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Board approves 30-year lease with Rice Lake schools for UW–Eau Claire Barron County buildings after jury-waiver amendment
Summary
The Barron County Board approved a long-term lease allowing the Rice Lake Area School District to use two buildings at the UW–Eau Claire Barron County campus, with the district maintaining the buildings in lieu of rent. The board removed a jury-waiver clause and rejected an amendment to add a 180-day exit clause.
The Barron County Board of Supervisors approved March 17 a lease agreement granting the Rice Lake Area School District use of two buildings at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire Barron County campus. The lease term is structured as an initial 10-year period with two automatic 10-year renewals (30 years total), and the school district will maintain the buildings rather than pay cash rent.
The motion to enter into the lease was made by Supervisor Bob Rogers and seconded by Jim Gores. During debate, Supervisor Diane Vaughn moved to strike a provision in the governing-law section that required legal actions under the agreement to be tried to the court rather than a jury and to waive jury trial rights; Amanda Conan seconded. Vaughn said the language raised oath and constitutional concerns. The board approved that amendment by majority vote, 19 yes, 9 no, 1 absent.
Supervisor Randy Cook later moved an amendment to add a 180-day county exit clause, allowing the county to terminate the lease with 180 days' notice if circumstances changed. The motion was seconded by Fran Langman; the amendment failed 11 yes, 17 no, 1 absent.
Rice Lake Area School District officials told the board the district expects to invest in building upgrades and is preparing a facilities plan. Victor Drost, the district finance manager, said the district has paid for preliminary architectural work and estimated roughly $850,000 to make the student-center building functional for a childcare operation and other uses. The district and county described the maintenance obligation as "in lieu of rent," meaning the district will fund upkeep rather than send periodic rent payments to the county.
Board members who supported the lease said it helps address local needs for childcare and building reuse and leverages the school district's willingness to invest in the campus. Supporters noted prior campus conversations and the county's long-standing relationship with the university system. Those who opposed aspects of the agreement urged additional protections for county taxpayers if the campus closes or changes use in future years.
The main resolution to enter into the lease passed by majority vote of members present, 25 yes, 2 no, 1 absent. Supervisors Krug and Conan voted no; Supervisor Randy Cook registered the lone abstention.
Background and next steps The lease follows multi-year discussions about campus reuse and community childcare needs. County staff and school officials said they will continue to coordinate on design and capital improvements and present any required implementation details to the board and the district's buildings and grounds committee before the district makes major capital outlays.
Votes at a glance - Motion to enter into lease agreement with Rice Lake Area School District for buildings at UW–Eau Claire, Barron County campus. Motion by Bob Rogers; second by Jim Gores. Amendment to remove jury-waiver language moved by Diane Vaughn, second Amanda Conan; passed 19–9–1. Amendment to add 180-day county exit clause moved by Randy Cook; failed 11–17–1. Final resolution passed 25–2, 1 absent.
