Marathon County updates public safety plan addressing jail population and emergency services

The Marathon County Board Executive Committee convened on April 10, 2025, to discuss updates to the public safety chapter of the county's comprehensive plan. The meeting focused on collaboration with the sheriff's office and the emergency management department to address ongoing challenges in public safety, particularly concerning jail population management and emergency services.

The committee began by reviewing updates to Chapter 7 of the public safety plan, which includes information from the sheriff's office regarding its five divisions and ongoing issues related to jail population and diversion programs. The sheriff's office is also working to integrate data from the Life Report, which provides regular updates on public safety metrics.

Key issues highlighted during the meeting included the persistent struggle to reduce the jail population while ensuring public safety and timely processing of inmates. The committee noted the challenges of training and retaining sheriff's office staff, as well as the increasing case load for the drug unit, which continues to impact public safety efforts.

Concerns were raised about the reliance on volunteer emergency services, particularly as many volunteers are aging and fewer individuals are available to fill these roles. The committee discussed the need for a strategic approach to maintain these services and ensure adequate training for local communities in emergency preparedness.

Supervisor Robinson emphasized the importance of looking ahead 15 to 20 years to address future challenges, including the management of body camera data, victim witness rights, and the availability of public defender services. He also highlighted the need for crisis services to support law enforcement during arrests.

Supervisor Fifrick pointed out the difficulties in recruiting volunteers for fire departments and police forces, particularly in rural areas. He suggested that the county should explore ways to consolidate services and assist municipalities in sharing resources to enhance public safety.

The discussion concluded with a recognition of the need for cooperation among municipalities to address these challenges effectively. The committee agreed to continue refining the public safety chapter and to consider the long-term vision for public safety in Marathon County.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of collaboration and strategic planning in addressing the evolving needs of public safety in the county. The committee plans to revisit these discussions in future meetings as they work towards finalizing the comprehensive plan.