Vernon County

The committee addressed legal and policy matters, including potential quorum adjustments for large committees and defining the term 'remonstrance' for inclusion in Board Rules, both of which were recommended for approval to the full County Board. The committee also approved an Informed Consent and Limited Scope Representation agreement with the Corporation Counsel related to ongoing legal matters. Other discussions included updates on the County Clerk's upcoming election responsibilities, Human Resources activities such as the new HRIS system go-live and staffing changes, Buildings & Facilities needs including an energy audit solicitation, and the IT department's resolution to apply for a cybersecurity grant. The Administrative Coordinator provided updates on payroll systems, brand launch efforts, and capital expenditure borrowing options.

The General Government Committee meeting covered several operational and administrative items. Key discussions included an update from the County Clerk on nomination papers due on January 6th. The Human Resources report detailed the completion of the first online open enrollment, ongoing HRIS implementation, and current staffing metrics, noting 3 new hires and a current employee count of 285. Buildings & Facilities discussed supplementing staff due to an FMLA absence, receiving a presentation from Focus On Energy regarding an energy audit, and debating the legal parameters concerning firearms in County buildings, pending review of case law. The IT department reported achieving 'live' status with NextGen911 and outlined future projects including a 2026 core infrastructure project. Administratively, county apportionment and levy limit forms were filed, and proposals for updated signage under a re-branding project were set to open.

The meeting involved an introduction to the proposer's capabilities, focusing on their turnkey services as both an Energy Services Company (ESCO) and a construction management company. Key discussion points included their commitment to making a difference through a foundation supported by profit tithing, their open-book pricing approach, and their vendor-agnostic methodology for recommending equipment and services. The process for facility condition assessments and developing facility plans based on deferred maintenance, operational efficiency, and short/long-term goals was detailed. Specific focus areas for assessment included HVAC systems (noting issues with residential furnaces lacking code-compliant outside air), lighting, flushing/water conservation, windows, flooring, and roofing, including potential for solar integration. The discussion also covered prioritizing projects based on the Facility Condition Index (FCI) to determine when to invest versus divest in a facility.

The meeting included the review and approval of minutes from the January 20th meeting. A report of bills for January 2026 was received and filed, including discussion on routine payments, Tyler Tech implementation charges, and a $40,000 payment to Evergreen Ridge Dairy for nutrient management (state dollars). A significant discussion focused on the approval of vouchers exceeding $500,000 for the purchase of land adjacent to Duck Egg for $640,000, which involved securing funding through a project loan and revising a Nelson application. The Treasurer's report detailed the bank balance at the end of January and discussed delinquent tax balances and issues arising from a new software system regarding mailing addresses and tax bills, emphasizing that payment deadlines rely on the postmark date. Finally, the committee began a discussion regarding 2026 financing, including a review of the 2026 capital project budget list.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of previous meeting minutes. Fiscal updates provided year-to-date expenditures through July, noting a current balance of approximately $400,000 in the non-lapsing fund, and budgeting for 2026 expenses at around $1.6 million. Contract updates covered two amendments: one for a new provider, Downbeat Music Therapy, and an extension for a current provider by $5,000. There was also discussion regarding a potential new acupuncture provider. Members inquired about the feasibility of contracting with a horse therapy provider, and extensively discussed the potential impact of federal Medicaid changes, including work requirements set to begin in late 2026. Enrollment data comparing June and September showed a slight increase in total participants, while three discharges were reported due to reasons including a participant passing away and another entering residential care. Staffing updates for the Kikapoo services indicated one service facilitator taking maternity leave and another changing employment to Lacrosse County CCS, alongside the departure of a skills provider.