’s YouTube page. Diny also encourages residents to contact their Alder with questions or comments.
Other topics Diny discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video- City Budget update
5:50- City Manager/Administrator discussion
12:20- DPW/Transit garage proposal
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