[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6327162,"mediaKeyId","2322948-121f48e21e2f9a39cb32ba290a748657","parentId",2322948,"title","Barron County board: key approvals on Feb. 17, 2025 — roofs, redistricting, zoning and committee rules","audioSeconds",3800,"startMs",605000,"endMs",4405000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2322948-121f48e21e2f9a39cb32ba290a748657&start=605&end=4405","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2322948-121f48e21e2f9a39cb32ba290a748657/thumbnail_605000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6327162/Barron-County/Wisconsin/Barron-County-board-key-approvals-on-Feb-17-2025-roofs-redistricting-zoning-and-committee-rules","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6327162-62f0ebaeca91a0b33cc49846fa662b84/orig.mp4?Expires=1774961794&Signature=J-6fFdZcqDmzCsiWGFJAvPo4MsLzdmvaP-t8V-z2mwj7oT3KDTKFP4ai7BBYIYbC4wG9ScgrF3Q~xu0-qw3ChOrv1-7YfEf3HvIbmI1axPbNYcoqt6MxzHbAp0xXpD-2yoZckoONvWbEdq4H-0raei9b-LkiXrINmL~DgAjfZq5gRNYW~LUFRqYh3IHT6AIBe8OiUd~8RIN2W5p89EAfk4veaqyLrVYq4ubEAV-64oNh8uBauEpgNySusc4knQNw1xsdJPheSkbN6iYf-~sCCXthuB1aZCsJBcC37RgZU17ce4ZA9MzjXypdsy7u5yLcGJ1QZPeiXroEeQJobTaGDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Barron County, WI","date","2025-02-17T16:46:41.157Z","article","The Barron County Board of Supervisors recorded several formal votes on Feb. 17. Below are the principal actions, the motions as presented in the meeting packet and the recorded outcomes.

Approve agenda — Motion by Supervisor Cook, seconded by Supervisor Heller. The board approved the agenda with the recorded tally of 27 yes, 1 abstain and 1 absent.

Approve minutes (Jan. 13, 2025) — Motion by Supervisor Langman, seconded by Supervisor Patty Anderson. The minutes were approved with a recorded tally of 27 yes, 1 abstain and 1 absent.

Approval of emergency fire wardens — Motion by Supervisor Rogers, seconded by Supervisor Wenzel. The board approved the list of emergency fire wardens; clerk recorded 28 yes and 1 absent.

Resolution authorizing roof replacement at UW–Eau Claire, Barron County campus (and student center and gym) — Motion by Supervisor Banks, seconded by Supervisor Olson. The resolution passed by a two-thirds majority as recorded: 27 yes, 1 abstain and 1 absent.

Resolution to amend supervisor redistricting due to annexation to the city of Rice Lake — Motion by Supervisor Mullins, seconded by Supervisor Gores. The resolution passed by majority vote: 27 yes, 2 absent.

Ordinance amending zoning code for the town of Rice Lake to align with annexation — Motion by Supervisor Rogers, seconded by Supervisor Wenzel. The ordinance passed: 27 yes, 2 absent.

Ordinance revising county rules and procedures (virtual participation for committees) — Motion by Supervisor Heller, seconded by Supervisor Turcotte. The change to section 2.04 was approved by majority: recorded vote 26 yes, 1 abstain, 2 absent. The amendment allows virtual participation for committee meetings under the revised rules laid out in the packet.

Appointments — County administrator presented committee appointments (Health and Human Services appointees and Law Enforcement Committee replacement). Motion by Supervisor Olson, seconded by Supervisor Fowler. The appointments passed by a majority: 27 yes, 2 absent.

Other routine claims and financial items in the packet were accepted as presented.

