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Jefferson County opens public hearing on recommended 2025 budget; staff answers questions on CDL drug testing and amendment deadlines
Summary
The Jefferson County Board opened the required public hearing on the recommended 2025 budget, discussed state-reported net new construction (about 1.09%), and clarified that random drug and alcohol testing applies to employees with active commercial driver’s licenses; budget amendment submissions are due to the administrator by noon Nov. 4.
The Jefferson County Board opened a public hearing on the recommended 2025 budget and took questions from the public and supervisors about personnel-testing protocols and the amendment timetable. Mr. Jones moved to open the hearing, noting it was “a public hearing required by state statute.”
Finance staff reviewed packet materials including state reports that show the county's net new construction at roughly 1.09 percent and explained the apportionment process used to distribute mill rates among municipalities and the county. Mr. Weimer said the apportionment figures and net new construction are included in the budget documents provided to supervisors.
During public questions, an attendee asked who is subject to the highway department drug-testing program and what testing method is used. Staff responded that testing is administered to employees who hold active commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) because CDL holders must meet Wisconsin CDL requirements. Staff said the program uses randomized call-in testing administered by Ford Business Health and results are reported back to HR and the highway department for compliance. On the test type, staff said, “I believe it's a urine test but we have to clarify that for sure.”
Board members discussed the possibility of expanding testing beyond frontline CDL holders. Staff said any expansion would require a formal county policy change and likely would involve multiple departments rather than a single-department directive.
The hearing was closed on a motion by Mr. Jones after questions were addressed. Staff reminded supervisors that all proposed budget amendments must be submitted to the administrator's office by noon on November 4; the Finance Committee is scheduled to meet on November 5 and the full county board will consider amendments on November 12.
During the public-comment period later in the meeting, a commenter noted October observances including Domestic Violence Awareness Month and said financial and social impacts are rising, citing a figure “up to already over 26%.”
