City of Eau Claire passes 2026 budget with wheel tax increase
Approves amendment to sunset fee increase after 3 years,
Former city manager, finance director warn of coming "fiscal cliff"
At its Legislative Session last Tuesday, the Eau Claire City Council unanimously approved its 2026 city operating budget, including a $26 per vehicle increase in its Local Vehicle Registration Fee (LVRF).
The operating budget totals include $100 million of General Fund spending, plus $6.5 million for the library, $7.7 million for the City-County Health Department, and $98 million the various agencies and utilities under the city's management, including those such as economic development, TIF districts, water, sewer, transit, recreational facilities, and debt service. Full details: 2026 Proposed Operating Budget
The Council unanimously passed one budget amendment, proposed by Council Member Andrew Werthmann. It updates the goals of the Parking Utility to include more enforcement and compliance related to inappropriate vehicle uses of the downtown parking ramps. Council members cited a significant number of complaints from downtown residents about disruptive and noisy behavior in the ramps, such as racing.
Wheel tax passes 7-3 after 3-year sunset provision added
The LRVF fee increase, popularly referred to as a wheel tax, is being imposed to balance the budget and avoid service cuts. At its earlier budget work sessions, Council members gave city staff direction to consider a wheel tax increase as high as $31 per vehicle. Ultimately, a $26 increase was included in the proposed budget. When added to the existing $24 per vehicle tax, the $50 rate now in effect will be the highest in the state for a single entity, and will total $80 for City of Eau Claire residents who also pay the $30 Eau Claire County wheel tax. (Elsewhere, according to the Wisconsin Policy Forum, residents of Fitchburg, Madison, and Oregon pay a combined city/county total of $68, and Milwaukee, $71.)
Many Council members cited state-imposed constraints on the flexibility the city has to increase revenues and what they consider inequitable distribution of shared revenue by the state. Some pointed out that the formula does not reward a municipality that sees increases in sales tax collections. They argued that the revenue is needed to avoid painful service cuts.
Before the vote on the full budget, the Council passed, 7-3, an amendment by Council Member Joshua Miller to end the fee at the end of 2028. Voting for the amendment were Council Members Emily Anderson, Emily Berge, Charlie Johnson, Joshua Miller, Nate Otto, Jessica Schoen, and Andrew Werthmann. Voting no were Council Members Aaron Brewster, Larry Mboga, and Ethan Reed. Then the final version of the wheel tax passed 7-3, with yes votes coming from Anderson, Brewster, Miller, Otto, Reed, Schoen, and Werthmann. Voting no on the final wheel tax passage were Berge, Johnson, and Mboga. Council Member Clara Serrano was absent.
Dale Peters, Jay Winzenz warn of coming "fiscal cliff"
The Council's action on Tuesday was preceded by a Public Hearing on Monday evening. Notable were comments delivered by former City Manager Dale Peters and former City Finance Director Jay Winzenz.
"The city is on the edge of a financial cliff because of unstable increases in expenses," noted Peters, who served as City Manager from 2016-2020. "There are some very hard decisions ahead of you. At this point you have no choice but really pass the wheel tax and still leaves the city on the edge of this fiscal cliff. Our hope is that you will engage in these difficult discussions early with transparency and engaged media reporting in 2026," he said.
