The Marathon County Infrastructure Committee on Dec. 4 unanimously approved the 2026 Wisconsin Department of Transportation routine maintenance agreement (RMA) after DOT staff outlined a statewide increase in maintenance funding.

DOT North Central Region representative Mike Kritzmer told the committee the statewide RMA budget rose by $11,600,000, with the region receiving roughly $1,465,000 of that increase and Marathon County’s allocation rising by about $269,500 under the DOT’s level-of-service model, which factors lane miles, roadway miles and bridge counts. County staff introduced the RMA and invited DOT to brief the committee on changes.

The agreement covers routine work counties perform on state highways, including general patching, mowing, brush cutting, shoulder maintenance and snow plowing. Kritzmer said other regional funds for performance-based maintenance (PBM) remain at $2,178,000 for 2026 and are typically directed toward crack sealing and similar pavement preservation work. He also described use of local force accounts drawn from improvement dollars to address safety-type work when needed.

Supervisor Sorbert moved approval of the RMA; Supervisor Griner seconded. Chair called the vote and those present signified “aye”; the motion carried unanimously.

The committee’s action does not itself change county staffing levels, county staff said, but the increased RMA helps offset higher wages, equipment and hourly costs. DOT and county staff encouraged supervisors to review maps of the six-year improvement program, which DOT posts and updates on its GIS website.

The committee will consider related improvement and safety projects in future agendas and staff said some improvement dollars and LFAs may be used for targeted safety work.

The committee adjourned after routine business; its next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 8, 2026, at 9 a.m.