Waukesha council approves $35,000 reallocation to replace mobile integrated-health vehicle

The Waukesha Common Council voted 13–1 on Tuesday to reallocate $35,000 from savings on a previously approved fire-safety trailer to purchase a vehicle for the mobile integrated‑health (MIH) case manager.

Alderperson Piper moved the reallocation after staff said the trailer project came in under budget and could free funds for a needed vehicle. “The trailer came in significantly under budget and I feel that this is an adequate and a good use of some of those saved dollars to replace this vehicle,” Piper said.

Chief Goplin said the case manager travels daily throughout the city and region to meet clients and partner agencies, and that the position has handled more than 125 referrals to date with roughly 40 active referrals. The vehicle being replaced is a 2015 model with about 61,000 miles; staff told the council repairs were possible but that the city prefers a reliable vehicle for the clinician’s day‑to‑day work. “So it gets both use within the city on a daily basis and then travel a little bit more regionally,” the chief said.

Several council members supported the reallocation as a prudent use of savings. Alderperson Miklitz said staff confirmed no suitable hand-me-down would be available and indicated support. Alderperson Everett asked whether the $35,000 would cover purchase and necessary emblems; staff confirmed the vehicle will not be outfitted with lights or sirens and the amount covers buying the vehicle off the lot.

Piper’s motion passed 13–1. The agenda packet noted the request was before council because the finance committee did not reach unanimous approval at its prior meeting; one committee member dissented, prompting the full‑council vote.

Next steps: staff will proceed with the vehicle purchase and fleet coordination as approved.