Winzenz, who was City Finance Director from 2016-2022, raised concerns about the lifting of the debt limit formerly set at 25% of the tax levy, and the shifting of $1.3 million in annual costs from the general fund to the storm water utility and TIF districts.
"Please know that our comments are meant to raise awareness, perspective, and engagement," concluded Peters. "We are not here to find fault or to provide criticism. These are difficult topics and decisions... We appreciate your commitment to tackling difficult leadership issues in a civil, transparent, and engaged manner."
Click here to see a transcript of remarks by Winzenz and Peters, and here to access the video recordings of the Monday and Tuesday meetings.
Advocacy group Americans for Prosperity ran a social media campaign urging rejection of the wheel tax. There were six individuals who spoke during the Public Hearing opposing the increase.
In her November 14 City Manager's Weekly Update, Eau Claire City Manager Stephanie Hirsch, said in light of the budget's passage, "We will need to continue to make hard decisions about balancing revenue collection and service reductions, and we will need everyone's ideas and input." She promised that, in this week's update, "I'll share some analysis we have been working on regarding the City's historical spending and revenue. We will also share what's next as we look into the future."
Visit Eau Claire contract approved
After a full year of negotiations, Tuesday's Legislative Session also included approval of a 3-year contract with Visit Eau Claire, the area's Destination Marketing Organization. The contract covers use of the 8% room tax revenues that are collected in the city. State statutes allow 30% to be kept by the city and require 70% for use to promote tourism. The new contract includes the creation of a Destination Master Plan that would serve to prioritize how room tax funds would be used for tourism-related infrastructure. (See pages 70-81 of the Tuesday Agenda Packet linked below.)
"Over the past year, we have had many thoughtful, forward-thinking conversations about how to strengthen Eau Claire’s future," noted Visit Eau Claire Executive Director Kenzi Havlicek. "It has been inspiring to see the level of collaboration and care that has gone into this process. This agreement represents an important step forward — one that strengthens transparency, communication, and alignment between our organizations. Most importantly, it sets the stage for us to keep building on Eau Claire’s incredible momentum as both a destination and a community we are proud to call home."
More information:
Eau Claire City Council
• Monday, Nov 10, 6 p.m., Public Hearing Agenda Packet (64 pages)
• Tuesday, Nov 11, 4 p.m. Legislative Session Agenda Packet (269 pages)
Click here to send an email to all City Council members
Click here for individual contact information for each City Council member
Link to videos of city meetings (City of Eau Claire)
City of Eau Claire Public Notices (City of Eau Claire)
City News Updates -incl. City Manager's Weekly Update (City of Eau Claire)
Budget-related information:
Budget Process and Current Documents (City of Eau Claire)
2026 Adopted Operating Budget (City of Eau Claire)
City Manager's Budget Message (City of Eau Claire)
LVRF FAQs (City of Eau Claire)
News stories...
An Overview of the Eau Claire City Budget (Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce)
City of Eau Claire votes to approve wheel tax increase, 2026 budget (Leader-Telegram $)
EC City Council Public Hearing on Budget, Wheel Tax (WEAU 13 News)
Digging Deeper: Eau Claire city council members share perspective on wheel tax increase (WQOW News 18)

