Council amends surplus-property policy to include procedures for selling real estate

The Waukesha Common Council unanimously amended the city’s disposition of surplus property financial policy Tuesday to add real property to the policy’s scope and establish a transparent process for disposing of city-owned real estate.

Alderman Rick Lemke brought the referral to staff, saying real-property dispositions previously lacked clear guidelines. "When we disposed of real property from the city, it was meant to be furniture, accessories, fleet vehicles, and such. Well, when we disposed of real estate, it had no guidelines," he said while introducing the motion.

City staff explained the change fills a gap in the prior policy by explicitly including real property in the definition of surplus property and providing a process for sale or disposal. The council approved the amendment without recorded opposition.

Why it matters: The change establishes an above-board procedure for selling or otherwise disposing of city-owned land and buildings, replacing an informal practice that council members said left gaps in oversight. The amendment will standardize review steps and disclosure for future real-estate transactions.

Next steps: The amended policy will be incorporated into finance and procurement practice. Staff said the update clarifies which types of property are subject to the surplus process and ensures consistent steps when the city considers selling real property.