The Walworth County Board of Supervisors on July 8, 2025, adopted an amendment to the Walworth County Code of Ordinances that adds a definition of “meat packing” and clarifies that some meat‑packing operations may include on‑site slaughtering in A‑1 agricultural zoning.

The change, passed after debate and public comment, was described by county staff as a clarification intended to distinguish smaller, rural operations from large industrial slaughterhouses. The amendment was recommended by the County Zoning Agency by a 6–1 vote before coming to the full board.

Cindy Howard, an Elkhorn resident, addressed the board during the public‑comment period and urged supervisors to reject the ordinance amendment for allowing a slaughterhouse and meat‑packing facility in the A‑1 district. “I’m here tonight to oppose the zoning ordinance amendments for allowing a slaughterhouse and a meat packing facility in the A 1 zoning district,” Howard said, adding that the proposal should be in industrial zoning and kept away from residential areas. Howard also said many local residents were not notified about a special meeting that considered a related rezone and conditional‑use request and said she would file a public‑records request to learn who initiated the special meeting.

County zoning staff explained that the ordinance change does not approve any single large facility but clarifies language for future applicants and helps distinguish small, locally operated slaughtering connected to meat‑packing businesses from large industrial operations. “This clarifies the language in our ordinance to…more clearly define a slaughterhouse and a meat packing company,” a county zoning staff member said, adding the clarification is intended to apply to smaller operations similar to Sorg’s and Lake Geneva Country Meats, not large continuous 24/7 facilities in Menomonee Valley.

Board members said the specific rezone and conditional‑use request that prompted local concern had already been the subject of a lengthy, two‑plus hour hearing before the County Zoning Agency in June. Supervisors also discussed why a special county board meeting had been scheduled; board member Dennis Karbowski said he requested the special meeting because the applicant was subject to a grant timeline that required prompt action.

Supervisors debated aspects of scale and location. Zoning staff told the board they contacted local meat processors (Sorg’s, Lake Geneva Country Meats, and Wilsons) to estimate typical on‑site slaughter numbers; those businesses indicated they typically handle roughly 50–75 animals at peak times, and could not reliably reach 100–150 animals per period because of staffing and facility limits.

After discussion, Supervisor Dennis Karbowski moved adoption; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. The board recorded the final vote as 8 in favor and 3 opposed; Joe Schafer and Kenneth Monroe are recorded in the transcript as having voted no, and the board chair summarized the tally as eight yes and three no’s.

The ordinance change as drafted applies to county zoning code sections and shoreland zoning references cited in the agenda; it clarifies how the county will classify and permit meat‑packing and slaughtering activities in agricultural districts going forward.

The board did not reverse any prior rezone or conditional‑use approvals during the meeting; zoning staff and supervisors noted that a rezone already granted by the County Zoning Agency remains in effect unless the board sends the matter back to that agency for reconsideration.

The board adopted the ordinance amendment and moved on to other business, while public concern about notification and proximity to residential subdivisions remained on the record.