[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-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],{"_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",6492018,"mediaKeyId","5551279-3b1d5fc510ba9b335cc4021c9838679c","parentId",5551279,"title","UW Extension staff layoffs imperil FoodWIse SNAP‑Ed services in Marathon County; educator recognized nationally","audioSeconds",194,"startMs",3090000,"endMs",3284000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5551279-3b1d5fc510ba9b335cc4021c9838679c&start=3090&end=3284","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5551279-3b1d5fc510ba9b335cc4021c9838679c/thumbnail_3090000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6492018/Marathon-County/Wisconsin/UW-Extension-staff-layoffs-imperil-FoodWIse-SNAPEd-services-in-Marathon-County-educator-recognized-nationally","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6492018-9e5de1bb69dcb7592d0321a8dc87dfab/orig.mp4?Expires=1770505632&Signature=LFqLxnVnNpqHDH7zYx7lRSTj~uFtzaHItj0DB-PwsvSf4t78h1BWnNIDbrIoWplKnbOOFVmC061VNWI2DTS72lCUxogLN9y4BA5WX-3t1mXZrvdykzwBoQBFxSSpCh~Rm6u1-ifpSChz6uHGkODIfW1EJ7C7lJMQpd0ZCfxlaBaILnAEFVbQacKyAdgnyYCTxyfTkfXBvmGURshi6QJWEL6NzXVQ8vK~0AFqtV1FIcCdJCZVrkbS4qyR8KlzxTuiHUUH3HpwDJ0riQ-Q6Q0nttlzvo7uQgncCMzoiOOyN0m2rTOH~Os0ckzrMknT9ftswQAqh6jlvRdUSupFmKtIAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Marathon County, WI","date","2025-08-07T21:12:37.06Z","article","UW Extension representatives informed the Marathon County Extension Education & Economic Development Committee on July 3 that statewide layoffs are affecting the FoodWIse (SNAP‑Ed) program and that three extension staff in Marathon County were issued layoff notices.

Patrick, representing UW Extension in the meeting, said 95 extension staff received layoff notices in the round of cuts and that the layoffs will remove local SNAP‑Ed nutrition educators who work in schools, farmers’ markets and community food programs. ‘‘We were actually provided their layoff notice last week, Wednesday,’’ Patrick said. He explained that FoodWIse staff carry out classroom nutrition education, partner with food banks and work on school meal participation and related policy and practice improvements.

Committee members and extension staff warned about the local consequences. Extension noted that FoodWIse’s ‘‘ground-up’’ model provided direct classroom and community interventions in 71 of 72 Wisconsin counties; the loss of those educators in Marathon County will remove hands-on nutrition education in schools and other community settings unless alternate funding or providers are secured. Committee members said local organizations and county representatives are seeking ways to restore funding and that Portage County had recently passed a resolution urging state action.

Separately, UW Extension’s monthly report included recognition for Heather Schlesser, Marathon County dairy educator, who received a National Association of County Agricultural Agents distinguished service award. Patrick said the award is given to a single nominee from each state and highlighted Schlesser’s work in dairy breeding and research that supports larger regional agricultural organizations.

Extension staff asked the committee to share information with partners and noted ongoing advocacy and potential legislative action to restore or replace SNAP‑Ed funding at the state and federal levels.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Marathon County Extension, Education & Economic Dev. Committee Meeting - 8/7/2025","oneSentenceSummary","UW Extension staff reported statewide layoffs that include FoodWIse SNAP‑Ed positions affecting Marathon County; the committee also recognized dairy educator Heather Schlesser for a national distinguished service award.","taxTitle","Marathon County, Wisconsin","taxId",4560,"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},6492023,"Committee weighs county economic development role; administrators to prepare RFPs for properties including dormitory",409,964000,1373000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5551279-3b1d5fc510ba9b335cc4021c9838679c&start=964&end=1373","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5551279-3b1d5fc510ba9b335cc4021c9838679c/thumbnail_964000.jpg","/articles/6492023/Marathon-County/Wisconsin/Committee-weighs-county-economic-development-role-administrators-to-prepare-RFPs-for-properties-including-dormitory","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6492023-10b45212b2fa2ddf1896a2275ded876b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770505632&Signature=o1v7qdWp6HzyNpeNGgi5exzy8XCBclYzlT7nGqltbPEn1ubK1w-RNLWLHDXlNd3KRd6KIjklbUQmmbIrchkyDpUdKWKBUMQQmbCdVhWe4ydWwjJt4JMNEDzwPLCzYY8AX0gMeeTHHDbhB4E170~ofMGb-SmydlJFB~~fhOwaLEVEgOBWipz6ZkyxhJhimWLGtmNcpWRtpcKwrGRdAJtNBhySmU33ry5z7yH5jFDLzdAB4aeDmc-M3HobAhr6QSadyh56Uji69y4hV71m~HO6ba6pFfqUjZroa~rEBZGz6X9GX2yfCdCbLhbY-larM1S6hBCjXZTlbEtIIwwBi524Hg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Supervisors at the July 3 Extension Education & Economic Development Committee meeting discussed options to provide direct county support for economic development, including hiring a dedicated county economic development professional, expanding contracts with local agencies or using UW Extension services.