Wisconsin Policy Forum Report: Wheel Tax Revenues Keep Rolling
By the end of 2025, nearly half of all Wisconsinites will be required to pay a fee to their municipality or county to register their vehicle. Some communities implemented these fees a few years ago and already are considering raising them further. Such fees are one of only a few revenue-raising options that state law permits for local governments. But in some places, they are adding significant costs for motorists.
Statewide revenues from local option vehicle registration fees – commonly called wheel taxes — totaled more than $70 million in fiscal year 2025. This marks a dramatic increase from a decade ago, when such fees raised less than $10 million for local governments throughout Wisconsin. Large cities that recently adopted wheel taxes include Eau Claire, Fitchburg, Oshkosh, Sun Prairie, and Wauwatosa.
More information:
Full Report: Wheel Tax Revenues Keep Rolling (Wisconsin Policy Forum)
Nearly half of Wisconsinites will pay wheel tax by end of 2025 (WPR)
State bill proposes wheel tax referendum requirement for local governments (WQOW News 18)
Our View: City's wheel tax vote was bad, but the real problem is higher up (Leader-Telegram editorial $)

Eau Claire County passes $165.8 million 2026 budget
The Eau Claire County Board last Wednesday evening passed its 2026 operating budget on a 27-2 vote. $41.2 million of the county's revenues come from its property tax levy, and the county's sales tax revenue for 2026 is estimated at $14.5 million. Other revenues primarily come from intergovernmental grants, aid, and charges for services. This was the first county budget adopted since new County Administrator Jon Johnson came on board in September.
More information:
Eau Claire County Board of Supervisors
• Wednesday, Nov 12, 7 p.m. Meeting information
County 2026 Budget page (Eau Claire County)
Administrator's Recommended Budget (Eau Claire County)
Budget Timeline (Eau Claire County)
An Overview of the Eau Claire County Budget (Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce)
Major departments see increases and cuts in 2026 Eau Claire County budget (WQOW News 18)
Eau Claire County 2026 budget proposal sees increases, decreases ahead of November vote (Leader-Telegram $)
DHS sees 5% budget reduction after county approval (WQOW News 18)

City of Altoona to act Thursday on 2026 budget
The Altoona City Council meets Thursday to hold a public hearing and act on its 2026 city budget. The draft budget estimates total expenditures of $15.9 million with a property tax levy of $7.7 million. The Council meeting will be preceded by a Budget Committee meeting at 4:30 p.m.
More information:
Altoona City Council & Budget Committee
• Thursday, Nov 20, 4:30 Budget Committee, 6 p.m. Council Meeting information
Hearing notice and Budget Book (City of Altoona)
Proposed Altoona Budget lowers mill rate, plans for new Fire & Rescue building (WQOW News 18)
Plans move ahead to develop last lot in Altoona's River Prairie district (WQOW News 18)

Also meeting this week...
Full public meetings schedule
Altoona Board of Education
• Monday, Nov 17, 6:30 p.m. Meeting information
Eau Claire Board of Education
• Monday, Nov 17, 7 p.m. Meeting information
Eau Claire County Committee on Planning & Development
• Tuesday, Nov 18, 6 p.m. Meeting information
City of Eau Claire Redevelopment Authority
• Wednesday, Nov 19, 7:30 a.m. Meeting information
Chippewa Valley Regional Airport Commission
• Friday, Friday, Nov 21, 7:30 a.m. Meeting information

Local Spring election already? Time to consider candidacies
Nominating petitions circulate in December with Jan 6 deadline
The Spring election of 2026 will be held April 7, with a primary February 17 if necessary. This election is crucial for the Eau Claire area with a number of important offices on the ballot including non-partisan offices of county board, city councils, village and town boards, and school boards.
For those interested in running for office, now is the time to be preparing. That's because, to appear on the ballot, candidates may start collecting signatures on ballot petitions beginning December 1, with a filing deadline of January 6.
The Eau Claire Chamber provides information on a variety of offices that will appear on the ballot at the state and local level, including position and current seat-holder. For those with an interest in running for a local position, tips to organize a successful campaign, encouraging others to run, and important December deadlines are available.
More information:
Spring 2026 Election Information (Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce)
How to Run for Local Office (Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce)
2026 brings full slate of elections for Eau Claire voters (WQOW News 18)

Eau Claire: How to Run for School Board Informational Session
School Board Commissioners Jasmine Case and Erica Zerr will be hosting the School Board’s annual “How to Run for School Board” informational session on Tuesday. Anyone who is interested in learning more about how to become a candidate for the upcoming School Board election in Spring 2026 is welcome to attend. The meeting will cover the responsibilities of being a Board member and answer all questions from attendees.
More information:
ECASD School Board Informational Session
• Tuesday, Oct 22, 7-8 p.m., Administration Building, 500 Main St.
More information about running for EC Board of Education (ECASD)
Eau Claire Area School District to host annual ‘How to Run for School Board’ informational session (WEAU 13 News)

Day Resource Center kicks off capital campaign
January 1 opening planned
The partners involved in creating the Day Resource Center in downtown Eau Claire held a capital campaign kick off meeting this past Thursday evening to outline plans for the center and to work towards a $6.4 million total fundraising goal.
The center will be owned by Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council and operating by Hope Gospel Mission. Its goal is to offer "compassionate support, essential services, and a pathway to long-term housing for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity."
The facility is a former state office building located at the eastern end of One Better Way, the eastern section of the former Gibson St.
More information:
Project overview (Western Dairyland/Hope Gospel Mission)
'This Isn't The Only Way, But It's One Better Way': An Update On Eau Claire's First Day Resource Center (Volume One)
Western Dairyland launches One Better Way capital campaign for Day Resource Center (Leader-Telegram $)
C&M Home Builders Donates $250,000 to Support New Day Resource Center in Downtown Eau Claire (WEAU 13 News)