Note: The board also discussed a proposed combined financing package for a new Sally Port and roof replacement and directed staff to proceed with preparing an official statement and soliciting bids; that direction was not a vote authorizing issuance of debt and a separate acceptance vote will be required later if the board accepts a competitive bid.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","County Board 2025/2/17","oneSentenceSummary","At its Feb. 17 meeting the Barron County Board approved a set of routine and substantive items including roof-replacement financing resolution for UW-Eau Claire Barron County campus, zoning updates after an annexation, committee rule changes and several certifications; motions and vote tallies are listed.","taxTitle","Barron County, Wisconsin","taxId",72846,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6327167,"Citizens at Barron County meeting press for release of 9-80 committee minutes, criticize treatment and spending at Justice Center",260,728000,988000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2322948-121f48e21e2f9a39cb32ba290a748657&start=728&end=988","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2322948-121f48e21e2f9a39cb32ba290a748657/thumbnail_728000.jpg","/articles/6327167/Barron-County/Wisconsin/Citizens-at-Barron-County-meeting-press-for-release-of-9-80-committee-minutes-criticize-treatment-and-spending-at-Justice-Center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6327167-d6f59f0e986e7b81cc093b86a9659c11/orig.mp4?Expires=1774961794&Signature=M25KyaLk0nLeY49SsckTrnVtJ7IYFkqHSm3Z868sNZ6QM5i9tvuee7xtQNXAXha-msN6g~exrguuc96~aReGWtI1JdbFx9lUZWrh8xQldCXVJ6qr1WwWWkeidfBF6-MSxOUX-zHgpfQ9eJHhLMYcA6fsgjCz1Lgq4h6gBV84Yhp4mKFasIGgpS8ry1VPcYn~iru9NuM51k612RpKn8pNv2gh4T-kELXiEkU3JhP5kJkB3NLqsyvvoJz5N~SzC9Ze9q2Dd-FZEk3JHGWMnfoOe9wl0Wj9iNKwfgAAhD-sRhmdsySEhDPuylRaJxy9HJHXaiMapkzJ2tIjzfPEWITseA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two Barron County residents used the Feb. 17 public-comment period to press the board for greater transparency about the 9-80 committee and to criticize how the Justice Center serves defendants and victims.

Dennis Rochelle, of 1228 Eighteenth Street in Barron, said he had tried to read minutes from the 9-80 committee but found most of the records were in closed session and therefore unavailable. Rochelle asked the board to release those minutes now that the matters in question are concluded and said he was concerned about the county’s spending on the Justice Center.

Walter Herman, of 1708 Fourth Street, also raised the 9-80 committee minutes and said he had not received requested information after asking committee members for records. Herman said defendants appear to be “waited on hand and foot” and contrasted that treatment with victims, whom he said received “nothing.” He asked why certain inmates could not be housed at the Justice Center while construction progresses elsewhere.

Both speakers also raised a separate fiscal concern: Herman urged additional review of a roughly $4.5 million “screw up” in county expenditures and asked the county to investigate where that money went.

Board chair and supervisors took verbal note of the concerns and referred some questions to committee chairs and staff; no formal action was taken during public comment.

","Two residents urged the county to release minutes from the 9-80 committee’s closed sessions and criticized the Justice Center and related spending; they called attention to victims’ needs and to an unresolved $4.5 million accounting concern.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6327172,"Barron County board agrees to proceed with Sally Port financing plan; $5.925 million bond issue proposed",946,2337000,3283000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2322948-121f48e21e2f9a39cb32ba290a748657&start=2337&end=3283","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2322948-121f48e21e2f9a39cb32ba290a748657/thumbnail_2337000.jpg","/articles/6327172/Barron-County/Wisconsin/Barron-County-board-agrees-to-proceed-with-Sally-Port-financing-plan-5925-million-bond-issue-proposed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6327172-634e413e9bfe888d1071ce3752408f84/orig.mp4?Expires=1774961795&Signature=CABPbmclWfckA0oTGq0n87~NLe8w5XgGC1eCbmyUIrIiPMgy3ALpscQGGeKevqlv7UL87~RmBdp5avdgE9iZKALlMjXfLbWEfEiPrhQFX9NVjP4v9bvIZ-bd8gxAxW~bEQtrwVBdW8ZUt~eKIk5OFCuyTkSA0YxT1yXCo8AQipcJVmPfAZ~0Rn53XXJ1IhndgUwc22ZbANVK8kwy4cK~7Yi~njtml~ehRbAMqj5-uqzMtcoeQLdw0EOr14zECILZCPPZCkw-nxzpn6WxgWui~sxTi8uhmwPHx5nBNRyHA7Y6enAgIQr0XNc570vy5Bu~cqtRQbGFPcY9lqchdmyH0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Barron County officials on Feb. 17 agreed to move forward with a financing plan that would combine construction of a new Sally Port at the Justice Center with roof-replacement work into a proposed general-obligation borrowing estimated at $5,925,000.

