Joe Svejda

The Taylor County Forest Annual Work Plan for 2026 provides direction for the proposed County Forest budget and supplements the comprehensive 15-year land use plan (2021-2035). Its mission is to manage, conserve, and protect natural resources sustainably for present and future generations. Key areas of focus include timber harvest management for economic well-being and forest health, maintaining forest certification, reforestation efforts, detailed forest reconnaissance and GIS utilization, infrastructure development and maintenance of forest roads, strategic land acquisition, and comprehensive forest protection. The plan also details the management of diverse recreational systems, including trails for ATV/UTV, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and equestrian use, as well as parks, campgrounds, shooting ranges, and dam operations. It addresses wildlife projects and invasive species management to preserve ecological balance.

The meeting covered several key items, including the approval of the Secretary's and Treasurer's Reports (for December 2025). The AWSC Report detailed the availability of three-year calendars, upcoming raffle dates, and state legislation potentially increasing trail pass and registration fees. The AWSC report also noted that sleds 1991 and older are considered antique and do not require a trail pass. Old business included the distribution of updated maps and ticket management for an upcoming raffle scheduled for Fun Day on February 21st. New business focused on trail updates, noting specific work accomplished by the Westboro Sno-Dusters and caution regarding logging activity impacting trails near Prentice. The council approved an expense for flowers related to the passing of former president Wally Emmerich. There was discussion regarding the policy on trail maintenance on private land during hunting season. The Black River bridge replacement project on Corridor 18 is scheduled to commence on January 19th. The April meeting date was moved to April 9th, and rules regarding establishing ditch trails in road rights-of-way were clarified.

The committee meeting included the approval of the agenda and updates regarding operations. Key discussion points covered the status of the new process for handling congregate and home-delivered meals with Black River Industries (BRI), noting successful collaboration despite initial hurdles. The committee reviewed and approved monthly department expenses totaling $29,352.36. The Director's Report provided a fiscal update indicating the ADRC side is projected to be under budget due to open specialist positions in 2025, and addressed the preliminary 2026 budget for congregate meals which shows a potential $10,000 decrease. Further updates involved the approval of applications for Cenex Pride Pumps to benefit Home Delivered Meals programs and reporting an 84% redemption rate for the 2025 Senior Farmers Market Vouchers. A building construction update noted progress with flooring scheduled to start soon and a tentative move into the new office space in early February. Finally, preparation for an in-person presentation regarding a Fulcrum grant request scheduled for March 3rd was mentioned.

The commission addressed several key areas, including budget approvals, policy implementations, and program evaluations. The 2015 Aging Unit budget was approved, incorporating additional funding from the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources (G.W.A.A.R.). A No Gift Policy was approved to govern the acceptance of gifts by staff and volunteers. The Dining Site Reservation Policy was approved to manage meal availability at dining sites. The commission discussed issues with the county phone system and the inability to transfer calls between departments. The commission also reviewed and approved monthly expenditures, discussed the Director's report, and set future meeting dates.

The Finance Committee meetings covered a range of topics including budget adjustments, fund transfers, and the approval of various resolutions. Key discussions included the transfer of funds within the UW Extension budgets for AmeriCorps funding, balancing the Dog License Trust Fund, and payment options for City of Medford street improvement assessments. The committee also reviewed the proposed state budget and its potential effects on the county. Additionally, they discussed and acted on requests such as the approval of a petty-cash account for Register in Probate and the purchase of fuel and equipment at the Taylor County Airport.