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Barron County Board approves ARPA-funded software, dam repairs, forest work plan and broadband endorsement; multiple motions pass
Summary
At the meeting the board approved several resolutions including an ARPA-funded health-and-human-services software purchase, Rice Lake Dam gearbox work, the 2024–25 county forest work plan, an endorsement for Brightspeed/Connect Holding LLC, and rejoined the DOD excess-property program; vote tallies were recorded for each item.
The Barron County Board of Supervisors voted on multiple resolutions and appointments during the same meeting. Most items passed by recorded majorities; several votes were unanimous among present members.
Key votes at a glance
- Resolution authorizing expenditures for Health and Human Services software (ARPA funds): Motion by Supervisor Moen, second by Supervisor McCrady; passed (two-thirds majority), recorded as 24 yes. County staff said the purchase will be covered largely by ARPA funds and that the software selection followed a multi-month review.
- Resolution authorizing use of dam fund to replace gearboxes for Gate No. 3 at Rice Lake Dam: Motion by Supervisor Cook, seconded by Supervisor Effort(s); passed, 25 yes, 4 absent. County staff said Tyler reduced costs through research.
- Resolution approving the 2024–25 annual work plan for the county forest: Motion by Supervisor Moen, seconded by Supervisor Bob Anderson; passed, 25 yes, 4 absent.
- Resolution endorsing Brightspeed doing business as Connect Holding LLC to assist in attaining recognition with the Wisconsin Public Service Commission Broadband Equity Access program: Motion by Supervisor Turcotte, seconded by Supervisor Wenzel; passed, 22 yes and 3 no (No votes by Supervisors Vaughn, Kathy Krug and Amanda Conan). One supervisor spoke against government endorsement of a private company but the board majority said broadband expansion was a high priority.
- Approval to participate in the Department of Defense Excess Property program (State Plan of Organization between State of Wisconsin and Barron County Sheriff's Department): Motion by Supervisor Cook, seconded by Supervisor Goers; passed, 25 yes, 4 absent. Law enforcement representatives said the program allows the department to request surplus equipment at reduced cost.
- Appointments and reappointments: A slate of appointments and reappointments (Commission on Aging, Human Services Board and others as printed in the packet) was approved by motion of Supervisor Effort(s), seconded by Supervisor Heller; passed, 25 yes, 4 absent.
Other items and fiscal notes
- The board received an update on the county highway facilities project; the administrator said one contractor remained to close out and a balance of about $188,000 remained in the capital project fund for outstanding items.
- The board reviewed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) balances and potential allocations; staff reported an ARPA balance of about $1.4 million and estimated that the Health and Human Services software would consume roughly $1 million of that balance.
No motions to table or amend the listed resolutions were reported in the meeting record. Vote tallies above reflect the board’s roll-call or announced tallies as recorded during the meeting.
