Sawyer County committee approves Phase 2 environmental study for veterans tribute site; funding responsibility unresolved

Sawyer County supervisors voted to approve a Phase 2 environmental study for a proposed veterans tribute site during an administrative meeting, agreeing to move the property purchase forward while leaving the question of who will pay for soil testing unresolved.

The study approved calls for subsurface soil borings to check for contamination before finalizing a land purchase for the tribute site. Committee members debated the need for the borings, the cost, and whether the county or the prospective purchaser would cover expenses. The motion to proceed with Phase 2 was made by Supervisor Stacy Hessel and seconded by Supervisor John Regheimer; a voice vote approved the motion.

Supporters said Phase 2 is the next step after completing a Phase 1 report and that soil borings are necessary to determine whether contamination from a former gas station or other sources exists. Speakers mentioned two different cost figures in the discussion: an early reference to $7,500 and later references that the soil borings themselves would cost about $3,500. Committee members said who ultimately pays the testing will be worked out by County staff; County Administrator Mike Markham was identified in the meeting as the staff member who will follow up on allocation questions.

Committee members also noted that some project work cannot move forward until the lot is secured. One supervisor said that if Phase 2 shows contamination, the cost and cleanup obligations would have to be addressed afterward; no cleanup plan or cost estimate was provided at the meeting.

The motion passed by voice vote; no roll-call tally was given. The committee chair said the item will proceed according to the approved Phase 2 study and that staff will return with clarification on funding and next steps.

Details from the meeting: - Motion: Approve Phase 2 environmental study (soil borings) for veterans tribute site. Mover: Supervisor Stacy Hessel. Second: Supervisor John Regheimer. Outcome: Approved by voice vote. - Cost references in discussion: $7,500 (earlier reference), $3,500 (specific cost for soil borings cited later). Who will pay: undecided; County staff will determine allocation.

Committee members repeatedly emphasized the need for clarity on Phase 1 findings and for staff to report back with a clear funding plan before major commitments are made.