Ben Taggart

The meeting included formal commendations for District Attorney Michael Graveley and retiring Register of Deeds Joelan Sores for their years of service to the county. Administrative announcements were provided regarding the upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting concerning the Pike River South Branch and the recognition of Brookside Care Center for achieving 2025 'Best Nursing Home' status. Additionally, the board received citizen testimony expressing concerns regarding the fairness and transparency of a recent county land auction and a subsequent finance committee hearing that overturned the initial auction results.

The Human Services Committee meeting featured a discussion regarding a partnership between the Shalom Center and Kosha Human Development Services to address homelessness. A comprehensive presentation was provided on the division's various transportation programs, covering paratransit, volunteer-based options, Link Western, and regional medical transportation. The committee reviewed service eligibility, booking requirements, funding sources, and the role of the mobility management program. The committee also requested the creation of informational materials to help communicate these services to the public.

The committee meeting addressed several administrative and procedural matters, including the reappointment of a member to the Civil Service Commission and the appointment of a new member to the Local Emergency Planning Committee. There was significant discussion regarding an amendment to the Kenosha County Civil Service ordinance, which included clarifying eligibility for internal candidates and former employees, updating examination procedures by transitioning from PCI to IOSS Solutions, incorporating requirements from Wisconsin Act 82 regarding law enforcement officer records, and modernizing notification methods to replace certified mail with electronic communications.

The committee discussed updates on golf facilities, including the selection of a superintendent for Petrifying Springs Golf Course, maintenance equipment storage plans at Brightdale, and well pump replacement. Updates were provided on park projects such as window repairs at Pringle Nature Center, facility improvements at Kemper Center, and door replacements at Simmons gymnasium. The committee also approved resolutions regarding an urban nonpoint source and storm water grant and the acceptance of additional right-of-way along 38th Street. Furthermore, reports were given on winter highway operations, salt supplies, and progress on various infrastructure projects including multi-use paths and radar speed signs.

The committee and board convened to review and vote on the 2025 departmental budget. Key discussion topics included divisional budget overviews, revenue and expenditure projections, levy increases, staffing adjustments, and personnel reclassifications across the Human Services, Brookside Care Center, Willowbrook Assisted Living, Office of the Director, and Children and Family Services divisions. Specific capital projects, bonding requests, and adjustments to census models and daily service rates were also reviewed and approved.