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WCA urges state to help fund circuit courts; Barron County board urges governor, legislature to act
Summary
Mark O'Connell of the Wisconsin Counties Association told the Barron County Board the state should increase its share of court funding and urged backing for circuit court support grants; the board passed a separate resolution urging Governor Evers and the Legislature to support county courts.
Mark O'Connell, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Counties Association, told the Barron County Board on Monday that counties now shoulder roughly 80 percent of the cost of Wisconsin’s state circuit court system and urged state lawmakers to increase state support.
O'Connell, speaking with a WCA colleague, outlined three legislative priorities for counties in the upcoming state budget cycle: court funding, mental‑health resources and transportation infrastructure. On courts he said counties are seeking a larger state contribution and asked for roughly $70 million statewide, most of it to be distributed through the state’s circuit court support grant so local boards can apply funds where they are most needed.
“We are roughly 80% county funded of a state court system,” O'Connell said, describing the current funding imbalance and urging a closer state–county partnership.
Board members earlier took separate action on a resolution urging Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Legislature to support county courts. The motion, made by Dana Heller and seconded by Fran Langman, passed by majority vote (28 yes, 1 absent).
O'Connell also addressed Wisconsin Act 253 — a recently enacted law that addresses public records and video redaction for law enforcement — and said the statute needs legislative clarification on what constitutes “financial gain” and how agencies may charge for staff time spent redacting video. He said the WCA will continue to work with the legislature to refine the law so law enforcement agencies are not overwhelmed by records requests.
Why it matters: counties fund a large share of court operations; changes in state funding would shift county budgets and could affect local services. The WCA also asked for about $35 million in state funding for mental‑health initiatives and urged investigation of long‑term transportation revenue sources.
Speakers (selected): - Mark O'Connell — President & CEO, Wisconsin Counties Association. - Michelle Thompson — WCA public relations (present during presentation). - Dana Heller — Supervisor (moved the courts resolution).
Ending: WCA staff said they will continue lobbying on the court funding ask and on clarifications to Act 253; county staff and board members were encouraged to follow up with state legislators.