More local stories...
Chippewa Valley Cooperative Hospital opens morgue facility for Chippewa County (News release)
Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative Names Executive Team For Hospital (News release)
Morgue services now restored in Chippewa County after closure of St. Joseph's Hospital (WQOW News 18)
Laying the tracks of tomorrow: New passenger rail service could reconnect Twin Cities to Chippewa Valley after 60-year absence (WEAU 13 News)
Altoona district talks about phones as Wisconsin becomes 36th state to limit usage in classrooms (Leader-Telegram $)
Lake Altoona dredging project delayed (WEAU 13 News)
Collaboration between UWEC, local health department recognized through formal partnership (Leader-Telegram $)
More than 450 people attend the 22nd annual Women's Business Conference in Eau Claire (Leader-Telegram $)
22nd Annual Women’s Business Conference held in Eau Claire (WEAU 13 News)
Royal Credit Union's Podcast Snags Silver at National Marketing Conference (Volume One)
Get Ready For A ‘Cozy Night Out’ With Eau Claire’s BIDs, Area Small Shops (Volume One)
CF Committee of the Whole agrees to move forward on restoring city administrator (Leader-Telegram $)
CF Council members, mayor, may be getting a wage increase (Leader-Telegram $)
Dunn County approves 2026 budget with tax cut and major road upgrades (WQOW News 18)
Dunn County Board approves 2026 budget with lower tax rate and an ambitious road improvement program (WEAU 13 News)
Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll 2026 nominations are open. Voting starts Tuesday Nov. 18 2025 at noon (Volume One)

UWEC Chancellor search begins with listening sessions
Chamber CEO Dave Minor named to search committee
The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents has begun the search process to replace former University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Chancellor James Schmidt, who left this past summer to take the position of President of James Madison University in Virginia.
The Search and Screen Committee held two listening sessions on Tuesday, Nov. 11, to gather input from faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members. Current plans are to have a new Chancellor installed for the fall 2026 semester. Michael Carney is currently serving as Interim Chancellor.
The Eau Claire Chamber's President and CEO, Dave Minor, has been named to the 11 member Search and Screen Committee. The Committee is chaired by Regent Karen Walsh, with the Vice Chair Arthur Grothe, Professor of Theatre Arts. Other members are Regents Ed Manydeeds, Timothy Nixon, Tom Palzewicz, and Amy Traynor; UWEC staff members Shelby Butteris, Administrative Assistant III, Kent Gerberich, Chief Information Officer, Director of Learning and Technology Services, and Stacey Jackson, Associate Professor of Psychology; and Kaitlyn Hevrin, Student Body President.
"The committee will identify and interview candidates. After the committee has established a list of qualified candidates who merit further consideration, a Special Regent Committee will review candidates forwarded by the Search and Screen Committee, interview finalists, and forward a hiring recommendation for consideration by the Board of Regents," according to a Universities of Wisconsin news release. "The Special Regent Committee will include Regents Walsh, Manydeeds III, Nixon, Palzewicz, and Traynor and will be chaired by Walsh. The successful candidate will require the approval of the full Board of Regents."
More information:
UW-Eau Claire Chancellor Search website (UWEC)
Chancellor Search Prospectus (UWEC)
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire Chancellor Search and Screen Committee named (Universities of Wisconsin)
A look back at James Schmidt’s time as UWEC chancellor (The Spectator)

