Michelle Drury

The board held a reorganizational meeting which included the swearing-in of new supervisors by a judge, roll call, the pledge of allegiance, and an invocation. Key agenda items covered the announcement of a donation to the VSO office, the introduction of a new maintenance director and park supervisor coordinator, instructions regarding committee assignments and open meeting law compliance, and a brief discussion on the importance of avoiding walking quorums. A public comment regarding safety concerns on County Highway 18 was also heard.

The meeting included introductions of new staff, discussions regarding funds from the American Legion for veterans' unmet needs, and updates on county budget performance, specifically regarding salt procurement and the Sallyport construction project. The Board also addressed upcoming open house events for a new childcare center, reviewed highway department activities, acknowledged retiring board members, and discussed a resolution to refinance two waste energy recycling center state trust fund loans through a competitive request for proposal process.

The meeting commenced with roll call and public notification procedures, followed by an invocation and pledge of allegiance, and a moment of silence for former Supervisor Jerry McRoberts. Key discussions included moving the February Law Enforcement Committee meeting date, introduction of the new Finance Director/County Auditor Michelle Drury, approval of the agenda, and approval of the minutes from November 3, 2025, which required an amendment regarding a check amount to the Veteran Service Office. The board passed a resolution of intention to join the statewide public safety interoperable communications system, requiring a two-thirds vote. Several zoning ordinance amendments concerning reszoning in the towns of Cumberland, Prairie Lake, and Stanley were approved. The board also approved an ordinance designating additional portions of county highways as ATV/UTV routes, a resolution authorizing the motorized trail plan for 2026 and 2027, and a resolution clarifying funding for the Wisconsin Professional Police Association (WPPA) contract. Further resolutions were passed supporting Wisconsin's membership with the MS-ISAC and approving the 2025-2026 annual work plan for the county forest. Appointments were made across several boards, including the Public Health Officer, Health and Human Services Board, and ADRC Board. Future agenda items included a discussion on the self-funded health insurance fund closure and a social event hosted by a departing supervisor.

The meeting commenced with the invocation and pledge of allegiance, followed by introductions for new personnel: Shelley Shaw and the new County Forest Administrator and Trails Coordinator, Dalton Big. The supervisors received updates regarding an upcoming retirement party for outgoing supervisors and the scheduling of a group photograph for the outgoing board. Agenda items addressed included the approval of the current agenda and the minutes of the January 12, 2026 meeting. Key resolutions involved approving the annual salaries for the Baron Clerk of Courts and the Sheriff. Further resolutions included authorizing expenditures for a matching grant for Public Safety Answering Point funding, and approving funding for the County Clerk digital electronic images conversion project to preserve historical documents, including proceedings books and dam schematics. The Board also voted on a resolution in support of sustainable transportation funding, which involved removing a clause concerning adjusting user fees; this amendment failed. The main motion for sustainable transportation funding subsequently proceeded to a vote.

The meeting included discussions and presentations related to the county's budget. Key topics included the summary tax allocation, fund balance, debt service levy, and a comparison of the county's per capita taxation to state averages and surrounding counties. The board also discussed a request for a trail coordinator position, health insurance, and contingency plans.