Manitowoc County codifies oversight committee review in budget ordinance; supervisors urged to present amendments early

County staff reviewed a late-2024 amendment to the Manitowoc County budget ordinance that clarifies the review and amendment process for the annual budget and emphasizes that oversight committees should meet to consider departmental budgets before proposed amendments reach the full board.

Why it matters: The ordinance language — which staff said intentionally uses the word “shall” — was described as a way to ensure that departmental budgets are considered by the appropriate standing committees (for example, public safety for sheriff-related items and personnel for staffing items) before the finance committee and the full county board act. Staff urged supervisors to bring draft amendments to committees early so the finance committee can consider them before the public hearing.

What staff told supervisors

• Committee routing and oversight: The county board chairperson will designate which portions of the budget go to each “home” oversight committee. Oversight committees are expected to review expenditures and revenues and hold meetings on proposed budgets; if an oversight committee or the finance committee declines to adopt a proposed amendment, a supervisor may present that amendment to the full county board during deliberations.

• Finance committee and deadlines: Staff explained the finance committee will review proposed budget amendments forwarded by oversight committees and should do so in time for a public hearing. The board set Oct. 27 for the public hearing and Nov. 4 for final budget deliberation. Staff said the finance committee’s amended budget will be presented to the public at the hearing and that further changes can still be considered during the November deliberations.

• Practical guidance for supervisors: Staff strongly encouraged supervisors to consult with county staff (referred to as “JJ” and others in the meeting) before bringing amendments to the floor, particularly for proposals that would affect positions, grant eligibility or levy impact. Staff said early consultation will help committees assess fiscal implications and avoid incomplete or disruptive proposals during floor debate.

• Meeting scheduling: Staff advised that committees not already scheduled to meet in the budget review window should call meetings, post notices and allow the public and other supervisors to participate.

Discussion and process points

Supervisors raised timing concerns and asked committees to coordinate; several supervisors volunteered potential committee meeting dates in mid-October. Staff reiterated that the ordinance was intended to codify existing practice rather than make substantive procedural change, but that committees should expect to meet and consider departmental budgets.

Quotes

“I can tell you that that's what the intent was for including the word shall in the ordinance,” the county counsel said when explaining oversight committees’ responsibilities.

“If it doesn't go to committee, talk to JJ and me because otherwise it can really be a headache for the county board,” staff said, urging early consultation on proposed amendments.

Ending

The county board scheduled a public hearing on the proposed 2026 budget for Oct. 27 and set Nov. 4 for deliberations and a final vote, with Nov. 11 held tentatively to address vetoes or additional follow-up. Staff emphasized supervisors should bring proposed amendments to oversight committees first and to consult with county staff before presenting amendments on the floor.