Matthew Bertelson

The Highway Committee meeting included several key discussions and actions. Topics included ongoing monitoring of weather patterns for potential road bans, which will be revisited in March, and discussion on structuring coverage for the Recycling Department during employee absences. Staffing considerations involved modifications to the Highway Commissioner job description before posting the vacancy. Equipment discussions focused on updates for the Bomag RS 500 trade-in and connectivity issues with Samsara GPS equipment. For Buildings & Grounds, the committee decided to continue monitoring fuel prices from Alcivia and Chippewa Valley before contracting. In Roads & Bridges, the committee passed a motion to work with the Town of Buffalo to resolve outstanding joint project reimbursements by ensuring proper joint petition procedures are followed. A safety incident involving a vehicle struck by debris from a mulching head was noted. Reports covered updates on training, structure funding applications (LSSIP), and availability of heavy equipment operator positions, with plans to use an outside evaluator for new hires.

The agenda for the meeting included reviewing and potentially acting upon the Call to Order, Roll Call, Public Comments, Emergency Management current expenditures and report, Law Enforcement Vouchers and Expenditures, Law Enforcement Revenue, Jail updates/changes, and acceptance of donations. Discussions also covered implementing a nuisance property ordinance to hold landlords accountable, and reports from the Sheriff, Chief Deputy, and Jail Administrator, including updates on the West Tower paging system and contract statuses with Mondovi and Fountain City. The committee also noted that the recording software for the Jail Administrator's report needs replacement.

The Finance Committee meeting included a review and discussion regarding establishing elected official wages for the Sheriff, Clerk of Court, and Coroner for the years 2027-2030, using a percentile-based methodology against 20 comparable counties. Further information will be compiled for setting these wages at the subsequent meeting. A risk management and safety update detailed an incident involving a highway department brushing operation and confirmed the effectiveness of the near-miss reporting system. The committee approved the annual renewal of compliant solid waste permits, excluding one entity currently in litigation. Furthermore, the committee awarded the audit Request for Proposal (RFP) to Clifton Larson Allen for a three-year contract. Monthly vendor invoices and the investment report were also approved.

Key discussions included the costs associated with K-9 units, approval of Emergency Management Expenditures, and the Emergency Management Report, which covered ongoing certification, construction impacting County Road P, grant submissions, and the planned replacement of the Nixle notification system with more cost-effective software. The committee reviewed Law Enforcement Vouchers, including reimbursements for training meals, and approved Law Enforcement Expenditures and Revenue reports. A Public Nuisance Ordinance was discussed, leading to a motion to amend the fine structure up to $1,000, based on addressing recurring issues at an apartment complex. Significant attention was given to the Jail update, highlighting issues with inmate transport costs (reaching $7,600 in February) due to agreements with Trempealeau County and staffing shortages, although the jail budget remains on track. The committee accepted significant monetary donations, including $12,000 for a new K-9 dog and $6,000 for training, as well as non-monetary donations of fire suppression units. The Jail Administrator reported on booking statistics, overtime, and the status of dispatch system cutover. The Sheriff reported on current K-9 unit staffing, upcoming retirements, and efforts to obtain a grant for a cash-counting machine for the jail.

Key discussions focused on establishing proposed wages for elected officials (Sheriff, Clerk of Court, and Coroner) based on a wage study comparison, noting that final approval is slated for the March meeting. The committee approved a resolution honoring the retirement of Rick Helwig after 27 years with the Highway Department. Updates were provided on the Highway Commissioner vacancy, staffing shortages in the Sheriff's Office including deputy sheriff and EDDO positions, and the initiation of a benefit advisory group to review health insurance options for 2027. It was also noted that a proposal to combine the Human Resources and Finance committees will be presented to the County Board in March. The committee convened a closed session to address a Buffalo County Voluntary PSL B/PTO Transfer of Hours Request.