County board approves Rice Lake Area Schools lease for UW‑Eau Claire Barron County campus buildings

The Barron County Board of Supervisors on Monday approved a lease agreement giving the Rice Lake Area School District use of buildings at the University of Wisconsin‑Eau Claire Barron County campus. The measure passed after amendments and more than an hour of discussion about long‑term obligations, building upkeep and protections for county taxpayers.

The motion to approve the lease was made by Supervisor Bob Rogers and seconded by Supervisor Jim Gores. The contract provides the district use of the buildings on a 10‑year initial term with two automatic 10‑year renewals (30 years total) and does not charge a rental fee; maintenance of the buildings was cited as the county’s consideration in lieu of rent. The main resolution passed 25 yes, 2 no, 1 absent and 1 abstain. Supervisors Krug and Conan voted no; Supervisor Cook abstained.

Before the final vote the board adopted an amendment proposed by Supervisor Diane Vaughn to strike language in the contract that would have required parties to waive jury trials and have disputes decided by a judge. Vaughn said the waiver raised constitutional questions tied to the oath supervisors take: “I take that very seriously,” she said, arguing the board should not agree to remove a jury right in advance. The amendment to remove that waiver passed on a majority vote.

Supervisor Randy Cook proposed adding a 180‑day exit clause to give the county flexibility if the campus closes or circumstances change; that amendment failed (11 yes, 17 no, 1 absent). Rice Lake Area Schools representatives told supervisors the district intended to invest in renovations to make space suitable for childcare and other community uses, and estimated an initial remodeling cost of about $850,000 to meet code for childcare use. The district’s finance manager, Victor Drost, said he would be satisfied if the project “breaks even”: “If this breaks even, I will be happy,” he said.

County staff said the agreement is also tied to a long‑standing 75‑year lease the county holds with the UW System regents for the campus property; those underlying terms influence how the county and the district will manage the property going forward.

Why it matters: the lease aims to keep campus buildings active and to create community benefits — the school district has proposed running a childcare site and other services in the facilities — but supervisors sought protections so taxpayers are not left with costly, unused buildings if the university campus closes or the district does not continue use.

Details and next steps: the school district plans to present the project to its buildings and grounds committee and the full school board in the weeks ahead before final financing of the remodel. County staff and the school district indicated they would discuss prorated compensation language should the district cease occupancy soon after investing in capital improvements.

Speakers (selected): - Bob Rogers — Supervisor (mover of the main motion). - Jim Gores — Supervisor (second). - Diane Vaughn — Supervisor (proposed amendment to remove jury‑waiver clause). - Victor Drost — Rice Lake Area Schools finance manager (provided cost estimate and comment on expected financial result). - Brandy Dross — county staff (attended to present the item).

Clarifying details: - Lease term: 10 years with two automatic 10‑year renewals (30 years total). - District remodel estimate to meet childcare code: approximately $850,000 (district estimate). - Exit amendment (180 days) proposed by Supervisor Cook: failed (11 yes, 17 no, 1 absent).

Proper names: Rice Lake Area School District; University of Wisconsin‑Eau Claire Barron County campus; Victor Drost; Brandy Dross; Barron County.

Ending: County and school officials said they will continue negotiations on implementation details, and the district will take the proposal to its committees and board prior to any significant capital outlay.