Statement on Recent Waukesha City Council Vote for New Annual Garbage/Recycling Fee 

DATE: October 23, 2025

The Republican Party of Waukesha County stands firmly against raising taxes or adding new fees on hardworking residents, especially in a city that is already in a fiscal mess created by the current board president and mayoral candidate, Alicia Halvensleben, and the current mayor, Shawn Reilly.

Instead of demanding more from taxpayers, City leaders should focus on addressing the spending and management issues that initially put Waukesha in this position. A new “special charge” is just another name for a tax increase, and it’s the wrong direction for families who are already stretched thin.

We are proud of the conservative Common Council members who voted “NO” on the new annual garbage/recycling fee on October 7. Namely, Mike Chrisien, Eric Payne, Dale Matthews and Dean Lemke whom the Waukesha GOP WISRED Initiative supports all stood strong. We are equally disappointed with members of the Common Council, who have stated that they are conservative but voted in favor of this measure. Fiscal responsibility means standing up for taxpayers even when it’s politically inconvenient. Waukesha residents deserve better leadership and real accountability, not more financial burdens disguised as stability.

Local government decisions like this one affect our daily lives more than almost anything else including taxes, streets, safety and our community’s future. That’s why citizens must get involved, step up and make a difference. Run for local office, volunteer or support conservative candidates who will turn the city around and restore fiscal sanity to Waukesha.