Winnebago County supervisors approve budget, treasurer's semiannual report and a slate of routine measures

Winnebago County supervisors approved the county budget for fiscal 2026 and a series of routine measures Tuesday, including the treasurer's semiannual report, county claims and auditors transfers, and set a letting date for a bridge replacement project.

The board voted unanimously on each item after brief presentations by staff. Julie Swenson, Winnebago County treasurer, reviewed the semiannual report before the board approved it by motion. The board also approved county claims and auditors transfers and authorized publication and bid advertisement for a precast box culvert replacement project (see separate article on project LE25N173-95).

Why it matters: The budget approval allows county staff to proceed with required public notices, hearings and the next steps in the adoption process. The motions recorded during the meeting also advance capital work and routine fiscal administration.

Votes at a glance - Approval of minutes and agenda: Motion by Jen Zwold, seconded by Derby. Outcome: Passed (voice vote). Evidence: "Motion by Jen Zwold, seconded by Derby to approve the minutes and the agenda. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Motion passed." (transcript segment s=136.965)

- Semiannual treasurer's report: Motion by Durban, seconded by Genswold. Outcome: Passed (voice vote). Evidence: "Motion by Durban, seconded by Genswold to approve the semiannual report. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Motion passed." (transcript segment s=850.71497)

- Set letting date and authorize county engineer to advertise for bids, project LE25N173-95 (box culvert replacement): Motion by (unnamed board member), seconded (recorded). Outcome: Passed (voice vote). Evidence: "I'll make a motion to approve setting the a letting date and authorizing the county engineer to advertise for bids and approving plans and specifications for the project as listed." (transcript segment s=2016.63)

- Approve four public highway easements for project LFM Rice Lake 7 x 95 (Section 13): Motion by Smith, seconded by Derby. Outcome: Passed (voice vote). Evidence: "K. Motion motion by Smith and seconded by Derby to approve the easements. All in favor? Aye." (transcript segment s=2602.565)

- Approve county claims: Motion by Derby, seconded by Genswold. Outcome: Passed (voice vote). Evidence: "Motion by Derby, seconded by Genswold to approve the county claims. All in favor, say aye." (transcript segment s=2853.435)

- Approve auditors transfers: Motion by Genswold, seconded by Derby. Outcome: Passed (voice vote). Evidence: "We have a motion by Genswold and seconded by Derby to approve the auditors transfers. All in favor, say aye." (transcript segment s=2873.2)

- Approve budget as presented (2026 budget): Motion by Durbin, seconded by Jenzvold. Outcome: Passed (voice vote). Evidence: "Motion by Durbin, seconded by Jenzvold to approve the budget as presented. All in favor, say aye." (transcript segment s=3469.88)

What the board said: Trustees made brief remarks and asked staff clarifying questions during presentation of the treasurer's report and the budget. County staff explained the use of an urban renewal carryover to pay road projects and described changes in levy rates and revenue lines. Board members raised concerns about state-mandated publication costs and other unfunded requirements.

Next steps: With the board's approval of the budget as presented, county staff will publish required notices, conduct the required public hearings and return for subsequent approvals as mandated. The engineer will advertise the culvert letting date and accept bids as scheduled.

Sources: Board meeting transcript excerpts and on-the-record motions captured during the public meeting.