County reviews state innovation grant to explore shared-service opportunities, with emphasis on public safety

Administrator Leonard reviewed recent changes to the state innovation grant program and urged committee members to consider potential intergovernmental consolidations that could qualify for funding. "The act is written to give priority to public safety services, so, law enforcement, fire, EMS," Leonard said while outlining the program's eligibility and recent amendments intended to encourage take-up (01:12:45).

The program was revised to relax earlier savings-timing requirements and to allow limited cost increases in contracted services (committee members referenced a 15% cap in guidance discussed on the Counties Association call). Leonard noted that Marathon County already has several intergovernmental arrangements (North Central Healthcare, city-county IT and prior contracts) that resemble the types of consolidation the fund is meant to support and said staff have had initial conversations about potential law enforcement service transfers with a municipality (01:14:47; 01:16:08). He said any application would require local municipal partner support and committee approval before proceeding.

Committee members were asked to identify potential opportunities and to expect further outreach from administration; a county representative will verify whether the program calculations use budgeted or actual historical costs, as that difference can materially affect grant eligibility and projected savings (01:19:12).