[{"_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",6125742,"mediaKeyId","2676333-9eccd85b256fbb809ceb89cbc0bc178e","parentId",2676333,"title","Public commenters raise concerns about sex-offender placements, sheriff budgeting and county surveillance; ADRC dining program celebrated","audioSeconds",486,"startMs",1664000,"endMs",2150000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2676333-9eccd85b256fbb809ceb89cbc0bc178e&start=1664&end=2150","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2676333-9eccd85b256fbb809ceb89cbc0bc178e/thumbnail_1664000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6125742/Barron-County/Wisconsin/Public-commenters-raise-concerns-about-sex-offender-placements-sheriff-budgeting-and-county-surveillance-ADRC-dining-program-celebrated","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125742-470611117ec91b3c31c61400bbdc7c04/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138803&Signature=mc3DlOnsOqbR5GPQ-8vigKzlC~acQWGfHUmR~A5-SIzOWT~YFU6hGOgPaWadq~rvVp5L0OZiAmT8QukdSY0Juv4jTrAN~0v1lebyvCE5zPuhgu16YvUz6q6kIAJQQ9s-~LQDEbdSg1~JuSS~SBFU-rf-OchXbRNBfV2kfiRtLVWFaaTBzYgmKQtbDOEl9V5vbSsEqwWwjbvweLKB13HEQDpF6NMwylkPJoWRKO9SVNeVwIY4w-7XO342zbQ-FQ-1DmqIIo0nbKvwB7xMT5K3i5UZs6NGJZ1rXesPTjgNOJMqRBfzYohJfa~A3cqpfM7oPnibt9Vv4cpszBvkXdge5g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Barron County, WI","date","2025-03-18T04:16:03Z","article","Several residents used the public-comment period March 17 to press the Barron County Board on law-enforcement decisions and county spending.

Paul Poppe, a local pastor and resident of Chetek, spoke about the placement of individuals he described as sex offenders north of Barron. \"There are roughly 12 to 14 children, minors that are pretty close to that house,\" Poppe said, and he told the board the house is owned by a Barron County deputy who is taking in $3,500 a month from the state for the placements. Poppe said the proximity to children and the deputy's ownership appear problematic and called for better coordination between county and city law enforcement. \"I would just encourage you as representatives of the public money that the times of spending money like it's going out of style really need to come to an end,\" he added in a wider remark on county spending.

Dennis Rochelle requested meeting minutes and clarification about surveillance expenses and said he had not received minutes he sought from a special committee. At the podium he asked for records and asked who paid a surveillance bill; during his remarks he said, \"It's a little more than $303,800 dollars being spent per month,\" a figure he asked the county attorney to clarify. The county clerk and administrator responded that minutes are posted online and that actions taken are available in those records.

Patty Anderson, speaking as a resident and county supervisor, marked a positive note about the county's Aging & Disability Resource Center program. Anderson said the county celebrated two years of an ADRC senior dining pilot at Lana's Corner Café that serves seniors 60 and older and thanked volunteers and staff who support the program. \"That goal was reached March 9th of 2023,\" Anderson said, referencing the county aging plan's goal on restaurant-site dining for older adults.

What officials said
County staff replied to requests about minutes by noting records and actions are posted online. The board did not take formal action on the public comments but directed staff to note public concerns and to follow up through appropriate channels.

