Board approves grants, donations, fee changes and personnel actions in August meeting

The Richland County Board of Supervisors approved several resolutions at its August meeting. The measures were largely routine and passed by voice vote.

Key outcomes at a glance:

- ADRC Section 5310 operating grant (Resolution 2560): The board authorized the Aging and Disability Resource Center to apply for and accept a 2026 Section 5310 operating grant from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in the amount of $33,590.83. The resolution authorizes the county match (cash or in‑kind) and designates the director of the Health and Human Services Department (named in the resolution as Stephanie Rondbelt in the packet) to sign necessary documents. The board approved the resolution as an annual program that provides transportation services for residents without other options.

- Donations to Simon’s Recreation Complex (Resolution 2561): The board accepted multiple donations reported by the recreation complex foundation, including a $50,000 pledge matched by additional foundation gifts. The resolution notes an ongoing fundraising campaign and a matching donor; details of future campaign amounts were not specified.

- Minor subdivision / certified survey map fee increase (Resolution 2562): The board approved adjusting the fee schedule to charge $300 plus $20 per lot for minor subdivision certified survey map reviews. Staff explained the state previously covered costs that are now to be picked up at the county level; the fee will be billed to the project applicant.

- Addition of one full‑time position (Resolution 2563): The board approved adding one full‑time position (item described as addressing overtime in a department with three shifts) to reduce overtime costs and allow the director to focus on long‑range planning. Supervisors said the change is expected to reduce overtime and improve sustainability of the service.

- Reimbursement policy changes (Resolution 2565): The board approved updates to the county personnel handbook reimbursement section effective Jan. 1, 2026. Changes include aligning lodging and meal reimbursement with state rates (meal breakdowns listed in the packet), updating mileage to the IRS rate, and routing expense vouchers through accounts payable rather than payroll. Supervisors clarified registration fees that include lodging or meals are handled per the new wording in the policy.

- Mission statement adoption (Resolution 2566): The board adopted a county mission statement: “Richland County is dedicated to fostering a thriving, inclusive community through transparent, accountable and fiscally responsible services. We aim to promote growth, well‑being and prosperity while respecting our rural roots and empowering all residents to succeed.” The board said the statement will be published on the county website and rolled out internally.

Each resolution was introduced by the committee listed in the meeting packet and passed by voice vote. Where the packet named staff or department heads for signature or administration, the resolutions authorized those individuals to execute documents as necessary. The meeting record did not contain roll‑call tallies with individual member votes for these items; the clerk confirmed votes by voice.