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Winnebago County updates building project, discusses 6% drainage stamp rate and roadside weed oversight
Summary
County staff reported progress on a new county building’s footings and delivery of the building package, discussed maintaining a long-standing 6% drainage stamp warrant rate and considered shifting weed/roadside management oversight. The board did not take formal action on the stamp rate but heard next-step options.
County staff updated the Board of Supervisors on progress at a new county building and discussed drainage financing and roadside weed management during the meeting.
On construction, staff reported that footings are in, contractors planned to insulate walls and backfill, and the building package was being delivered to the site. County staff said contractors were unloading the building package at the site and that concrete foundation payments had been submitted as claims. Board members asked for clarification of claim amounts for concrete and the building package; staff said they would provide the claim details on request.
On drainage finance, staff and supervisors discussed the county’s 6% drainage stamp warrant percentage, a rate the transcript records as having been in place for more than 20 years. One staff member said the rate is commonly understood locally: “I think everybody in this county knows it's 6%.” Staff noted other counties formally confirm their rates at early-January meetings but said no county-wide change was required unless the board wanted to alter the percentage. The board did not adopt a resolution; staff said the rate could be left as-is or documented in minutes for public notice.
Supervisors also discussed roadside weed and ditch spraying arrangements and whether the weed-commissioner function should remain with conservation or be moved to a department that more frequently inspects roads. The transcript records discussion about budget lines for that work and whether spraying had been effective; staff agreed to provide budget lines and follow up on options including contracting out roadside management.
Other operational notes included equipment and staffing updates: a new mechanic will start the next day, and staff discussed recent tire purchases and road conditions after winter weather.
No formal board action was recorded on drainage rate changes or weed-commissioner reassignment during the meeting; the board asked staff to provide budget lines and additional information for future consideration.
