Appleton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Appleton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Citywide 2027 budget approval
The committee was scheduled to work through the budgets for every city department and fund — police, fire, EMS, public works, water, parks, library, transit and more. These decisions shape next year's property tax levy and the level of city services residents receive.
2027 CDBG funding and community needs
Appleton gets federal block grant money every year and is deciding how to spend it in 2027. Nonprofits wanting funding must complete training by October 23; applications open in November, with more public comment chances in February and during the annual action plan.
2027 Community Development budget
First look at the 2027 budget: mostly status quo with no fee increases, but $50,000 for planning redevelopment along Richmond Street, Northland and South Oneida, a new Fox Cities Exhibition Center fund, iPads for inspectors, and assessor overtime for the citywide revaluation. Deeper discussion comes at the next meeting.
2027 Health Department budget and federal grant cuts
The committee was scheduled to start discussing next year's utilities budget, but the document wasn't ready. Watch for it on a future agenda — it shapes water and utility rates and services.
Transit finances and ridership
Fixed-route ridership fell 4% in June and 13% in July, partly because the tornado cut Route 30 service for weeks. Demand response ridership is up 18% for the month.
2027 Valley Transit budget and rising fuel costs
Valley Transit's 2027 budget is essentially flat except for wages, with major capital purchases 80% federally funded. The risk is diesel: the budget assumes $3.75 a gallon but recent purchases topped $5, which could force cuts later in the year.
2027 Executive Budget review
The committee discussed the 2027 Executive Budget and Service Plan; members submitted questions over the weekend and staff answered them, with updated budget book pages distributed. No votes were taken.
2027 Library Budget
The city's 2027 budget is out and the library got the status-quo funding it requested — no extra money for staff training this year. State levy limits tied to net new construction are squeezing every department, and residents can weigh in at Budget Saturday on Halloween.
Rising health insurance costs in 2027 budget
The city's self-insured health plan is having a good year, but 2027 premiums are projected to jump about 9% — well above the recent 5.76% average — because of large claims and medical inflation. Employees will pay more in dollars even though their percentage share stays the same, and the city's stop-loss coverage is rising by about $360,000.
2027 Budget Delivery Delay
The 2027 executive budget is running about a week late, hitting alderpersons' inboxes around Wednesday instead of last week. The mayor says staff can accommodate any schedule tweaks, but alderpersons Croatt and Firkus urged keeping the current timeline, including Budget Saturday on October 31, since the state's November 4 budget deadline leaves little slack.
Private School Voucher Funding Transparency
A resolution would put the Appleton Area School District's voucher-related levy on city property tax bills so taxpayers can see what state-mandated voucher funding costs them. Referred to Finance.
Finance department modernization study
After heavy staff turnover and lost Munis system expertise, the finance department will use vacant salary savings to hire Baker Tilly to realign the department and update the compensation plan. Alderpersons want to see measurable results reported back.
Finance modernization consulting
After heavy staff turnover and lost Munis system expertise, the finance department will use vacant salary savings to hire Baker Tilly to realign the department and update the compensation plan. Alderpersons want to see measurable results reported back.
Shifting capital equipment funding to short-term borrowing
The council agreed to fund eligible capital equipment with short-term borrowing instead of the property tax levy — a budgeting change that shifts costs rather than eliminating them.
Central Equipment Agency funding restructuring
The council took the first step toward changing how the city's shared vehicle fleet is funded, which could free up general fund dollars for the 2027 budget. A final plan comes back mid-summer, and nothing is decided yet — several alders expressed reluctance.
Opening CDBG funds to the ARA
Staff proposed changing the city's CDBG policy so the Redevelopment Authority can be a first-tier annual recipient of federal block grant money, like the Appleton Housing Authority. The change needs CDBG Advisory Committee, Community Development Committee, and Common Council approval, with the earliest funding likely in the 2028 budget year.
2025-2026 Budget Carryover Appropriations
The board approved an April budget amendment and a request to carry over unspent 2025-2026 library funds, keeping library spending and services on track.
2025-2026 Budget Carryovers and Amendments
The council carried over roughly $65.5 million in unspent 2025 budget authority into 2026 and accepted $3.6 million in library building donations, plus wage reserve allocations for police, fire, health, and HR staffing.