A supervisor proposed creating an Economic Development Officer to coordinate county-wide efforts and assist smaller municipalities that lack staff. County Administrator Leonard said he will examine options, including using UW Extension or reallocating resources within departments under the committee’s purview, but emphasized funding constraints. ‘‘If you want a new thing, what are you gonna stop? Because we do not have new revenues coming in,’’ Leonard said.

Committee members explored whether McDevco (the area economic development organization) or UW Extension could fill the role. Leonard cautioned that UW Extension’s menu of services is education-focused and that the county would have less direct control over a state-funded extension position; a contracted arrangement with McDevco would offer more operational control but would likely require new funding.

Separately, Leonard reported progress on an RFP process to divest county-owned properties. He said the county hired a part-time consultant to prepare RFPs and that draft RFPs will be ready for primary properties, listed as the dormitory, Thomas Street property and the River Drive building, with a goal of having them ready by year-end. Leonard said the consultant has helped address the tax-deed backlog and that staff will present an update to the Human Resources, Finance and Property Committee the following week.

On demolition costs for the dormitory, staff shared a high-level estimate from a demolition consultant who did not visit the site; the consultant’s square-footage-based estimate suggested demolition could be ‘‘upwards of, you know, close to a million dollars’’ depending on site logistics and material sorting. A supervisor compared that to last year’s McClellan Ramp demolition, which came in between $700,000 and $800,000.

On timing and next steps, Leonard said the one-time funds previously allocated for part-time help on RFPs were not intended to be ongoing; he said his plan was not to include that temporary funding in the next year’s base budget. He asked supervisors who favor a county-funded economic development position to provide specific deliverables by September so staff can prepare a job description and a funding plan. \"If 85 or 90% of the things that the county wants are on the UW Extension list, I can maybe reallocate resources to do the 15 to 20% that aren't on that list,\" Leonard said.

The committee asked administration to consider a placeholder position for further discussion at HR Finance; Leonard said he will seek a job description example from other counties and explore procurement and contract options if supervisors prefer a contracted solution.","Supervisors discussed creating a county economic development position and whether to reallocate existing resources or contract with local entities; staff said an RFP for the county dormitory and other properties will be ready by year-end and gave a high-level demolition estimate for the dormitory near $1 million.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6492028,"Marathon County committee hears staffing, fees and capital constraints as 2026 budget planning begins",0,3321000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5551279-3b1d5fc510ba9b335cc4021c9838679c&start=3321&end=3321","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5551279-3b1d5fc510ba9b335cc4021c9838679c/thumbnail_3321000.jpg","/articles/6492028/Marathon-County/Wisconsin/Marathon-County-committee-hears-staffing-fees-and-capital-constraints-as-2026-budget-planning-begins","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6492028-c1f02a97395f6a8c3ea2a513cf3ee9df/orig.mp4?Expires=1770505632&Signature=JlctzFPwr54ROqrk~TMkNi9Vzj3iWpxgJzie7RnrVKfoppXOIKCbXvA6AqwSs5yiRRnMZ4bjecoUbVig52KZPMOwyBY3B~3SGgk4Vg6fAWVFoEvSIALQ5LA-FXVfIDWVvE09hDE3Nxb5asyAV~~eKeYcxunz2xCasNYC3hUiUmXC3bOwEaO5xnWujshBFbTEYQJ63cg8TpsKCxRNpE05HIeFts~h8t4Zq5-yBTDLKsb1hp1dh20wjwDPmu~Z3-dOmGZvO-ZZ4EZC7k28wS09SjcNfmrpE~asNkeaiyEO12Ob9bjOPQNF0pSY5BpUJjdOL~vwkB2zuVP5Ud2AZNdiMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County Administrator Leonard told the Marathon County Extension Education & Economic Development Committee on July 3 that staff will build the 2026 budget around findings from a recent compensation study and other rising costs, but that limited revenue growth will force trade-offs.

