Menasha · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Menasha public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
City Attorney Appointment — David Rashid
The council was set to appoint David Rashid as City Attorney for an interim term from December 7, 2026 through April 20, 2027, following the hiring committee's recommendation.
Employee Bonus Program Proposal
A resident urged the council to create a standing bonus program for salaried public works staff who worked massive overtime during tornado response, suggesting at least $2,500 for two employees.
2027 Budget Review Timeline Pushed Back
A reconsidered resolution moves the 2027 budget review sessions to November 11, 12, 18, and 19, and sets a special council meeting for November 23 to adopt the budget — giving the council and public more time after the October 26 budget release.
Local 275 labor agreement
The council went into closed session to review the tentative bargaining agreement between Neenah, Menasha, and Local 275.
2026 Budget Amendment for Emergency Software
The city is spending up to $9,000 on a maintenance agreement with Constructive Analytics to keep police department software running — programs that handle overnight parking approvals, fleet tracking, and landlord notifications. Officials discussed the vendor's longevity and long-term software planning.
Declining general fund balance
Menasha's general fund balance dropped in 2025, and staff traced it to 2024 carryovers, municipal court debt, and a revenue shortfall. City code requires keeping at least 10% of annual general fund spending in reserve, so the trend matters for future budget decisions.
Police union MOA amendments and overtime savings
The 2024 patrol schedule change appears to be cutting police overtime costs, letting the city restore fitness incentives officers lost as part of the test of that schedule. The committee signed off on fixing the 2026 deal and a clean 2027 agreement.
Fleet replacement strategy amid cost increases and supply chain delays
New snow plow equipment now costs more and takes 20-24 months to build. The city is shifting to buying two chassis up front and paying for snow packages later to protect its fleet replacement schedule and keep snow removal reliable.
Lodging license fee increases
Hotel, motel and bed & breakfast operators in Menasha will pay updated annual license fees starting April 1, 2026, with new categories added for smaller tourist rooming houses. The change follows a State of Wisconsin fee update and rising reimbursement rates.
City litigation: Cordell Howze v. Derrick Rotta, et al. (24CV01661)
The city is defending or advising on a lawsuit filed by Cordell Howze against Derrick Rotta and others. The committee met privately with lawyers to discuss strategy, which is allowed under state open meetings law.
Village of Harrison Fire Protection Fee Settlement
The city settled a 2019 dispute over public fire protection charges with the Village of Harrison for $72,749.30, closing out a years-old claim.