Manitowoc County Board adopts 2025 budget 15–9 after multiple failed amendments on wages, borrowing and staffing

The Manitowoc County Board on Nov. 15 approved the county—s 2025 budget and property levy by a vote of 15 to 9 after lengthy debate and a string of failed amendments.

The final tally followed proposals that tried to trim or reconfigure portions of the budget. Supervisors considered (and rejected) an amendment to reduce a proposed 2 percent base wage increase to 1 percent while funding a wage study, a later substitute to pay for a wage study out of increased sales-tax revenue, a reduction of planned highway borrowing tied to a proposed salt-brine and sand storage facility, and a motion to eliminate four non-mandated Human Services positions.

Chair Tyler Martell opened the meeting and the finance committee provided the budget package to the full board. Finance Committee Chair Supervisor Hansen told the board the package includes two amendments from committee review: $25,000 added to the coroner—s budget (funded $5,000 from new fees and $20,000 from the general fund) and internal line-item changes within Human Services.

Supervisor Hamill moved to reduce the 2 percent wage increase at the start of the year to 1 percent and to use the savings to finance a wage study. The finance director offered a rough cost comparison, noting a 1 percent…