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Sawyer County committee reviews $250,000 concept for Hayward veterans tribute; no vote taken
Summary
Committee discussed a preliminary design, schedule and budget request for a veterans tribute in Hayward, including a maintenance-focused layout, a proposed $250,000 budget request and plans to relocate a donated fountain; staff said design approval could come in November and construction bids in December.
The Sawyer County Administrative Committee reviewed a preliminary concept, schedule and cost estimate for a veterans tribute project in Hayward and discussed next steps for design, site purchase and bidding.
County administrator presented a conceptual schedule that would refine design options, finalize construction materials and estimate project costs for review at the committee's next meeting, with the intent to approve design and cost at the November meeting and advertise construction bids thereafter. The administrator said site purchase could happen in October if things align and that construction would likely occur in spring, though winter pours were possible.
The presentation emphasized a low‑maintenance design. The county administrator said the project should be “maintenance free as minimal as possible,” and described features such as stamped concrete surfaces, a resource panel on the back wall listing local veteran services, and track‑decking to screen utilities and neighboring properties. The administrator said some initial work on renderings has been paid out of pocket and that the county has already spent about $99,000 on the project to date.
Committee members and staff discussed utilities, maintenance and site logistics. The city has agreed to help with water service for a fountain the county is planning to relocate; the administrator said the donated twin fountain currently located in Rice Lake is already identified for possible relocation. John McKee (staff) offered to coordinate to keep electric service available for lighting, and members asked staff to evaluate solar lighting versus hooking up a meter. Members also discussed winter sidewalk maintenance and suggested local veterans and adjacent property owners might assist with upkeep.
Committee members raised cost and sustainability questions. The administrator said the county would request a one‑time appropriation of $250,000 in the upcoming budget, characterizing ongoing maintenance as minimal. She described conversations with veteran groups about making the memorial a resource hub (for example, listing how to contact the veteran service office and community resources) rather than a program of recurring maintenance obligations or donor brick programs that could increase upkeep.
No formal motion or vote was taken on the design, budget request or site purchase during the committee meeting. The administrator said staff will return with design options and cost estimates for committee review and that the committee will decide whether to forward a recommendation to the full county board.