Requests for records or further clarification may require staff review; the board did not commit to specific remedies during the public-comment period.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","County Board 2025/3/17","oneSentenceSummary","During public comment at the Barron County Board meeting, a local pastor and other residents urged scrutiny of the placement of high-risk offenders, questioned perceived conflicts of interest and sheriff spending, and requested county records. Separately, a supervisor celebrated two years of a senior dining program at a local restaurant.","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},6125747,"Wisconsin Counties Association outlines priorities: court funding, mental health, transportation; flags Act 253 redaction issues",2286,3454000,5740000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2676333-9eccd85b256fbb809ceb89cbc0bc178e&start=3454&end=5740","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2676333-9eccd85b256fbb809ceb89cbc0bc178e/thumbnail_3454000.jpg","/articles/6125747/Barron-County/Wisconsin/Wisconsin-Counties-Association-outlines-priorities-court-funding-mental-health-transportation-flags-Act-253-redaction-issues","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125747-ca7ddb0e1bc90da72e721746ce68d046/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138803&Signature=brAcSLSS4wjyWKU5uJq8dZcWR1kkdQ87jzoqet0LEgjAFl24UdwCyk9D71NY--roIihVjn5pE6SUYC~8u10-hNwISQCuCrDhLlZyilkHyPvQ9q4618GeR174dny7cGUL2typv-eAD7F7ov4sY9U-bfj14My20e5Z6Mi9xTRO9SHnjRLOb-Ok-Qb6EgoxRyDW-mPHtP8iF5wF~ZXD43WA-0s5Qod2LIGJBYEP4ESRYeQaq-lS9HrkvLhF688CuSCycsU8gYCzxFg8Zds9Owkg4cRVoZj5db0bHvgZ3gLFhLkyjJv5aVdJpiLPdE4BSXVvWxUczt8Qo-D6nOeHeh64AQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mark O'Connell, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Counties Association, briefed the Barron County Board March 17 on the association's legislative agenda and on implementation issues from a law passed last year known as Act 253.

O'Connell told supervisors the association is seeking a closer funding partnership with the state for circuit courts and asked the legislature and governor to consider approximately $70 million to better share costs for the state court system. \"We are looking for more of a shared relationship,\" O'Connell said, arguing that more state support should be provided through flexible circuit court support grants so counties can apply money where most needed.

On mental health, O'Connell said the association is requesting roughly $35 million from the state to help counties respond to rising needs across populations and geographies. He described the issue as multi-faceted and likely exacerbated by pandemic-related isolation and technological changes.

O'Connell also discussed transportation funding and the long-term unsustainability of the gas tax as vehicle fleets electrify. He urged counties and the state to begin exploring diversified revenue streams such as vehicle-miles-traveled approaches or tolling to ensure future infrastructure investment.

The association representative highlighted Wisconsin Act 253, which addresses public-records requests for law-enforcement video and allows redaction with certain exceptions. O'Connell cited two implementation problems: an unclear definition of \"financial gain\" for requesters and ambiguity about what counties may charge — whether for reproduction only or for staff time spent reviewing and redacting video. He warned that burdensome requests for video redaction can divert law-enforcement resources from public-safety duties and said the WCA seeks legislative clarification.

Board members asked about specific issues they had heard from constituents, including the placement of high‑risk 980 placements (post-release placements supervised by the state). O'Connell said he would check whether the association has active state-level measures addressing those placements.

O'Connell concluded by encouraging board members to contact the WCA for technical assistance and to engage local partners on state budget priorities; he said the association would continue to press the state for court funding, mental-health support and transportation revenue planning.

Key points
- WCA request for shared court funding: roughly $70 million targeted to circuit court support grants that give counties local flexibility.
- Mental-health ask: approximately $35 million to bolster county mental‑health services and supports.
- Transportation: need to plan for alternatives to gas-tax revenues as vehicle fleets change.
- Act 253 implementation: calls for clearer legislative guidance on \"financial gain\" and chargeable redaction work to avoid diverting law enforcement resources.","Mark O'Connell of the Wisconsin Counties Association told the Barron County Board the association is pressing the state for shared court funding, additional mental health support, and a long-term transportation revenue strategy; he also urged legislative clarification of Wisconsin Act 253 on video redaction and fees.",{"_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},6125753,"Board approves 30-year lease with Rice Lake schools for UW–Eau Claire Barron County buildings after jury-waiver amendment",2477,5803000,8280000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2676333-9eccd85b256fbb809ceb89cbc0bc178e&start=5803&end=8280","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2676333-9eccd85b256fbb809ceb89cbc0bc178e/thumbnail_5803000.jpg","/articles/6125753/Barron-County/Wisconsin/Board-approves-30-year-lease-with-Rice-Lake-schools-for-UWEau-Claire-Barron-County-buildings-after-jury-waiver-amendment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125753-8d8cd5068d5a34ff6954b137d1b74d4b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138803&Signature=CCPFqTkMDrzIHC6zmUln6N5DjJrv0xVwDXrEAwQg8H2qN7GKxUujpKL2pY4O5Yv9NchlvH2bPwJSlcFtFBJ5A8v4uhcVlqXE5j8CjJB8c4GMJnR2qrDt24MSs9DQuwa-U1-iuer4nGudTxkeEiNqqGV1zGPIoc63VNyvJ~FFLT1onAMHWAFIIk6NnURmcb2PLg~7rL41FUzY7A5HTSZasAG4LEsQU~Ue8Lei8NvIfcrkw0siAj-5OPa~Ck8Zc28WIptuXiPOGXrTPdJdFEZPoxodlGA~RHUXshzDmF-zjM-4Rx4cP6GwVPNkDRNTHby5tyfzBEj02yZ5RKBFfg6pIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Barron County Board of Supervisors approved March 17 a lease agreement granting the Rice Lake Area School District use of two buildings at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire Barron County campus. The lease term is structured as an initial 10-year period with two automatic 10-year renewals (30 years total), and the school district will maintain the buildings rather than pay cash rent.

