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Highway committee approves 2026 budget, backs purchasing vehicles over leasing and readies recruitment
Summary
The Ashland County Highway Committee approved its 2026 operating budget and recommended buying vehicles rather than leasing. The committee discussed staffing changes including a mechanic hire and a planned superintendent retirement and authorized forwarding the purchase recommendation to the finance committee.
The Ashland County Highway Committee approved its 2026 highway budget and passed a separate recommendation that the county purchase highway vehicles rather than lease them.
Committee members voted to approve the highway department’s regular 2026 budget after a presentation from county highway staff. Highway staff said last year’s county levy for the highway department was $487,000 and that the department requested $525,000 for 2026. Staff said state transportation-aid numbers were not yet final but estimated a modest increase; one staff estimate presented at the meeting was $638,000 pending formal state notification.
During budget discussion, staff described the drivers of the increase as step increases in wages and higher health-insurance costs. They also described planned equipment and capital rotations, including replacement of older supervisor and shop trucks as part of the department’s normal equipment fund cycle.
Separately, the committee considered whether the county should buy highway vehicles rather than lease them. Highway staff explained that when the county buys vehicles and charges usage by the hour or mile, the usage fees feed an equipment fund used to buy future equipment. Staff said leasing would eliminate that internal revenue stream. Marty Vitek moved that the highway committee recommend purchasing vehicles rather than leasing; Jim Schultz seconded. The motion passed by voice vote.
The committee also heard personnel updates. Matthew said the highway department hired a second mechanic, named Ryan, who previously worked for the city of Middleton and is expected to start in late August. Commissioner Bruce has submitted retirement papers; staff said his last full day will be about Oct. 16 and that his payroll/leave arrangements will continue into the new year. The department advertised the patrol superintendent vacancy with applications due Sept. 5 and staff said they hope to have a hire selected in late September so any internal promotion can be addressed before winter operations begin.
A motion to approve the 2026 budget as presented passed by voice vote. Tom Reimer made the motion and Marty Vitek seconded; the committee approved it.
Ending: Committee members said they will bring the vehicle-purchase recommendation to the county finance committee for formal review and that hiring steps for the superintendent will continue through September.
