Regional planners, tourism and fair officials present 2025 asks to Polk County committee

Three outside agencies presented to the Polk County committee with project updates and budget requests that administration will consider for the 2025 budget.

Scott Allen, executive director of the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, reviewed the commission’s work across seven counties (including Polk County), staffing updates and recent grant‑funded projects. He noted the commission’s 2024 budget of about $1.75 million, explained the levy structure shared among the seven counties (the levy contribution totals roughly $297,649 across the region, about 17% of the commission budget), and outlined regionally coordinated efforts including the Polk County Bike & Ped Plan, hazard mitigation planning and involvement in passenger‑rail and broadband coalitions.

Earl Duckett and Brad Beerson from the Polk County Tourism Council described the council’s volunteer structure and an $81,251 spring 2025 marketing campaign estimated to generate additional visitor expenditures (presenter estimated $364,000). The council reported winning a competitive Wisconsin Department of Tourism grant for the campaign and described a professionalized brand strategy and influencer outreach to the Twin Cities market.

Representatives of the Polk County Fair Society reported a successful fair (attendance figures presented as about 38,000), improvements funded through CIP and donations (emergency broadcast system, upgraded sound systems, roof overlayment) and ongoing volunteer support. Their 2025 requests included facility upgrades (LED upgrades, ventilation improvements) and routine maintenance needs the county may consider for capital budgeting.

Administrators recorded the agencies’ operating asks and noted that the administrator will present recommendations for those requests during the budget process in September.