The motion to enter into the lease was made by Supervisor Bob Rogers and seconded by Jim Gores. During debate, Supervisor Diane Vaughn moved to strike a provision in the governing-law section that required legal actions under the agreement to be tried to the court rather than a jury and to waive jury trial rights; Amanda Conan seconded. Vaughn said the language raised oath and constitutional concerns. The board approved that amendment by majority vote, 19 yes, 9 no, 1 absent.

Supervisor Randy Cook later moved an amendment to add a 180-day county exit clause, allowing the county to terminate the lease with 180 days' notice if circumstances changed. The motion was seconded by Fran Langman; the amendment failed 11 yes, 17 no, 1 absent.

Rice Lake Area School District officials told the board the district expects to invest in building upgrades and is preparing a facilities plan. Victor Drost, the district finance manager, said the district has paid for preliminary architectural work and estimated roughly $850,000 to make the student-center building functional for a childcare operation and other uses. The district and county described the maintenance obligation as \"in lieu of rent,\" meaning the district will fund upkeep rather than send periodic rent payments to the county.

Board members who supported the lease said it helps address local needs for childcare and building reuse and leverages the school district's willingness to invest in the campus. Supporters noted prior campus conversations and the county's long-standing relationship with the university system. Those who opposed aspects of the agreement urged additional protections for county taxpayers if the campus closes or changes use in future years.

The main resolution to enter into the lease passed by majority vote of members present, 25 yes, 2 no, 1 absent. Supervisors Krug and Conan voted no; Supervisor Randy Cook registered the lone abstention.

Background and next steps
The lease follows multi-year discussions about campus reuse and community childcare needs. County staff and school officials said they will continue to coordinate on design and capital improvements and present any required implementation details to the board and the district's buildings and grounds committee before the district makes major capital outlays.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to enter into lease agreement with Rice Lake Area School District for buildings at UW–Eau Claire, Barron County campus. Motion by Bob Rogers; second by Jim Gores. Amendment to remove jury-waiver language moved by Diane Vaughn, second Amanda Conan; passed 19–9–1. Amendment to add 180-day county exit clause moved by Randy Cook; failed 11–17–1. Final resolution passed 25–2, 1 absent.","The Barron County Board approved a long-term lease allowing the Rice Lake Area School District to use two buildings at the UW–Eau Claire Barron County campus, with the district maintaining the buildings in lieu of rent. The board removed a jury-waiver clause and rejected an amendment to add a 180-day exit clause.",{"_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},6125758,"Barron County board reduces bond issue, approves $4.95 million for roofs, sally port and technology",1089,2205000,3294000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2676333-9eccd85b256fbb809ceb89cbc0bc178e&start=2205&end=3294","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2676333-9eccd85b256fbb809ceb89cbc0bc178e/thumbnail_2205000.jpg","/articles/6125758/Barron-County/Wisconsin/Barron-County-board-reduces-bond-issue-approves-495-million-for-roofs-sally-port-and-technology","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125758-66c9a60ce0ce85418c61429b57b7c52f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138803&Signature=kBtqJH8~d6wdvoUhsKg23lXu0szFJc3RKF5fLu6bXeJZeVitL1ab2u0fV-GLalaAPK6HPdtZb6ou73~IUrO2fewaz~lWHzRmzJxAfVBdG2Sh5Vz6b6eW5ZjLpXFUDJmjUjjmdDA0lw6p0skDqiFXTQ9YrZGEVf75Z~TI3J8tVMjUcInsl3pEUl96loG8j6UMd0yqJsx-YfasvpgwBH7SSn8cXDF0hoYfbmuwfYRxIfA3CUwVL8A9qe2aFyQ81dkNseDYnHysdBdeEtoGW2s5tH57sPnuGKB7vJgzdSAxUpsebXctFAsZbzVksjuJ3cLvkW1zVfeyjoXLPsrM3QluLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Barron County Board of Supervisors voted March 17 to issue general obligation corporate purpose bonds, series 2025A, not to exceed $4,950,000 to pay for campus roofs, a secure sally port and related technology improvements.

