Winnebago County officials discuss Mount Valley fire response, say county covered $234,342.64 in immediate costs

Winnebago County supervisors discussed the response to the Mount Valley fire and preliminary cost accounting during an open‑session update following a closed session on the same matter.

Officials said the county has paid initial incident costs and will place further invoice review on next week’s agenda for a closed‑session update and subsequent open‑session action where appropriate.

The county’s incurred costs reported to the board totaled $234,342.64. That figure, officials said, covers county‑provided equipment, personnel time and related out‑of‑pocket expenses; it does not include separate invoices identified later in the meeting. County staff said secondary‑roads work and equipment time was tracked separately.

Board members and staff said they had reviewed drone footage provided by the local fire department and that on‑site inspections and additional aerial imagery show the fire area to be largely extinguished. Fire officials and staff described thermal imaging variance consistent with ambient differences rather than active underground burning; no additional active fire was reported at the meeting.

County staff said the county has paid bills for operations to date and that formal invoicing remains pending in some cases. Supervisors were told that some additional, separate invoices — including amounts from private contractors and an item the board characterized as “Scott’s invoices” of roughly $20,000 — were not included in the $234,342.64 total being reported as county costs.

Discussion at the meeting ranged from insurance coverage limits to next steps for submitting bills. Staff explained that typical property insurance often covers fire suppression when a building is involved but that land alone may not be covered under an umbrella policy; the board discussed constituent concern that townships or private landowners could be asked to bear costs. A representative said the county’s insurer listed Cincinnati as the underwriter with Edwards Grant identified as the broker.

Supervisors said they intend to return to closed session next week to review more detailed invoice and claims information and to determine whether the county will seek reimbursement from other parties or bill affected landowners. Staff offered to distribute itemized invoices on request; the auditor’s office was identified as the contact for copies of supporting invoices and the executive/after‑action reports that are being prepared by emergency responders.

The board recorded a motion to end the earlier closed session (motion by Supervisor Genswold; second by Supervisor Derby). There was no formal vote or other action taken during the closed session, and supervisors said any final decisions about billing and reimbursement will be made after additional information is shared in the forthcoming meeting.

Less critical details: staff said there will be an after‑action report and corrective‑action plan prepared by the fire department and county emergency personnel that will document dates, times, equipment and recommended changes to response procedures.