Grant applications reviewed for mayor's charitable fund

By Laurel Walker of the Journal Sentinel

Waukesha — Mayor Jeff Scrima and his four-member advisory committee this week reviewed two proposals for the first grants from Scrima's "New Day in Waukesha Fund" - the charitable account he set up in June to fulfill his campaign pledge that he would give back half his mayor's salary.

As of Monday, when the committee met, the fund totaled $38,937, Scrima said. Grant applications are being reviewed for a Waukesha Bicycle Alliance project to install artistic bicycle racks in downtown Waukesha and for new welcome signs at Waukesha's main gateways.

Scrima's contribution to the tax-deductible fund has been $22,113, according to David Schultz, president of the Waukesha County Community Foundation, which manages the New Day fund. Schultz said one other person has made a donation to the fund, but he would not identify the person until the annual report is filed this spring.

While Scrima said during his campaign a year ago that he would give half his mayor's pay back to the community, the donations are not directly reducing the city tax levy and he is giving half his net pay, rather than gross pay, to the fund he controls. Scrima's first-year salary was $70,100 and, based on prior Common Council action, it will increase to $73,100 in April.

Scrima said he will continue to give half his net pay to the New Day in Waukesha Fund, but his net pay might drop because he - like other public employees - except those in public safety - will contribute about 6% to the state retirement fund under new state legislation, pending a successful court challenge.

"The whole intent of the fund is to be a catalyst for positive community projects and to create leverage in which citizens and businesses can contribute ideas and money," he said. "The fund is not intended to be the sole funding source."

Referring to community fund drives of the past that helped to pay for improvements along the Fox River downtown, including the RiverWalk, and the Waukesha Civic Theatre, Scrima said he hoped his fund would continue that kind of legacy.

The committee, consisting of Richard Congdon, Tony Bryant, Kevin Larson, Gary Lato and Scrima, will meet in three weeks to make a decision, Scrima said. The release of funds also must be approved by the Waukesha County Community Foundation.