Richland County board adopts retirement resolution, budget fix, fee changes and truck purchase; appoints committee members

The Richland County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt a set of routine resolutions and confirm several appointments at its meeting. Resolutions approved included: a retirement resolution honoring an MIS employee (Res. 25-25); a deficiency appropriation of $29,271.97 to cover several 2024 budget shortfalls (Res. 25-26); amendments to the register of deeds fee schedule (Res. 25-27); authorization to purchase a Western Star tandem-axle truck for the highway department (Res. 25-28); and a resolution delegating determinations under Wisconsin Statute 74.69 to the executive and finance committee (Res. 25-29).

Why it matters: The package addressed near-term budget housekeeping, updated local administrative fees to reflect rising costs and payment-processing expenses, and continued investment in highway equipment. The statute 74.69 procedure clarifies how the county will handle narrow tax-payment appeal cases tied to postal delays.

Key actions and outcomes

- Resolution 25-25, honoring Barbara Scott for 26 years of service in Management Information Services, was adopted. Motion by Supervisor McKee; second by Supervisor Kramer; outcome: approved. The resolution directs the county clerk to send a copy to the retiree and is effective on passage.

- Resolution 25-26, a deficiency appropriation of $29,271.97 from the general fund to cover 2024 shortfalls (items listed on the resolution), was adopted. Motion by Supervisor McKee; second by Supervisor Cooley; outcome: approved. The report to the board cited overages tied to campus costs, fair revenues reduced by weather, and a small shortfall in dog-license revenue.

- Resolution 25-27, amendments to the register of deeds fee schedule to cover increased postage, credit-card processing and e-recording service charges, was adopted. Motion by Supervisor Kramer; second by Supervisor Fleming; outcome: approved. The register of deeds representative said some online/print fees were being increased to align with statutory rates and vendor costs.

- Resolution 25-28, approval to purchase one Western Star tandem-axle truck for the highway department from budgeted 2025 funds, was adopted. Motion by Supervisor Fleming; second by Supervisor Kooi; outcome: approved. Delivery was described as expected in June or July, possibly August, depending on supplier timing.

- Resolution 25-29, establishing the procedure to delegate Wisconsin Statute 74.69 determinations to the executive and finance committee (to handle limited tax-payment appeals tied to postal delays), was adopted. Motion by Supervisor Gill; second by Supervisor Brokens; outcome: approved.

Appointments and election

- The board confirmed three appointments recommended by committee: Supervisor Engel to the Community and Health Services standing committee, Paul Wortzema to the Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) coordinating committee, and Deanna Lewis to the Aging/ADRC advisory committee. Motion to confirm by Supervisor McKee; second by Supervisor Gill; outcome: approved.

- The board elected a member to fill a vacancy on the committee on committees following ballots from board members. Supervisor Hendricks (transcript spelling) was reported as the leading vote getter and declared elected (vote tallies not specified in the meeting record).

What the board said: Motions and seconding members were recorded on the record for each item; votes were taken as voice votes with unanimous “aye” responses recorded for the items listed.

Next steps: The fee-schedule changes and the truck purchase take effect as described in the resolutions. The executive and finance committee will handle any incoming appeals brought under Wis. Stat. 74.69 under the adopted procedure.