Leonard said the county’s compensation ranges are about 10% below market and staff’s ‘‘best estimates are that that amount is 7.65%,’’ which would be a significant lift to implement. He also said the county’s preliminary net new construction figure this year is 1.61%, below the board’s earlier estimate of 1.75 and far less than what would be needed to fully fund the compensation changes.

The administrator said other cost pressures — notably health insurance renewals and retirement contribution increases — mean the effective cost pressure could be closer to 10% when blended. ‘‘The health insurance market is 8 to 10%. . . . We budgeted assumption of 6.5. We’re gonna work really hard to to get toward that,’’ Leonard said.

Why it matters: the county has limited options to raise ongoing revenues. Leonard told the committee staff will attempt to align position costs with funding streams, maximize grants and evaluate fee adjustments where legally and practically possible. Where services are subject to a market (for example, tipping fees for solid waste or marriage licenses), large fee increases risk pricing users to other jurisdictions. For truly county-unique services — such as some permits — staff advised the county has more latitude to increase fees.

The administrator summarized capital constraints tied to recent use of reserves. He said last year the board used reserves to reduce the debt levy and made an $8 million loan from the general fund to Bug Tussle instead of a conduit bond; such choices reduce funds available to roll into capital improvement projects. After the 2024 audit, Leonard said, the county currently shows $0 available to roll into the capital improvement plan and staff have recommended zeroing out nonessential projects, preserving only rolling stock replacements, a set of critical IT security projects and necessary highway projects. Leonard said the initial cost estimate for the prioritized capital needs was about $4.7 million and staff have refined that to about $4.5 million.

Committee chair Robinson and other members urged regular fee reviews and early board guidance on new proposals. Chair Robinson noted the county’s roughly $200 million budget and that less than $60 million comes from the levy, observing that fee revenue and operational efficiencies will be needed to avoid program cuts.

The committee was also briefed on internal staffing and administrative changes. Leonard introduced Candice Pesch as the new deputy county administrator, noting she had joined the county the week of the meeting and would participate in capital and budget planning.

Votes at a glance: the committee unanimously approved the July 3 meeting minutes on a motion by Supervisor Rosenberg, seconded by Vice Chair Fifrick. (The transcript records the vote as unanimous; individual vote names or counts were not specified.)

The committee did not adopt any final budget; Leonard said staff will present proposed compensation implementation and fee recommendations to the Human Resources, Finance and Property Committee in mid-July and will bring a full county administrator’s proposed budget to the board in September, followed by a short committee review, publication and public comment before final adoption expected in November.

Additional context and constraints: Leonard emphasized that some department dollars are heavily reimbursed (not levy-funded) while other departments such as the sheriff’s office are primarily levy-funded, which complicates across-the-board adjustments. He repeatedly advised that if supervisors want new programs or positions they should identify offsetting reductions because current revenue projections (1.61% net new construction) will not absorb expansive new recurring costs.

The committee’s next scheduled meeting for continued budget work was set for September 4, 2025, and members were asked to forward position requests and other budget ideas early to permit evaluation of funding trade-offs.","County administrators told the Extension Education & Economic Development Committee that a new compensation study points to a roughly 7.65% pay adjustment need, while net new construction is only 1.61%, forcing staff to weigh fee increases, grant maximization and cuts to programs or capital projects as the 2026 budget is developed.","actionData","errors"]

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UW Extension staff layoffs imperil FoodWIse SNAP‑Ed services in Marathon County; educator recognized nationally

Committee weighs county economic development role; administrators to prepare RFPs for properties including dormitory

Marathon County committee hears staffing, fees and capital constraints as 2026 budget planning begins