Finance & Personnel Committee Meeting - July 29, 2026

The Finance & Personnel Committee of the Milwaukee Common Council met on July 29, 2026, from 9:05 AM to 11:53 AM to consider 24 agenda items. Key discussions included the high-risk status of the Workday ERP implementation, policies for employee protection during air quality incidents, approval of a $4.8 million contingent borrowing for the ERP extension, and several personnel and contract actions.

Discussion Items

• Workday ERP Pre-Implementation Review (Item 1): Comptroller Bill Christianson presented a review by Baker Tilly, which rated the project at 'extreme risk' due to missed milestones, constrained staff, and incomplete end-to-end testing. Critical processes like garnishments and pension adjustments have not been demonstrated. A go/no-go decision is set for November 23, 2026; if delayed further, costs would increase by approximately $1 million per month. The committee recommended placing the communication on file.
• Contingent Borrowing for ERP Extension (Item 2): A substitute resolution authorizing up to $4.8 million in contingent borrowing to extend the ERP project to a December 2026 go-live date was discussed. An initial substitute (Substitute A) requiring the Comptroller to seek alternative funding sources was withdrawn after concerns about feasibility and legality. The original resolution was adopted 5-0.
• Audit of Municipal Court Cash Controls (Item 3): The Comptroller's Office presented an audit finding two areas for improvement: outdated written policies and semi-weekly deposits (instead of daily as required by ordinance). The court cited reliance on police department transportation. The committee placed the communication on file.
• Historical Accounting of MRF Insurance Payout (Item 4): A report on the $20.9 million insurance payout from the Materials Recycling Facility fire (May 2023) was reviewed. The city's net of $11.7 million is being held for a future municipal services building. The item was referred to the Public Works Committee.
• Air Quality Incident Policies (Item 5): Sponsored by Ald. Brower, the discussion centered on union concerns (AFSCME Locals 33, 47, 426) about inconsistent policies during the June 2026 Canadian wildfire smoke event. Departments described sending field workers home, using N95 masks, and allowing remote work. DER committed to meet-and-confer with unions. The communication was placed on file.
• Prescription Drug Benefits Contract (Item 6): DER Director Molly King presented the selection of UnitedHealthcare (carve-in model) through an RFP, achieving $822,000 in savings with no benefit cuts. Formulary changes affect less than 1% of members (e.g., levothyroxine capsule exclusion, tablet still covered). The resolution was adopted 5-0.
• 2027 Health and Dental Premium Rates (Item 7): Rates will increase 6% for active employees, 8.2% for early retirees, and 20% for Medicare Part D (pharmacy). Dental increases are 4-5%. No plan design changes. Voluntary benefits remain flat. The resolution was adopted 5-0.
• Deputy Positions in DCWS and DCE (Item 12): An ordinance creating deputy director positions in the Departments of Community Wellness and Safety (DCWS) and Compliance and Engagement (DCE) was adopted. DCE’s deputy role consolidates three positions into two, resulting in net savings. DCWS’s deputy is a reclassification of an operations manager; Ald. Spiker objected due to lack of justification for the pay increase, but the item passed 4-1.
• Classification Studies for City Service Commission (Item 15): Included reclassification of the DCWS deputy; Ald. Spiker noted opposition. The item was placed on file with his objection noted.
• Public Health Nurses Incentive (Item 17): A 7% incentive rate for nurses in the Sexual and Reproductive Health Section was approved to aid recruitment and retention.
• Grants and Contracts: Several grants were accepted, including HIV Partner Services ($1/2 FTE), Milwaukee Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Group ($3 members), and Homeland Security STAC Analysts ($4 staff for 7.5 months). Sole source contract waivers for the Health Department and Fire Department were placed on file, with Ald. Moore abstaining on the 414 Life contract.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All 24 agenda items were either adopted, placed on file, or referred as follows:
  • Items 1, 3, 5, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18: Placed on file (unanimous).
  • Items 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 19, 20, 21, 22: Adopted (unanimous).
  • Item 4: Referred to Public Works Committee (unanimous).
  • Item 10: Vacancy requests approved (unanimous).
  • Items 12, 23, 24: Adopted with Ald. Spiker objecting to DCWS deputy provisions (4-1).
  • Item 15: Placed on file with Ald. Spiker objecting to DCWS deputy classification (4-1).
• Next Steps: The Workday go/no-go decision is set for November 23, 2026. Air quality policies will be reviewed further with union input. The MRF funds will be considered for a new municipal services building in future budgets.