County administrators told the Richland County Executive & Finance Committee on Dec. 15 that signed contracts for a newly created ambulance district remain outstanding and that ambulance workers have initiated a union representation process.

The county presenter said contracts are fully signed by Boaz but remain unsigned by Richland Center, Richland Township and Henrietta because of questions about the legal language describing the district and because the municipalities are awaiting approval from the Department of Revenue. "What the holdup is ... they're waiting to get approval from DOR on that," the county presenter said.

The administrator also said the county received notice from the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission that ambulance employees are seeking representation from SEIU Wisconsin, and that the next step would be a representation election. "They are seeking representation from SEIU Wisconsin," the county presenter said. The county must verify eligible voters for that election, he added.

County counsel and advisers have told staff to take only required actions for now; the presenter said he has shared materials with counsel Andy Phillips and will work with him through the process. The county scheduled a meeting with the municipalities for Dec. 16 to discuss whether they are willing to form a district and to outline options, including the possibility that a newly created municipal district run the service.

The committee did not take a formal vote on contracts or labor matters at the meeting. The administrator said staff intend to continue monthly meetings with municipalities as they work through options and legal prerequisites; the county will return to the committee with updates and any formal actions when ready.