County board postpones serving as fiscal agent for youth "Changemaker" grant; approves technology, facilities and equipment spending

The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors on an undisclosed August meeting date voted to indefinitely postpone a resolution proposing the county act as fiscal agent for a youth-led "Changemaker" grant and approved a series of other resolutions, including budget amendments and equipment purchases.

The board indefinitely postponed Resolution 2025-37, which would have authorized Jefferson County to accept a $5,000 Change Maker grant from the Iola Foundation (d.b.a. It Gets Better) and serve as fiscal agent for a youth group planning a creative-expression and resource event. Supervisor Michael Jones moved to indefinitely postpone the resolution and was seconded by Supervisor Jagel. Jones said, “I move to indefinitely postpone this resolution.” County Administrator Michael Lucky briefed the board that the grant application was youth-led and came to Human Services because the foundation requires either a 501(c)(3) or unit of government to receive funds. Lucky said the county and Human Services thought it “might be better to guide them towards a different entity to be the fiscal agent.”

Members debated the decision. Supervisor Cowan said, “I really struggled with this decision today because I really want to make sure that we as a county support these youth. ... I reluctantly agreed that I think we should find another entity to be the fiscal agent, but I don't want that to be interpreted as we're not supporting these kids.” Supervisor Lund cited national data and told the board, “Community acceptance is not just meaningful, it is life saving.” The motion to indefinitely postpone carried (vote announced: “The ayes have it.”; roll count not specified in the record).

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 2025-37 — Authorize acceptance of a $5,000 Iola Foundation "Changemaker" grant and have county act as fiscal agent: Motion to indefinitely postpone (moved: Supervisor Jones; second: Supervisor Jagel). Outcome: Indefinitely postponed. Vote tally: not specified in minutes.

- Resolution denying a claim by OpiateRx/Optimum Rx regarding opioid litigation (listed as the next resolution): Moved by Supervisor Jones, second by Supervisor Jayco. The board approved the denial and directed Corporation Counsel to notify the claimant. Outcome: Approved. Vote tally: not specified.

- Fair Park Activity Center fire alarm replacement (resolution number listed as 2538 in packet): Authorize contract with Current Electric for $39,000 plus a 15% contingency (project total not to exceed $44,850); amend 2025 budget and use contingency funding. Moved by Supervisor Jones; second Supervisor Backlund. Outcome: Approved. Vote tally: 29 yes, 0 no, 1 absent.

- Upgrade county server environment from Windows Server 2019 to Windows Server 2025 (Resolution 202539): Authorize purchase from SHI International for $71,892.20 and amend 2025 budget; funding shared among departments (land information, highway, MIS, contingency). Moved by Supervisor Jones; second Supervisor Backlund. Outcome: Approved. Vote tally: 29 yes, 0 no, 1 absent.

- Authorize county to service loans for the Live Local Development Fund and amend the 2025 budget (Resolution 202540): Establish a new economic development special revenue fund to account for and service loans originated from the Thrive Ed Live Local Development Fund. Moved by Supervisor Jones; second Supervisor Jayco. Outcome: Approved. Vote tally: 28 yes, 1 no, 1 absent.

- Purchase of a 2026 tri-axle semi tractor for the Highway Department (Resolution 202541): Authorize purchase from Creek Truck Center for $170,000 from highway equipment operations; no budget amendment required. Moved by Supervisor Jacob; second by Supervisor Morris. Outcome: Approved. Vote tally: not specified.

- Apply for Wisconsin County Conservation Aids grant for Carlin Weld County Park (Resolution 202542): Authorize application for a $2,500 grant to cover 50% of a vegetation-management project estimated at $5,000; match provided via staff labor and donations. Moved by Supervisor Christiansen; second Supervisor Gulick. Outcome: Approved. Vote tally: 28 yes, 1 no, 1 absent.

- Ordinance amending the official zoning map of Jefferson County (Ordinance number listed as 8): Planning & Zoning Committee recommended approval after the required public hearings. Moved by Supervisor Jayco; second Supervisor Paulson. Outcome: Approved. Vote tally: not specified.

Why it matters

The postponement of the county acting as fiscal agent for the youth-led grant removes Jefferson County from immediate financial responsibility for a community event intended to support LGBTQ+ youth and instead directs staff to help the group find a nonprofit fiscal agent. Board approval of capital and IT expenditures updates aging infrastructure (a 2001-era fire alarm system and Windows Server 2019 installations) and authorizes ongoing economic development loan servicing, which creates an administrative role for the county in the Live Local Development Fund.

Context and next steps

County staff said they will assist the youth group in locating a suitable fiscal agent and will seek clarification from the foundation about any time limits on the grant. County administration and department heads will implement the budget amendments and contracts approved by the board. The OpiateRx claim denial directs corporation counsel to notify the claimant; the county continues to participate in opioid litigation and to authorize counsel to add defendants where legally appropriate.

Sources: Board discussion and votes as recorded in the meeting transcript.