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Barron County Board approves software purchase, dam repairs, forest work plan and other measures; broadband endorsement draws three no votes
Summary
At its meeting, the Barron County Board of Supervisors approved multiple resolutions including an ARPA-funded software purchase, replacement of Rice Lake Dam gearbox gearboxes, the county forest annual work plan and an SPO agreement for excess DOD property. An endorsement for a broadband applicant passed with three supervisors voting no.
The Barron County Board of Supervisors approved several resolutions and appointments at the meeting. Most measures passed by simple or two-thirds majorities; one endorsement drew three no votes.
The most consequential votes:
- The board approved a resolution authorizing expenditures for a Department of Health and Human Services software purchase to be funded with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money. The resolution required a two-thirds vote and passed (final tally recorded as 25 yes, 4 absent). The board noted the county’s ARPA balance at about $1.4 million and board discussion indicated the software purchase would consume roughly $1 million of that balance.
- The board approved use of dam funds to replace gearboxes for gate No. 3 at the Rice Lake Dam. Motion by Supervisor Cook, second by Supervisor Efforts; recorded vote 25 yes, 4 absent.
- The board adopted the 2024–25 county forest annual work plan. Motion by Supervisor Moen, second by Supervisor Bob Anderson; recorded vote 25 yes, 4 absent.
- The board endorsed a broadband applicant identified as Bridal Speed (doing business as Connect Holding LLC) to assist with Wisconsin Public Service Commission broadband funding recognition. Motion by Supervisor Turcotte, second by Supervisor Wenzel; vote 22 yes, 3 no (noes identified as Supervisor Vaughn, Supervisor Kathy Krug and Supervisor Amanda Conan); the resolution carried.
- The board approved joining the State Plan of Organization (SPO) between the State of Wisconsin and the Barron County Sheriff’s Department for a Department of Defense law-enforcement excess property program. Motion by Supervisor Cook, second by Supervisor Gores; recorded vote 25 yes, 4 absent.
- The board approved a slate of appointments (Commission on Aging and Health & Human Services board reappointments and others) by a single motion. Motion by Supervisor Efforts, second by Supervisor Heller; recorded vote 25 yes, 4 absent. Appointees included Carol Noel to the Commission on Aging and reappointments to the Health & Human Services Board (Patty Anderson, Nancy Keeler, Tony Ann Knudson and Dr. Richard Sampson), as presented in the packet.
Other business: the board received a project update on the county highway facilities project (one contractor remains and a remaining balance of about $188,000 was reported for closeout). The board also heard an ARPA report listing a $1.4 million balance and received routine staff reports; no further votes were taken on those items.
Ending: The board closed the meeting after routine claims and agenda-item suggestions; several members asked for follow-up briefings on the waste-energy plant, trail signage, and utility costs at the new highway facility.
