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 base increase would affect the budget by about $400,000 and that a wage study could cost roughly $30,000 to $50,000. After a procedural motion to end debate was carried and the amendment was read aloud, the board voted the amendment down, 6 yes to 18 no.

A substitute motion to increase the sales-tax revenue estimate and earmark $60,000 from that revenue for a wage study was also defeated, 6 yes to 18 no. Supporters said a study could help the county retain and recruit staff; opponents said the study—s utility and timing were uncertain and that the board should allow committees and department heads time to vet such moves.

Separately, Supervisor Matthew Phipps moved to reduce borrowing for highway projects from $3,250,000 to $2,200,000 by removing revenue and borrowing linked to a proposed brine facility. Proponents cited borrowing costs and timing; opponents argued the county should proceed with modern brine practices and that the request had been considered by highway committees. That amendment failed, 6 yes, 17 no with one abstention.

Supervisor Ryan Phillips proposed trimming four full-time equivalent (FTE) non-mandated positions from the Human Services budget, leaving details and implementation to the department director. The finance director warned that reducing expenses would affect related revenue lines and levy calculations and said more analysis was needed. The board voted the motion down, 8 yes, 16 no.

After additional debate about the half-percent sales tax and longer-term plans for Human Services funding, the board approved the resolution adopting the 2025 budget and property levy, 15 yes to 9 no. Several supervisors called for the Executive Committee to meet in January to dig into lingering Human Services questions and process improvements in the budget review cycle.

Votes at a glance - Amendment: reduce 2% wage increase to 1% and fund $30,000 wage study — FAILED, 6 yes, 18 no. - Amendment: increase sales tax estimate by $60,000 to fund wage study — FAILED, 6 yes, 18 no. - Amendment: reduce highway borrowing (brine facility) from $3,250,000 to $2,200,000 — FAILED, 6 yes, 17 no, 1 abstention. - Amendment: remove 4 FTEs from Human Services (director discretion) — FAILED, 8 yes, 16 no. - Final vote: adopt 2025 budget and levy — PASSED, 15 yes, 9 no.

Why it mattered Board discussion repeatedly returned to the county—s new half-percent sales tax, adopted earlier in the year, and whether it had been used to produce durable change in county finances. Some members said the sales tax was necessary to backfill prior shortfalls and to avoid larger property tax increases; others said the county—s borrowing and spending plans undercut promises to use the sales tax to reduce reliance on debt and to lower property-tax burdens over time.

What—s next Supervisors agreed to convene further Executive Committee work in January to review Human Services spending, recommended committee follow-ups and to improve advance distribution of budget detail so supervisors can propose vetted amendments ahead of full-board votes. The board also heard other committee reports before adjourning.

Direct quotes (from speakers at the meeting) - "I move that we adopt this budget, and we'll start the discussion from there," Supervisor Hansen said when presenting the finance committee—s recommendation. - "A 1% base increase represents about $400,000 to the budget," the finance director said during discussion of wage options. - "We have to make a good faith reduction," Supervisor Ryan Phillips said when proposing cuts in Human Services.

Ending The board completed its business and adjourned after approving the 2025 budget; supervisors asked that follow-up committee meetings be scheduled to address data and process gaps identified during debate.