Supervisor Randy Cook moved an amendment to reduce the original bond authorization from $5.3 million to $4.95 million, proposing that $350,000 be taken from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) or fund balance instead of being borrowed. \"Nobody in this room would go borrow $50,000 to buy a new car if you had $100,000 in the bank,\" Supervisor Cook said in urging the change. Diane Vaughn seconded the amendment. The amendment passed by majority vote, 16 yes, 11 no, 1 abstain.

After further discussion about the county's fund balance and the possibility of quick access to bank loans if needed, the main motion as amended — to issue bonds not to exceed $4,950,000 — passed with the required three-quarters affirmative vote of the full membership, 26 yes and 2 no. Officials said the bonds will finance two roofs and $150,000 of technology for the sally port among other campus needs identified in the board packet.

Supporters of the amendment argued using ARPA or fund balance would save taxpayers interest costs over the life of the issue. \"It's an opportunity for us to save money, not to borrow,\" Supervisor Cook said, citing an amortization schedule in the meeting packet. Opponents cited the value of retaining ARPA money as a contingency for future uncertainties; one board member noted that drawing ARPA down could leave the county with limited reserves for unanticipated state or federal funding changes.

County staff told the board that if the amendment were approved, the county would report the ARPA use to bonding companies and show a remaining ARPA balance of approximately $87,019. Staff also noted the county's strong fund balance and its ability to obtain short-term bank financing quickly if an emergency arose.

The board recorded two no votes on the final three-quarters motion: Supervisor Bernell Hanson and Supervisor Marv Thompson.

The board directed county staff to return with details on how the $350,000 will be drawn from ARPA or fund balance and how the remaining project funds will be scheduled and reported.

Votes at a glance
- Resolution authorizing issuance of general obligation corporate purpose bonds, series 2025A (originally not to exceed $5,300,000; amended to $4,950,000). Motion by Carol Moen; second by Bernell Hansen. Amendment to reduce amount moved by Supervisor Randy Cook; second by Diane Vaughn. Amendment passed 16–11–1. Final motion as amended passed by three-quarters vote, 26–2.

Budget and next steps
County staff said they will bring back a more detailed allocation of the bond proceeds and any ARPA transfers at a future meeting so the board can finalize project assignments and reporting.","After debate over using ARPA funds versus borrowing, the Barron County Board approved a resolution to issue general obligation bonds not to exceed $4,950,000 to fund roofs, a jail sally port and technology upgrades. The board adopted an amendment to cut $350,000 from the bond and directed staff on how to fund that difference.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public commenters raise concerns about sex-offender placements, sheriff budgeting and county surveillance; ADRC dining program celebrated

Wisconsin Counties Association outlines priorities: court funding, mental health, transportation; flags Act 253 redaction issues

Board approves 30-year lease with Rice Lake schools for UW–Eau Claire Barron County buildings after jury-waiver amendment

Barron County board reduces bond issue, approves $4.95 million for roofs, sally port and technology