The Marathon County Extension Education and Economic Development Committee approved a $5,000 sponsorship to support Marathon County’s hosting of the Alice in Dairyland program; the vote was unanimous.

Jenny Rudolph, co-chair of the local steering committee and an officer with the Partnership for Progressive Agriculture, requested the county’s support at the gold sponsorship level. Rudolph said Marathon County is the host county for the Alice in Dairyland program through the finale in May 2026 and provided an event budget and schedule of proposed appearances, including the June dairy breakfast on June 29 in Athens and other community events.

Rudolph said the total budget for Marathon County’s hosting efforts is about $79,000 and that organizers have raised $23,350 so far. The sponsorship would support the briefing that announces the six finalists, refreshments, room rental and related finalist expenses; Rudolph asked for either an immediate commitment or a 2026-budget letter so her team could include the county logo in promotional materials now.

County administrator staff said the county’s special projects fund could be used and that, if needed, funding supplied this year would require a budget amendment; the administrator offered to identify a funding source for HR finance consideration. Supervisor Cifo noted comparable sponsorship levels from other Wisconsin counties and asked whether local candidates were likely to participate; Rudolph said finalists are selected in January 2026 and local candidates are possible.

Action: Supervisor (speaker recorded as) Cifo moved to donate $5,000; Supervisor Hagen seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Administration will identify a funding source and, if necessary, process a budget amendment to provide the sponsorship this year.