The department typically operates at about 75% of capacity due to position vacancies, medical leaves, training and other absences. As city officials prepare to adopt a 2027 budget next month, police administrators say hiring bonuses are money well spent.
The city's $15 fee, sometimes referred to as a "wheel tax," has been in place since 2025. When combined with the state and county fees, the total registration fee could increase from $130 to $135.
The Wauwatosa School District faces the biggest potential fiscal impact from what are known as "chargebacks," because the district's tax levy forms the largest portion of Tosa property owners' tax bills, about 37%.
Joseph Mensah agreed to resign from the Wauwatosa Police Department in a negotiated separation agreement in November 2020 after three fatal on-duty shootings in five years. Few details have been released about his worker's compensation claim.
With construction due to start in 2031, a public information meeting is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at City Hall for residents to ask questions and see details of the planned changes up close. Planners gave a preview at a recent committee meeting.
Wauwatosa police say they do not have the capacity to staff both the parade and the fireworks back to back, while the commission that plans the events is eyeing July 5 as the Independence Day Parade date.
City officials say they are still weighing their options about whether to conduct potentially costly repairs to the Hart Park softball field or seek a new use for the space.
Final adoption of the 2027 budget is scheduled at the Common Council's Nov. 17 meeting. Finance Director John Ruggini offered some preliminary details this week.
Bob Lemke, a retired MSOE architecture professor, hopes to protect the existing Civic Center, which has been targeted by the Common Council for redevelopment under a plan estimated to cost about $107 million.
Wauwatosa was among the communities hit Aug. 18 by heavy downpours and strong wind, which snapped branches, uprooted whole trees and temporarily knocked out power to parts of the city.
