The Finance Committee of Waukesha convened on September 30, 2025, to discuss pressing financial matters, including a controversial $160 surcharge on water bills. The meeting began with a full quorum and proceeded with public comments from residents expressing their concerns about the new fee.

Adele Vogel, a local landlord, voiced her frustration regarding the surcharge, arguing that it would ultimately be passed on to her tenants, making affordable housing even more challenging. She highlighted the burden of rising costs, questioning the fairness of charging for services on vacant properties and expressing concern over potential future fees for other city services.

George Forish echoed Vogel's sentiments, warning that the surcharge could lead Waukesha down a path similar to that of Milwaukee, where residents face numerous additional fees for city services. He raised a question about whether property taxes would decrease if trash collection services were removed from the city’s responsibilities.

John Thomas also contributed to the discussion, suggesting that the fee structure seemed rushed and could have been better planned. He urged the committee to consider delaying certain projects to avoid imposing additional fees on residents.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for further public comments, indicating that community feedback would continue to play a role in the committee's decision-making process. The discussions highlighted significant concerns among residents regarding the financial implications of the proposed surcharge and the broader impact on community affordability.