Jefferson County board approves courthouse security film, hazmat mutual‑aid and public‑health grants

The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors on a December evening approved a slate of resolutions addressing courthouse security, hazardous‑materials response, private‑well arsenic testing and county farmland leasing.

In separate actions, the board authorized a contract for security film on ground‑accessible courthouse glass, approved a mutual‑aid hazardous‑materials (HAZMAT) agreement with Dodge County and accepted a public‑health grant to expand arsenic testing of private wells.

The buildings and grounds resolution (Res. 2025‑64) authorized the county administrator to execute a contract with Lake City Glass to install security film on ground‑accessible courthouse glass openings. Facilities staff told the board that security film is the most cost‑effective solution compared with ceiling‑mounted glass‑break sensors and that the low bid of $41,690 is within the capital funding included in the 2026 budget. The motion was moved by Supervisor Backlund and seconded by Mr. Lindell and passed by voice vote.

On a roll call, the board approved Resolution 2025‑65, authorizing a HAZMAT mutual‑aid agreement with Dodge County. The measure funds an initial December‑to‑December arrangement and includes a $5,000 payment for 2025 to satisfy a grant requirement that a HAZMAT team be in place. Emergency Management staff said incident‑specific expenses are expected to be billed to responsible parties when identified. The roll call recorded 27 yes, 0 no, 3 absent.

The board also unanimously accepted a $10,000 grant from the Wisconsin Environmental Public Health Tracking “Taking Action with Data” program (Res. 2025‑66) to support an arsenic risk‑reduction initiative focused on private wells. Health department staff said the program will fund at least 110 private‑well samples, community education for roughly 500 residents, and collaboration with the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey to help develop a countywide predictive model for arsenic risk. The roll call was 27 yes, 0 no, 3 absent.

Other adopted measures included a one‑year extension of the county agricultural lease for approximately 204 acres at $290.25 per acre (estimated rent $59,211) and adoption of Ordinance 2025‑15 to amend the official county zoning map after the Planning & Zoning Committee found statutory criteria met. A set of appointments to county boards and the fair board were confirmed by unanimous voice votes.

Board members asked clarifying questions during debate on the HAZMAT agreement and the arsenic grant. Emergency Management clarified the county currently maintains two trucks and two trailers associated with HAZMAT response and is rebuilding local capacity after a team was dismantled in late 2023; Public Health staff explained private‑well testing is not mandated and homeowners typically submit samples through the state lab, with filtration (for example, reverse‑osmosis units) a typical mitigation option.

Votes at a glance

- Res. 2025‑64 — Courthouse security film (contract with Lake City Glass): low bid $41,690; passed (voice vote). - Res. 2025‑65 — HAZMAT mutual‑aid agreement with Dodge County: initial payment $5,000 (2025); passed (roll call 27–0–3 absent). - Res. 2025‑66 — Arsenic risk reduction grant acceptance: $10,000; at least 110 private well samples and outreach to ~500 residents; passed (roll call 27–0–3 absent). - Res. 2025‑67 — County farm lease extension: ~204 acres at $290.25/acre; estimated rent $59,211; passed (voice vote). - Ordinance 2025‑15 — Official zoning map amendments: adopted (voice vote). - Multiple appointments to library board, veteran service commission and fair board: confirmed (voice votes).

The board authorized administrators and department heads to implement the approved contracts and budget adjustments where required; for the HAZMAT agreement, Emergency Management indicated incident costs will generally be billed to responsible parties and 2026 budget adjustments will reflect ongoing participation.

The meeting adjourned after brief announcements and reminders about nomination papers and the county newsletter.