Special Common Council Meeting Summary - November 6, 2025

The Special Session of the Common Council for the City of Racine convened at 6:15 PM on November 6, 2025. The meeting focused primarily on the adoption of the 2026 operating budgets and utility rates. A segment of public testimony addressed community safety concerns and demanded transparency regarding violence mitigation strategies. The council approved the operating budget, the wastewater utility budget and capital improvement plan, sewer service rates, and the water utility budget and capital improvement plan, with significant opposition recorded from specific aldermen regarding the magnitude of tax levies and rate increases.

Consents Calendar

• The items recommended by the Committee of the Whole from the previous evening were approved by unanimous voice vote.
• Item 1077-25 (Adoption of recommendations) was approved by roll call vote (8 ayes, 5 noes).
• Item 0935-25 (2026 Wastewater Utility O&M Budget and 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Plan) was approved by roll call vote (12 ayes, 1 no).
• Item 0936-25 (2026 Sewer Service Rates) was approved by roll call vote (13 ayes, 1 no).
• Item 0942-25 (2026 Water Utility O&M Budget and 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Plan) was approved by roll call vote (13 ayes, 1 no).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Community Member (Unnamed):
  • Expressed strong concern regarding the epidemic proportion of violence in the community and the public's fear of leaving their homes.
  • Stated a position demanding that the administration provide a roadmap or proactive plan to solve the problem.
  • Called for transparency and accountability, questioning why community members have not received information about what is being done to stop the violence, similar to what police chiefs or public information officers typically provide.

Discussion Items

• Item 1077-25 (2026 Operating Budget):

  • Alder Widener:
    • Expressed full opposition to the motion, describing the budget as "horrific" and the "worst... in my career."
    • Cited the operating levy increase of $4.5 million as a record amount (five times the typical increase since 2019).
    • Stated that the debt service increased by $2.5 million to $22,881,000 this year.
    • Projected a total levy of $62,923,089 for residents and businesses.
    • Noted an additional nearly $12 million in levies from Tax Incremental Districts (TIDs), with half coming from five neighborhood TIDs created since 2019.
    • Argued that these increases create a financial hardship for constituents who must choose between essential needs like food, rent, and medication.
  • Alder Allen:
    • Agreed with Alder Widener that the levy increase is "awful" to ask residents to bear.
    • Expressed a position emphasizing that residents are willing to pay for specific services, including community safety programs and library services.
    • Stated that the majority of the budget going toward law enforcement services without corresponding investments in amenities to inspire people to stay is insufficient.
    • Argued that the council has a dual responsibility to fiscal integrity and listening to constituents who wish to retain and attract their community through a broader range of amenities.

• Item 0935-25 (Wastewater Budget):

  • Alder Widener:
    • Asked for clarification regarding the transfer of positions to City Hall and funds transferred from the water utility, questioning if positions were funded under the budget.
  • City Clerk/Administrative Staff:
    • Clarified that specific city council positions are not funded under the water/wastewater budget; only funding is approved, not specific positions for the common council.

• Item 0936-25 (Sewer Service Rates):

  • Alder Widener:
    • Stated a position against the rate increase, arguing that it continues to "squeeze the very taxpayers" they represent.
  • Alder Allen:
    • Requested clarification regarding the intergovernmental agreement with the county and whether the agreement governs the rates.
    • Was informed that while the agreement governs the relationship, the rate increases are not directly tied to the agreement but are assessed through it.
  • Alder Kelly:
    • Requested clarification on the difference between the 4.5% and 3.1% rate increases found in the attachment.
    • Received explanation that the 3.1% refers to Class 1 (residential) customers and the increase is due to projected flows and operating budget expenditures, noting that the utility is not allowed to make a profit.
    • Stated a position acknowledging that while not desired, small incremental increases are sometimes necessary to keep up with the costs of running the plant.
    • Highlighted that failing to raise rates for extended periods (10 to 20 years) leads to staggering impacts on customers.
  • Alder Widener (Second Question):
    • Asked if the rate increases fund the annual payment in lieu of taxes (pilot) to the city, which is approximately $2.5 million.
    • Wastewater Utility Director Tillis: Clarified that the payment in lieu of taxes is separate and the rate increases do not fund that annual pilot.

• Item 0942-25 (Water Budget):

  • No public discussion or opposition was recorded during this segment.

Key Outcomes

• Budget Adoption:
  • The 2026 Operating Budget (Item 1077-25) passed with an 8-5 vote.
  • The 2026 Wastewater Utility O&M Budget and Capital Improvement Plan (Item 0935-25) passed with a 12-1 vote.
  • The 2026 Sewer Service Rates (Item 0936-25) passed with a 13-1 vote.
  • The 2026 Water Utility O&M Budget and Capital Improvement Plan (Item 0942-25) passed with a 13-1 vote.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following a motion and unanimous voice vote, with the Mayor thanking staff and council members for the month-long budget process.
• Clarifications: The council confirmed that specific positions are not funded in the utility budgets and that the annual pilot payment to the city is not funded by the current rate increases.