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County Briefed on Wisconsin Innovation Grant Changes; Officials See Opportunities for Shared Services
Summary
Administrator Leonard briefed the committee on changes to Wisconsin ct 15 and the state innovation grant program, which now offers more flexible terms and prioritizes public‑safety consolidations. Staff reported informal talks with municipalities and the sheriff bout possible service transfers and encouraged supervisors to identify opportunities.
Administrator Lance Leonard summarized recent changes to the Wisconsin innovation grant (Act 15) that loosen earlier requirements and provide grants to support consolidation or shared service pilots for local governments. The updated program places priority on public‑safety services, allows some cost increases during the contract period (a new 15% rule was discussed), and extends funding opportunities across multiple fiscal years.
Leonard said Marathon County has already combined services in some areas (for example, North Central Healthcare and city–county IT) and that the grant could support further intergovernmental arrangements where appropriate. He said the county had begun preliminary conversations with at least one municipality and the sheriff bout law enforcement service arrangements and that smaller municipal departments could face recruitment and retention challenges that make shared services attractive.
Committee members asked whether the program uses actual costs or budgeted costs as the baseline for grant eligibility; Leonard said he would follow up with the Department of Revenue and additional guidance. He asked supervisors to identify possible consolidation candidates and noted the state program can cover a portion of contracted service costs for multiyear agreements.
