Saint Croix County

The meeting commenced with roll call and confirmation of a quorum. Key business items involved the financial report review, noting that while the aggregate balance appeared negative due to fund balance transfers and debt service, individual departments were tracking appropriately; sales tax collection for October was also reported as trending positively. The committee considered bids for tax-deed properties, approving the sale of two parcels: one in the Town of Troy for $300 (appraised at $250) and one in the City of New Richmond for $750 (appraised at $750). However, the committee voted to table the decision on the New Richmond property bid pending further input from the city due to concerns over its zero lot line status and potential impact as a spite strip. Additionally, approval was granted to regrade the County Engineer position from Grade 31 to Grade 32 to align compensation with the competitive market, as recruitment efforts at the current pay grade were unsuccessful. The committee also passed a resolution amending the rules of the Board of Supervisors, primarily to establish clear requirements for virtual attendance and voting, and to formalize the process for removing items from the consent agenda, while removing the requirement for a clerk's correspondence report.

The meeting included the introduction and welcome of Supervisor Wayne Rowan, who shared his background in corporate America and his commitment to public good. A financial report for October 2025 was presented, detailing the structure of the financials across Health and Human Services, Healthcare Campus, and Veteran Services, noting positive revenue collection but over-budget expenses in areas like Behavioral Health purchase services due to ongoing trends. The Director's report highlighted state-level efforts to address dependency costs, including a $10 million grant for Rogers Behavioral Health's new campus and a $10 million allocation for startup crisis care facilities. Legislative and policy recommendations were discussed, such as changes to SNAP/Food Share benefits, the potential establishment of Medicaid for justice-involved individuals (including reimbursement for addiction-related medications), and the effort to secure a federal waiver (IMD waiver) to allow Medicaid spending in certain mental disease institutions. The team also received notification of a nomination for their Adult Protective Services IT team's innovation. Furthermore, an update was provided on securing a $100,000 matching grant from Vital Strategies to expand substance use professional services within Child Protective Services and Family Treatment Court. Finally, there was discussion regarding upcoming updates on Food Share and SNAP benefits following a recent notification regarding the government shutdown status.

The meeting commenced with the roll call confirming a quorum. Key discussion points during the public comment period included support for opposing a rezoning request for a property deemed unsuitable for residential location due to concerns about maintaining the Lake Maloo Dam and its long-term viability, as well as public comments regarding water quality monitoring and the importance of distributing free water testing information. The committee subsequently adopted a resolution to apply for a 2026 Wisconsin DNR Recreational Trail Program grant for improvements to the ORF family overlook trail, which includes ADA accessible sections and connection to existing features. The committee also received an update on the 2025 water quality monitoring program, detailing efforts under a groundwater protection plan to model and mitigate nitrate contamination stemming primarily from agricultural sources in the Roberts Hammond area. Scenarios modeling the impact of implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce nitrate leaching were presented.

The meeting commenced with a roll call confirming a quorum. Key agenda items included a review of the November 2025 financial report, noting concerns regarding a drop in September tax collections and an overage in liability insurance expenses. The committee unanimously approved a tabled tax deed bid for county-owned property in the city of New Richmond after due diligence, including contact with the City of New Richmond, revealed no reasons to hold the property further. Discussions covered the HHS immunization postcards funding source, noting that Pfizer covers the cost, which prompted a discussion about public perception and the process for residents to opt out of receiving the mailings. Furthermore, the committee voted to move forward with drafting an amendment to county board rules to include municipal clerks in the notification list for supervisory vacancies to enhance transparency. A separate proposal to amend rules to require the board chair to provide a list of all applicants for county board and other appointed positions generated extended discussion regarding the balance between transparency and protecting intangible aspects discussed during candidate interviews.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. A significant portion of the proceedings was dedicated to the recognition and commendation of the Sheriff's Department Canine Unit, highlighting their success in locating narcotics and their critical role in tracking missing persons, including an individual who attempted suicide. The judges provided their annual State of the Courts address, noting that while criminal and traffic cases are down, civil and family case types have increased significantly, leading to judicial need surpassing 4.0 judges. Key concerns raised included severe space limitations, necessitating the sharing of courtrooms and hindering the accommodation of visiting judges, and ongoing security risks due to insufficient secure courtrooms. The judges also reported on the successful implementation of Drug Court and the initiation of a Juvenile Treatment Court. Furthermore, they discussed the rise in foreclosure filings, prompting the upcoming pilot of a foreclosure mediation program. Positive updates included changes to State Public Defender eligibility criteria, which is expected to reduce the county's financial burden, and the continued use of video conferencing to save transportation costs and enhance security.