Committee approves streamlined courthouse parking ordinance; removes administrative burdens and preserves public spaces

The committee unanimously approved proposed amendments to sections 7.06 and 7.07 of the Marathon County General Code governing courthouse and staff parking, directing county administration to simplify assignment processes and reduce staff time spent managing spot allocations.

Administrator Leonard told the committee the existing ordinance is “voluminous, overly complex, and not working,” requiring extensive employee time to reassign spots when staff turn over. The amendment removes rigid shift‑based assignments for staff parking and gives departments additional flexibility in operational parking allocations; Leonard said the change does not reduce public parking availability on the courthouse site.

Supervisors asked about impacts to River Drive parking and to nearby park users. Supervisor Hart asked whether restrictions on River Drive and Thomas Street parking would affect Whitewater Park visitors and whether library staff and credit union employees would retain access. Leonard said library staff and the credit union would receive written permission to continue parking on specified River Drive spaces and that staff will consult the city about alternatives if the county divests River Drive properties.

Supervisor Hart moved to exclude Section 7.06(14) from the ordinance changes (relating to River Drive). The chair explained a motion to approve the entire ordinance package with that exclusion would be timely; the committee approved the amendment and then approved the ordinance changes (excluding Section 7.06(14)) unanimously.

Leonard said the change should reduce administrative burden and that facilities staff will work with affected departments to manage transition and signage. Committee members requested follow‑up on public‑use impacts at Whitewater Park and on enforcement considerations for any changes to River Drive parking.