Energy in the news...
Wisconsin awards $14M in EV charging grants to 26 projects across the state (WPR)
Wisconsin restarts electric vehicle project with $14 million for 26 charging stations (Wisconsin Examiner)
We Energies plans $5.5 billion in new energy projects as data center demand grows (Journal-Sentinel +)
Meta to invest more than $1B on Beaver Dam data center campus (WPR)
Data center ‘statewide guardrails’ proposed under proposed Wisconsin bill (WPR)
Claims of data center water use are laughably wrong (Mark Lisheron, Badger Institute)

Next Eggs & Issues to focus on energy
The future of energy in locally, in Wisconsin, and across the country continues to generate headlines, with news making events and policy decisions related to energy generation, demand, reliability, and other issues.
Event information:
Eggs & Issues: Our Energy Future
• Friday, Nov 21, 7:00-8:30 a.m., CVTC Business Education Center
Click here for details and to register

More state and regional stories...
Could soybeans take PFAS out of fighting fires? Wisconsin bill promotes a new foam (Journal-Sentinel +)
Cleanup of PFAS could cost Wisconsin billions, regulators and lawmakers say (WPR)
Wisconsin Red Tape Reset bills advance in Senate (The Center Square)
Assembly to vote on bill blocking SNAP recipients from buying candy, soft drinks and energy drinks (WPR)
UW system faculty balk at Legislature’s teaching workload requirements (The Cap Times)
UW-Madison faculty blast ‘overreach’ by UW system on transfer credits (The Cap Times)
Judge Chris Taylor talks campaign, recusals ahead of Wisconsin Supreme Court election (WEAU 13 News)
Governor candidates Tom Tiffany, Josh Schoemann call for changes to UW, including tuition freeze (Journal-Sentinel +)
Former DOA Secretary Brennan seriously considering a bid for Wisconsin governor (Journal-Sentinel +)
UW-Madison conference weighs if fusion voting can make politics healthier (Wisconsin Examiner)
Wisconsin schools get passing grades in latest report cards (The Center Square)
Housing shortage challenges nonprofits that help people adjust to life after prison (Isthmus)
Hospital CEO hopes stable finances can weather Medicaid changes, rising premiums (WPR)
This Wisconsin man went from prison, to pardon, to professional speaker (WPR)
Milwaukee County supervisors adopt $1.4B budget but changes to transit routes, paratransit services unknown (WPR)
‘Our hearts ache’: Oshkosh Defense to lay off 160 workers (WPR)
Judge: Town of Palmyra violated Wisconsin Open Meetings law (The Center Square)
La Crosse County budget approved for 2026 (WEAU 13 News)
How Illinois Made a ‘Transformational' Investment in Transit (Governing)

Federal and economic stories...
Trump Signs Spending Bill, Ending Longest Shutdown in U.S. History (Wall Street Journal +)
Wisconsin congressional delegation split on deal reopening government (WPR)
Trump administration ends flight cuts at busy airports (Politico)
At Central Wisconsin Airport, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy explains concerning data causing FAA flight reduction decision (WMTV)
Bill to end shutdown could have massive effect on Wisconsin’s hemp, THC industry (WPR)
Reports of the demise of Wisconsin's hemp industry may be exaggerated, argues one legal expert (WPR)
'It's sad,' local hemp shop owner reacts to drastic changes to federal hemp legislation (WQOW News 18)
Trump Administration Proposes a Drastic Cut in Housing Grants (New York Times +)
Rodney Rave announces campaign for Congress in Wisconsin’s 3rd District (WEAU 13 News)
Union engineer, Ho-Chunk leader Rodney Rave announces campaign for Wisconsin's 3rd District (WQOW News 18)

Food for thought...
We’ll Miss the Filibuster When It’s Gone (John McCormack, The Dispatch) Scrapping the Senate’s 60-vote hurdle won’t make Congress more likely to check executive overreach.
The Filibuster Only Weakens an Impotent Congress (Andrew Egger, The Dispatch) The procedural tool worsens partisan gridlock at a time of growing presidential power.

Thanks for reading this issue of Business Advocate. If you have comments or questions, contact Scott Rogers, Sr Dir of Governmental Affairs, at 715-858-0616 or rogers@eauclairechamber.org