Committee alerted to potential Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission levy increase and seeks names for joint governor appointment

County staff informed the County Board Executive Committee on May 19 that the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (referred to in packet as "Sewer Pack") is considering an increase in its total levy for 2026 and that Walworth County’s share of the levy has risen over time.

Why it matters: A higher regional levy could increase Walworth County’s contribution in future budgets. Staff said part of the county’s share rose because Walworth County’s equalized value has grown relative to other counties.

Staff also explained the statutory appointment process for the commission’s board: the county board nominates names, the governor makes an independent appointment and one joint appointment must be chosen from a list provided by the county. Staff asked supervisors to submit potential nominee names so the committee can forward at least two candidates to the full county board for approval and then relay them to the governor’s office. Deadlines were discussed for producing nominee names before the June executive meeting to allow referral to the July county board schedule.

Committee members asked about the county’s rising valuation and its impacts; one supervisor urged that the county emphasize the need for the Highway 12 widening in discussions with regional planners and legislators, noting local economic and safety benefits.

Decision: No formal vote was required; staff was asked to solicit nominations and return names at the June meeting for referral to the full board.

Ending: Staff will request letters of interest from prospective nominees and circulate candidates to the committee ahead of the June meeting.