A recent government meeting highlighted significant developments in Sawyer County's Health and Human Services and zoning regulations, particularly concerning the proposed tourist rooming house ordinance and the county's budget for health services.

The Health and Human Services Board approved the budget, which includes initiatives aimed at improving child protective services and youth justice programs. Notably, five children have recently found permanent homes, transitioning from foster care to stable family environments. The department is also pursuing grants to establish an early intervention program targeting at-risk youth, with an initial focus on addressing truancy.

In a separate discussion, the board reviewed the tourist rooming house ordinance, which has been under consideration for nearly a year. An ad hoc committee was formed to address the growing number of tourist rooming houses in the county, which have surged in popularity, particularly post-COVID. The proposed ordinance aims to regulate these properties to ensure they operate safely and responsibly, addressing issues such as occupancy limits, local agent requirements, and notification procedures for neighbors.

The ordinance is designed to provide a framework for accountability, allowing the county to respond effectively to complaints about noise, parking, and other disturbances associated with tourist rentals. The board emphasized the importance of balancing the interests of property owners with the need to maintain the quality of life for residents in the community.

While the ordinance was discussed, no vote was taken during this meeting. Board members expressed the need for further education on the ordinance before making a decision, with plans to revisit the topic in the next month's meeting.

Additionally, the meeting included updates on public health initiatives, such as a recent sheltering exercise and upcoming mental health awareness walks scheduled for September 20 and 21. The county is also preparing for a Clean Sweep event on September 25, where residents can dispose of hazardous materials and medications.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to enhancing community health services while addressing the challenges posed by the increasing popularity of short-term rentals.