Brenda Olson

The meeting commenced with affirmation of proper public notice and recording. Key discussions included the review and approval of previous meeting minutes from December 2nd, 2025. The primary focus was the staff report from the Disability Benefit Specialist, detailing assistance provided to clients aged 18 to 59 with applications for Social Security Disability, SSI, BadgerCare, and Medicaid, including an example of a successful compassionate allowance case and a complex appeal involving marital resources. Efforts to relaunch the Vernon County SECOAT program were also discussed. The report continued with updates on the Nutrition Program for 2025 and January 2026, noting slight decreases in meal volume due to weather-related closures. Changes to congregate meal serving times in certain locations were implemented to improve food quality. Staff coordination and volunteer needs were addressed. Finally, the Transportation section introduced the 'Find Your Own Driver' program, designed to reimburse passengers for medical appointment transportation for non-Medicaid individuals aged 18-59 with disabilities or seniors 55+, setting a recommended reimbursement rate of 46.12 cents per mile.

The committee addressed several departmental matters. The Highway Department motions included approving four bridge aids totaling $4,191.94 and reclassifying a road from minor to major for funding purposes, which was advanced to the county board. A request from the Ho-Chunk Nation for two message boards was forwarded to finance for consideration. The Zoning and Sanitation section noted a decrease in FEMA cases and reported on progress with comprehensive planning, resulting in a motion to increase sanitary permit fees significantly. In Solid Waste and Recycling, updates covered the Feasibility Study Addendum, various financial metrics showing year-to-date losses for both departments, and the decision to forgo formalized hauler contracts for 2026 in favor of using existing permits due to uncertainty regarding landfill expansion. Planning is underway with Big Hook to divert waste to other counties temporarily.

The meeting included the review and approval of prior meeting minutes, with an amendment noted regarding attendee attendance. Discussions covered voucher and payment summaries for January, including a payment made to Kulieap for housing assistance funded through Ho Chunk funding, and reimbursement procedures related to the opioid settlement funds community grant program where Next Up for Change was a recipient. A significant portion of the meeting involved updates on state and federal funding, specifically regarding the mandated reinstatement of the Green Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program following a court ruling. A guest speaker provided updates on community and economic development for the Village of Dotto, focusing on establishing a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program, addressing blighted properties through stricter ordinance enforcement, and planning revitalization efforts. Additionally, the committee discussed the significant economic impact on local businesses, including a grocery store reporting a 49% revenue decrease, due to the closure of the Blackhawk Bridge for safety concerns and its replacement with a limited-capacity ferry, which is expected to continue impacting commerce for the estimated two years until the new bridge is completed. The village is also facing funding challenges for replacing its septic/sewer system, which may delay that project.

The committee addressed legal and policy matters, including potential quorum adjustments for large committees and defining the term 'remonstrance' for inclusion in Board Rules, both of which were recommended for approval to the full County Board. The committee also approved an Informed Consent and Limited Scope Representation agreement with the Corporation Counsel related to ongoing legal matters. Other discussions included updates on the County Clerk's upcoming election responsibilities, Human Resources activities such as the new HRIS system go-live and staffing changes, Buildings & Facilities needs including an energy audit solicitation, and the IT department's resolution to apply for a cybersecurity grant. The Administrative Coordinator provided updates on payroll systems, brand launch efforts, and capital expenditure borrowing options.

The General Government Committee meeting covered several operational and administrative items. Key discussions included an update from the County Clerk on nomination papers due on January 6th. The Human Resources report detailed the completion of the first online open enrollment, ongoing HRIS implementation, and current staffing metrics, noting 3 new hires and a current employee count of 285. Buildings & Facilities discussed supplementing staff due to an FMLA absence, receiving a presentation from Focus On Energy regarding an energy audit, and debating the legal parameters concerning firearms in County buildings, pending review of case law. The IT department reported achieving 'live' status with NextGen911 and outlined future projects including a 2026 core infrastructure project. Administratively, county apportionment and levy limit forms were filed, and proposals for updated signage under a re-branding project were set to open.