Sean and Jody, the county’s financial advisors, presented a 20-year repayment model that used conservative interest assumptions roughly 50 basis points above current market yields; the example schedule showed interest rates of about 3.60% on near-term maturities rising to about 4.70% on the final maturities. The county’s projection assumes the new debt would add roughly $455,000 to the levy for debt service beginning with the budget the board adopts in fall 2025, with payments first due in 2026.

Jody said the county will take competitive bids and present results to the board; the timeline discussed calls for issuing the official statement in March, opening competitive bids April 14, presenting bids to the full board April 15 and closing in May. The short-term note issued in 2024 could be paid off on May 7 if the financing proceeds.

County staff explained the borrowing structure and prepayment/refinancing options: the issue would include language allowing prepayment or refinancing beginning in year eight of the issue (2033) if market conditions made that advantageous. The advisors also noted that Wisconsin limits general-obligation debt to 5% of equalized value, and the county’s current outstanding debt remains well below that cap.

Sheriff’s Office staff described the project’s programmatic needs and scope. Sheriff’s staff said the new Sally Port portion of the project is expected to be about 2,180 square feet (the existing structure is about 1,075 square feet) and that the county anticipates bids of about $2.1 million for the Sally Port portion (fully equipped). Sheriff’s staff said total project cost, including work already completed and site work, is expected to be about $2.5 million because the county has already spent approximately $400,000.

Sheriff’s staff emphasized that the primary operational driver is video visitation capacity and access for courts, probation officers and attorneys; they said the existing facility lacks sufficient video booths, creating travel and scheduling barriers. The sheriff told supervisors the new port would accommodate larger vehicles in emergencies, support four squad cars at once and meet jail-inspector recommendations; staff said design and equipment choices reflect security and detention standards and prevented a cheaper “pole barn” alternative.

Board members asked for additional detail on project square footage, staffing and visitation capacity; the sheriff’s office said vehicle congestion in the current Sally Port happens frequently and that the project responds to documented space constraints.

At the end of the presentation, the board voted to “proceed with what Ehlers and the sheriff’s department outlined,” a direction that moves the financing and procurement work forward but does not authorize the debt or obligate funds. Supervisors were advised that if the board ultimately accepts bids in April, a later vote accepting a bid will lock in the interest rates and authorize issuance.

The county’s financing advisors will prepare the official statement and present competitive bids next month per the timeline presented to the board.

