Rock County 911 Director Highlights Community Support and Staffing Challenges

Rock County officials are facing a critical decision that could impact veterans' housing services in the community. During the Rock County Board meeting on August 14, 2025, a passionate plea was made for support of the Edgerton Outreach veterans housing project. Advocates warned that a "no" vote could lead to the closure of outreach programs within months, jeopardizing the housing of veterans and potentially displacing families currently benefiting from the initiative.

The outreach program has garnered significant community backing, evidenced by numerous letters of support and public commentary. Advocates emphasized that the project is complete, with veterans' families already housed, and stressed the urgency of securing funding to maintain these essential services. The outcome of the vote is expected to have far-reaching implications, not only for the veterans directly affected but also for the broader community that relies on these support systems.

In addition to the veterans' housing discussion, the meeting featured a report from Fred Carr, director of the Rock County 911 Center. Carr highlighted the center's commitment to providing effective public safety services, noting that the center has successfully answered 99.5% of emergency calls within 15 seconds. He emphasized the importance of training and employee well-being, as the center faces challenges with staff retention and turnover.

The board also recognized the recent election of the county clerk as president of the Wisconsin County Clerk's Association, showcasing local leadership achievements. As the meeting concluded, the urgency of the veterans' housing vote loomed large, with community members and officials alike awaiting the board's decision and its potential impact on the lives of veterans in Rock County.