City begins 2026 budget process

City of Rhinelander officials kicked off the 2026 budget process last Wednesday evening with discussions centered on playground improvements, pedestrian trail expansions and the search for a new zoning administrator.
The Common Council reviewed preliminary budget proposals during a an hour-long workshop session that outlined spending plans across multiple city departments.
Pioneer Park playground
The city plans to allocate $225,000 for new playground equipment at Pioneer Park, with officials describing the current equipment as well past its useful life.
Parks director Jeremy Biolo said the existing playground equipment is more than 20 years old and has reached the point where replacement parts are no longer available.

“We had some stairs break this year, and we couldn’t even get the part,” Biolo told the council. “We had someone fabricate it for us just to get it through the summer.”
The city had originally planned to use $75,000 from borrowed in 2023, but officials now hope to raise an additional $50,000 in donations to fund a more substantial upgrade. If donation goals aren’t met, the city will scale back to a less expensive option.
Biolo noted that Pioneer Park’s playground serves the heaviest use among the city’s facilities for that age demographic.
Trail system
The group also discussed the continued expansion of the bike and pedestrian trails at the Heal Creek recreation area. Biolo reported the city has already completed 13 miles of biking and hiking trails and is working on a trailhead area with skills features for young cyclists.
Plans call for adding four more miles of trail to create a shorter, easier loop for users who find the current six-mile route too challenging.
“Some people have already said they want to be out there, but the initial six-mile loop is a little bit too long for them,” Biolo said. “We’re going to try a little shorter loop and make it more feasible for people that are just on their lunch break.”
Meanwhile, the common council is still working on the proposed West Hill walking path that has been in the works for approximately four years. The topic was discussed during the council’s Sept. 22 meeting. The alderpersons were presented with two options — a short boardwalk that would connect West Hill Drive to Phillip Street or a path (gravel or paved) connecting the two streets. Ultimately, the council voted to direct the administration to gather quotes to provide greater clarity as to the cost of each option. Funding options are also to be explored. Several council members also indicated they would like to hold a public hearing to gather input from the community before deciding between the two options.
Search underway for zoning administrator
City administrator Patrick Reagan announced that zoning administrator Veronica Tonnancour has decided to step back from the position, prompting an active search for a replacement.
“We have a big enough city with enough development going on and enough land use matters that we need somebody who is a dedicated zoning administrator,” Reagan said, noting that Tonnancour will remain with the city in a part-time capacity as an executive assistant and clerk.
Reagan emphasized the importance of finding a qualified candidate who can immediately handle complex zoning matters and help coordinate the city’s comprehensive plan update, which includes a budgeted $50,000 for professional services.
Health insurance costs rise significantly
Finance director Wendi Bixby reported the city received its health insurance renewal showing a 16.5% increase for 2026. The increase will affect budget projections across all city departments, she noted.
The budget process included input from department heads working with Bixby to determine needs and project revenues and expenses for the coming year.
Additional Budget Items
Other notable budget items discussed included:
A $20,000 placeholder for a city-wide wage study, the first since 2016
Continued funding for economic development initiatives
Vehicle replacements for the parks and police departments
Technology upgrades including cybersecurity improvements
The council scheduled additional budget workshops for Oct. 1, 8 and 15 at 5 p.m. to continue reviewing departmental budgets before final adoption.
All budget workshops are available to view at www.hodagtv.com.