","County financial advisors and sheriff’s staff outlined a plan to combine a new Sally Port and roof repairs into a proposed $5.925 million 20-year bond; board agreed to proceed with the financing process but did not authorize debt at the Feb. 17 meeting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6327177,"Barron County officials present Family Recovery Court results; judges and participants highlight reduced out-of-home placements",764,1138000,1902000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2322948-121f48e21e2f9a39cb32ba290a748657&start=1138&end=1902","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2322948-121f48e21e2f9a39cb32ba290a748657/thumbnail_1138000.jpg","/articles/6327177/Barron-County/Wisconsin/Barron-County-officials-present-Family-Recovery-Court-results-judges-and-participants-highlight-reduced-out-of-home-placements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6327177-8e9a4a7b0d6fc52e1f8e731c36e48dbc/orig.mp4?Expires=1774961795&Signature=VckBqpdsgxIvxHPcgb5CP2esMOQak5xo0H3Kvs2XZiz9UBGQIbccSS~eVBx9kz7G5dqlGlZjSLVGRvsBwC5fLTxgFGwFBSoIf9ztpzFXrOUMUudBaxqq1e7ERnmT8ic6PdRd-HJz~iX5ynCF~HQNE5jhGaQWpIdOzkCpVwMzqQubRlA0cJJUfDOWmA7C-C4Smq8bm4tZYJ7FE~KR1B-rTVSR8SpTZcaDtmm6hdTKGY4wDJyPcBOR1Ap58d10c8jPME0r-pvKvTmoQ1cBvapS2grTOIqccnA0aAWgjnWrU-ggEpHDEU2x6f3~MRJgDRvGXnCoWtFmhxResVRDluV98Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Barron County judges and program staff on Feb. 17 described Family Recovery Court as a voluntary, intensive program that pairs treatment and frequent judicial oversight to help parents address substance use disorders and keep children in the home.

Judge Babler, who said he has served 20 years on the bench and previously worked 20 years as a district attorney, told the county board the program is “evidence-based” and gives parents services they may not otherwise get. He said those services increase the chances that parents will resolve addiction problems and either keep or regain custody of their children.

The program’s youth-and-families manager, Carla Bridal, said Family Recovery Court launched in Barron County after judges and human services staff concluded the prior approach was not keeping children safely at home. Bridal said the program began after a 2019 federal grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) — roughly $650,000 over three years — and later received an enhancement award in 2023 worth about $896,000 that runs through 2026. Bridal said the county is working to sustain the program after grant funds end.

Participants shown in a short promotional video and several people who spoke at the meeting described frequent check-ins with the court, peer recovery coaches and parenting supports as crucial elements. One participant said, “Because of Family Recovery Court, I got my kids back.” Another said the program helped her build daily routines, obtain housing and pursue education.

Babler and Bridal gave these operational details: the court typically staffs cases for 90 minutes and conducts court for 90 minutes every other Tuesday; caseloads usually range from 12 to 18 parents at a time; alumni meetings are required after graduation to maintain supports; and recovery coaches frequently are program graduates who now work on the team.

Bridal and Babler cited county outcomes as part of their pitch to the board. Babler said Barron County had about 110 children placed out of home in 2018, and that number had fallen to 33 children out of home as of the last January report, with about 40% of those children placed with relatives. Bridal and Babler said the change is tied to the county’s response to the methamphetamine epidemic and the court’s holistic model.

Supervisors asked about common factors among parents in the program; Babler said trauma in childhood is the most frequent denominator. Several supervisors praised the program as preventive and less costly than incarceration: one supervisor said a participant estimated incarceration would have cost taxpayers roughly $100,000 per year.

Funding and sustainability were discussed in detail. Bridal said the county launched the court using federal grants and technical assistance; staff said the county is working to incorporate core functions into regular budgets and to identify which positions and duties could be sustained locally when grant funding ends.

Board members and the county judge asked that staff keep the board informed about budget implications for continuing the program after grant expiration and about any measures of long-term outcomes for families who complete the court.

The presentation closed with supervisors thanking the judge, staff and program participants for illustrating the program’s results.

","Judges, program staff and former participants described Family Recovery Court as an evidence-based, federally funded program that aims to keep children with parents who complete intensive recovery services. County presenters said out-of-home placements have fallen since 2018 and federal grants funded the program’s launch and expansion.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Barron County board: key approvals on Feb. 17, 2025 — roofs, redistricting, zoning and committee rules

Citizens at Barron County meeting press for release of 9-80 committee minutes, criticize treatment and spending at Justice Center

Barron County board agrees to proceed with Sally Port financing plan; $5.925 million bond issue proposed

Barron County officials present Family Recovery Court results; judges and participants highlight reduced out-of-home placements