We honored Melanie Platt-Gibson for over four years of service to Sauk County.

The following appointments were made.
James Witecha, Corporation Counsel.
Kay Mackesey, Ethics Inquiry Board.
Amanda Buchanan, Families Come First/Comprehensive Community Services Coordinating Committee.
Randy Puttkamer, citizen member Land Resources & Environment Committee.
Gretchen La Budde and Don Greenwood, Lower Wisconsin Riverway Board. (Recommendations to the Governor.)

The board passed a resolution proclaiming March 23 through March 27 Fair Housing Week.

The board voted to authorize the salaries of county elected officials for the 2027-2030 term. After much debate, and several amendments, the salary for the Sheriff was changed to a 21% increase over four years instead of the original 10%. The first amendment to increase the salary the first year by 11% failed by the vote of 5-21. The second amendment to increase the salary the first year by 9% passed 16-10. For 2027, the Clerk of Courts salary will be $97,048.95. The Corner’s salary will be $80,522.20. The Sheriff’s salary will be $138,789.70. (approximately) This change came about due to the Chief Deputy’s salary being higher than the Sheriff.  

The board voted 27-0 to receive donations and gifts to the County. This is an annual resolution.

The board voted 27-0 to amend the budget and accept funding from the State of Wisconsin for the State Crisis Intervention Program Suicide Prevention Initiatives. Sauk County has seen an increase in reported mental unhealthy days recently, outpacing the state average. We will receive $100,000 in funding.

The board voted to authorize the Director of Land Resources and Environment to submit a grant application for the 2027 Clean Sweep Program and to apply for a Notice of Discharge Grant. Clean Sweep is for the public to safely dispose of a variety of hazardous materials. The Discharge grant is for implementing measures to control agriculture or urban storm water runoff pollution sources. This is a cost share program for landowners or operators. The board also authorized the Director to accept multi-discharge variance funding. All votes were 27-0.

The board voted 26-0-1 to authorize participation in the State of Wisconsin Motorized Recreation Grant Program. This is an annual request that helps in maintaining, acquiring, insuring and developing land for public motorized trail use. There are currently 238 miles of funded snowmobile trails in Sauk County with the grant program totaling $71,490. There are 6.59 miles of ATV/UTV trails. Funding for developing 1 mile of ATV/UTV trail will be applied for this year, estimated to cost $4,750, with the grant program totaling $12,697.

The board voted 27-0 to approve rezoning for Little Society Farm in the town of Baraboo. They applied to rezone from Agriculture to Recreational/Commercial to allow a café, retail, and hospitality business.

The board voted 27-0 to approve the Sauk County Strategic Plan.

The board voted 27-0 to amend the Sheriff’s Department budget to accept grant funding to combat drug trafficking within Sauk County. The grant is $22,784. This will be to purchase surveillance technology and officer safety gear used to combat drug trafficking.

As always, any opinions expressed here are my opinions and do not represent the Sauk County Board.