The Wausau Human Resources Committee voted Nov. 10 to formalize Martin Luther King Jr. Day (the third Monday in January) as a standing in‑service day for department heads and management and to add the designation to the employee handbook.

The HR director said the change would allow a year‑ahead planning window so management could schedule team‑building activities and communicate closures to residents. "I think it's really an important attribute to have for team building and to get some work done without having to answer telephones," the HR director said. A committee member said formalizing an agenda for the day would help residents understand why City Hall is closed and what activities to expect.

A motion to adopt the proposal (moved by Killian, seconded by Martins) passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.