The board approved resolutions to commend Serge Koenig for over 31 years of service to Sauk County, and to Joyce Smidl for over 25 years of service to Sauk County.
The board was given a presentation on Explore Sauk County Advertising and Marketing by Medium Giant. Then we were given a presentation on Public Comment, Decorum and County Board Procedure by Corporation Counsel Jim Witecha.
County Administrator Lisa Wilson provided her monthly report and our Comprehensive Plan – Goal and Strategies.
The board approved a resolution to provide funding to repair buildings at the Tri-County airport. This is an amendment to the budget to do repairs that were not scheduled. $95,704 will come from the general fund balance.
The board authorized the administrator to enter into a contract with Community Economic Development Associates for services in the implementation of a Sauk County Economic Development transition and communication plan. This is a plan that replaces the Sauk County Development Corporation with a new organization. Some of the costs will be paid for by the Capacity Building Grant. The plan offered by Community and economic Development Associates suggests that Sauk County contributes between $115,000 to $125,000 annually. I pointed this out and suggested that this was not appropriate expenditure when we are in tight budgetary times. Stay tuned.
The board voted 24-2 with 1 abstention to transfer the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program to Health Network Inc. The program is paid for by grants from the Federal Government. The grant award does not account for the yearly increases in wages, benefits and inflation. So, the board has decided to discontinue providing this service. Health Network already operates several WIC programs in other counties. This issue provided the most debate at tonight’s meeting. Some people felt that giving up on WIC may put us in a bad spot if the new provider leaves. Others noted that there are basically the same standards that this private company has to follow that the county had to follow due to the fact that funds come from a federal grant with strings attached. Others noted that the private company already provides this service in several other counties in Wisconsin.
The board voted 26-0 with 1 abstention to amend the Human Services budget to increase funding for Pathways to a Better Life. They were already given $300,000 and are now getting an additional $200,000. The monies come from the national opioid settlement. Sauk county has over 2 million dollars from the opioid settlement currently available.
The board voted to authorize the administrator to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Baraboo and the Town of Baraboo for the Great Sauk State Trail Baraboo spur. Yee haw.
As always, any opinions expressed here are my opinions and do not represent the Sauk County Board.
