Emily Arndt

The agenda for the Public Safety Committee meeting includes review of previous minutes, public comments, and setting the next meeting date. Key departmental items for discussion cover claims and reports from the Communications, Emergency Management, Dispatch, and Coroner departments. Significant topics for the Sheriff's Department include reports on Wood County Rescue, Crime Stoppers, the 2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the department, K-9 Project updates, Humane Officer responsibilities, claims, hiring process review, Boat/ATV Patrol statistics, overtime analysis, Courthouse Security, the Auburndale School Resource Officer (SRO) report, and discussion regarding the US Highway 10-State Highway 186 Intersection. The Coroner's agenda specifically calls for a discussion regarding a lack of storage space. The meeting will conclude with a review of monthly claims from all participating departments.

The committee discussed the popularity of new logo merchandise, such as cloth bags and stickers, at the Green Bay show, noting a potential need to reorder for the Madison show. Website updates, including adding a page for Marathon County and general site maintenance, were addressed. A recommendation was made to amend the show reimbursement policy to increase the daily hotel stay rate to $160 per night for committee members attending promotional events. Furthermore, the committee agreed to form a subcommittee to manage the newly created social media pages. A decision regarding a presentation from NRG Media was deferred pending receipt of their PowerPoint presentation. The creation of a photo and video library was postponed to the next agenda. A Travel Wisconsin update included information on a partner portal launch and an upcoming WIGCOT event.

The committee addressed several financial and procedural matters. Discussions included the approval of two dog license claims after adjustments for non-allowable expenses, and the general approval of vouchers and reports from overseen departments. Resolutions were presented for review and forwarding to the county board: one amending the 2026 Victim Witness budget to hire a program assistant using grant funds, and another amending the 2025 budget for Child Support. The committee reviewed County Board Rule 4.04(A) concerning addressing the county board and recommended an edit to include "if able." Approval was also granted for out-of-state travel for the Register of Deeds to attend a symposium. Furthermore, Criminal Justice Coordinator Ksionek, District Attorney Barnett, and Human Services Deputy Director Miloch provided an update on a pilot diversion program modeled after the Portage County example, discussing its success in reducing jail days and recidivism, as well as future funding.

The committee reviewed staff reports for the Highway Department and Parks & Forestry, along with revenue reports for both departments. Key actions included the approval of Highway Department vouchers and Parks & Forestry vouchers. The committee also reviewed quotes for trucking, milling, pulverizing, bituminous, and sand/aggregate services, awarding contracts to the most advantageous bidders. Furthermore, the Accounting Supervisor presented a resolution to amend the 2025 budget for various Highway Department functions, which was approved for forwarding to the county board. A special use permit for the Consolidated Muskie Club gathering at the Nepco Shelter was also approved.

Key discussions included the status of the Gilbertson grassed waterway project, which received no bids, prompting follow-up action. The committee received updates on the Mill Creek Watershed large scale TMR grant and the ongoing investigation into the Mill Creek chloride issue, involving potential plumbing inspection at an identified facility. The committee approved the release of $9,000 in economic development grant funding to the Remington Fire Department for their station construction project. Other topics covered were the annual report on private sewage systems installed in 2025, the presentation of the United States National Guard & Reserve Patriotic Employer Recognition, the annual report on well permits, and a review of actions taken by the Child Care Task Force utilizing ARPA funding for capacity expansion in local daycares. Additionally, the current status of the 2027 Economic Development Grant process was reviewed, and the committee provided input to the new Extension Area Director regarding expectations for the two vacant Natural Resources educator positions.