Columbia County

The board reviewed and approved several items, including reports from the Planning and Zoning committee regarding multiple rezoning petitions. Key resolutions passed included the appointment of a new County Clerk, a call to the state for sustainable transportation funding, a memorial resolution honoring a former supervisor, and revisions to the personnel manual regarding hiring processes. The board also tabled a resolution concerning the rights to purchase the Wyona Lake Apartments and adopted an ordinance related to zoning amendments.

The meeting included several recognitions, such as acknowledging the Columbia County Health Care Center's 5-star rating, recognizing Health and Human Services employees for holiday support, and acknowledging the Child Support Department's 2024 Federal Fiscal Year Award. The upcoming retirement of County Clerk Sue Moll was also recognized. The Planning and Zoning Committee recommended approvals for three petitions regarding rezoning properties in the Towns of Fountain Prairie, Caledonia, and Lodi. The Board approved the re-election of Highway Commissioner Donald Nichols and the appointment of Kauhane Ray to the Board of Adjustment. Resolutions were passed to authorize Columbia County to serve as the collaborating entity and fiscal manager for 2026 Surface Water Grant Applications, authorize the expenditure of $13,000 in ARPA interest funds for District Attorney office space, and declare the emergency related to the May 24, 2023 fire at the Solid Waste and Recycling Center as over. Additionally, Ordinance No. 64-2025 was adopted to amend Chapter 7 of the Code of Ordinances concerning Solid Waste fees, Ordinance No. 65-2025 was adopted to amend Chapter 9 regarding Speed Limits, Ordinance No. P16-2025 was adopted to formally adopt the 'Amendments to the Columbia County Comprehensive Plan 2030,' and Ordinance No. Z53-2025 was adopted to amend the Zoning Ordinance concerning several rezoning actions.

The Columbia County Board of Supervisors convened for a meeting that included a public hearing on the proposed 2026 Budget. The meeting covered various resolutions, including those related to county aid for bridge construction, highway work appropriations, and the adoption of the 2026 budget. Amendments to the budget were discussed, including the creation of a Human Resources Coordinator position. Additional resolutions addressed the expenditure of ARPA interest funds for a Stryker Lift System for the Medical Examiner, alteration of supervisory district boundaries due to a city annexation, and the allocation of Opioid Settlement funds for residential treatment. The board also considered resolutions related to property tax credits for disabled veterans and participation in the Wisconsin Community Development Block Grant Housing Program. Additionally, the board addressed the acceptance of land dedicated as a public road and amendments to the Columbia County Code of Ordinances regarding land information and Register of Deeds fees. The meeting also included discussion and voting on zoning ordinance amendments.

The Columbia County Board of Supervisors convened for an organizational session, during which members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and newly elected members were administered the Oath of Office. The board elected Darren Schroeder as Chair, Doug Richmond as First Vice Chair, and Tess Carr as Second Vice Chair. They approved the Standing Rules and elected Brad Cook and Liz Miller to the Executive Committee. The board also discussed and acted upon several ordinances, including amendments to solid waste fees, ATV/UTV highway access control, and the Columbia County Comprehensive Plan.

The Columbia County Farmland Preservation Plan, revised in 2025, provides a strategic roadmap for preserving farmland and farming for future generations. Its main strategic pillars include a comprehensive land use planning and zoning approach to retain productive agricultural lands and manage compatible growth, fostering economic conditions for the agricultural industry, and providing incentives for farmers. The plan aims to balance economic development with the protection of agricultural, natural, and cultural resources, ensuring the long-term protection and continuation of the County's agricultural landscape, character, and economy.