Voters deserve clear answers on debt, water rates

Former Wausau resident calls for more transparency and accountability from local leaders

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:09pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a government building or municipal office, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the facade and creating a contemplative, nostalgic mood.The debate over Wausau's financial management reflects a need for more transparency and accountability from local leaders.Wausau Today

A former Wausau area resident has written a letter to the editor criticizing the incumbent District 7 representative for dismissing concerns over the city's debt and water rates. The letter argues that local leadership plays a key role in shaping these issues, and that voters deserve more transparency and honest conversations about the financial choices facing the city.

Why it matters

This letter highlights the ongoing debate over the City of Wausau's financial management, including the level of debt and the factors influencing water rates. It suggests that voters are seeking more accountability and clarity from their elected officials on these important issues.

The details

The letter writer, Jessica Barrett Kusiak, takes issue with the incumbent's response to concerns raised by Keene Winters about the city's debt and water rates. Kusiak argues that while the Wisconsin Public Service Commission ultimately approves water rates, the city's own spending, borrowing, and fees directly shape the costs that go into those rate cases. She also says that simply stating the debt is 'manageable' is not enough, and that residents deserve more transparency about how much the debt has grown, what projects drove that growth, and how it compares to similar communities.

  • The letter was published on April 3, 2026.

The players

Jessica Barrett Kusiak

A former Wausau area resident who has written a letter to the editor criticizing the incumbent District 7 representative.

Keene Winters

A local resident who previously raised concerns about the city's debt and water rates.

District 7 incumbent

The current elected representative for District 7 in Wausau.

Matt Hoenecke

A candidate challenging the incumbent in District 7, described as bringing a 'fresh perspective' and willingness to have 'honest conversations' about the city's choices.

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What they’re saying

“Yes, it is true that the Wisconsin Public Service Commission ultimately approves water rates. However, that does not mean the City of Wausau has no influence. Local decisions, such as spending, borrowing, and payments like the PILOT fee directly shape the costs that go into those rate cases.”

— Jessica Barrett Kusiak, Former Wausau area resident

“Winters raises an important point that simply stating debt is 'manageable' is not enough…residents deserve transparency about how much it has grown, what projects drove that growth, and how it compares to similar communities. Without that context, voters are being asked to accept conclusions without seeing the full picture.”

— Jessica Barrett Kusiak, Former Wausau area resident

“What's missing from the incumbent's argument is a willingness to fully engage in those tradeoffs. Every financial decision a city makes reflects priorities. If removing a fee impacts the budget, then the conversation should turn to how we adapt, not why change is out of reach.”

— Jessica Barrett Kusiak, Former Wausau area resident

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.