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Rock County supervisors reject amendment to eliminate EDIB program after heated debate
Summary
Supervisors considered and rejected an amendment to eliminate the county's equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB) program and the equity engagement strategist position; the roll-call vote failed 12-17 after extended debate over program value, cost and legal risk.
A proposed amendment to eliminate Rock County's equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB) program and the equity engagement strategist position failed on a 12-17 roll-call vote Wednesday following a lengthy and often heated board debate.
Supervisor Fugle presented the motion and a fiscal analysis asserting the program's cumulative cost could exceed $720,000, which he said represented lost staff time and direct and indirect expenses. He urged the board to reallocate the funds to reduce the county's debt service levy.
Opponents argued the motion would dismantle a program that helps ensure compliance with federal requirements (including ADA obligations), warned the board against acting without hearing from the program staff and cautioned that terminating a county employee and program on the spot could expose the county to legal claims. County counsel told the board there was nothing in the immediate facts that made a discrimination lawsuit inevitable but acknowledged that employment actions commonly generate claims.
Supervisor Stevens urged the board to ask the equity specialist to present and to evaluate the program before deciding on termination. "We don't really know what this person does on a daily basis," Stevens said. Other supervisors urged program evaluation and changes rather than elimination.
The chair called the question after debate, and the roll-call vote on the amendment recorded 12 yes and 17 no, leaving the EDIB program in place for now. Several supervisors said the motion raised important questions about program participation and return on investment; others emphasized the county's earlier resolution on implicit-bias training and the need to maintain services tied to federal grants.
The board did not vote on a replacement plan; defenders of the program called for a data-driven evaluation of participation and outcomes.
The outcome: the EDIB program remains funded in the 2026 budget as adopted by the board; supervisors who raised concerns said they want follow-up information and clearer attendance and outcome measures before taking further action.
