Marathon County ERC advances rezones, solid-waste plan and resolution backing local control bills
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Summary
At its Jan. 6 meeting the Environmental Resources Committee approved three rezones, adopted the solid waste department strategic plan for 2026–2030, and passed a resolution asking the Wisconsin Counties Association to lobby in favor of state bills that would give municipalities greater authority over large renewable energy projects.
The Marathon County Environmental Resources Committee on Jan. 6 approved a series of routine land-use petitions, adopted a strategic plan for solid-waste operations, and passed a resolution urging the Wisconsin Counties Association to support state legislation that would expand municipal authority over the siting of large renewable energy facilities.
Rezoning actions: After staff reports and no public opposition for the specific parcels, the committee approved three rezone petitions and recommended each to the county board where required. The approved petitions included: Michael Garman (farmland preservation to neighborhood commercial, item 5a1), Charles Beck (LDR/GA to rural residential, item 5a2), and the Rudin Family Legacy Trust parcels (GA to rural residential, item 5a4). Each action was recommended based on staff findings of fact and the town boards’ recommendations.
Solid-waste strategic plan: Director Dave Haginbuncher presented the Solid Waste Department’s 2026–2030 strategic plan, which emphasizes groundwater and air protection, continued recycling and hazardous-waste programs, partnerships for gas-to-energy projects, and safety improvements. The committee adopted the plan by voice vote.
Resolution on local control for renewable siting: The committee considered a supervisor-drafted resolution (item 5c3) asking the Wisconsin Counties Association to lobby for Assembly Bill 7 and Senate Bill 3, which would return certain siting authority to local municipalities for large projects. Debate focused on whether the bills would give municipalities veto power over projects and what effect that might have on grid reliability and county utility aids. County counsel and the administrator explained the bills would give municipalities the authority to approve or reject projects that otherwise might fall under PSC siting authority. The committee voted to forward the resolution supporting the legislation.
Votes at a glance: - Rezone 5a1 (Michael Garman): Motion to recommend approval carried by voice vote. - Rezone 5a2 (Charles Beck): Motion to recommend approval carried by voice vote. - Rezone 5a4 (Rudin Family Legacy Trust): Motion to recommend approval carried by voice vote. - Solid Waste Strategic Plan (2026–2030): Adopted by voice vote. - Resolution (5c3) supporting Assembly Bill 7 / Senate Bill 3 (local control): Motion to approve and forward passed by majority vote.
Next steps: Staff will forward rezone recommendations to the county board where required and proceed with the outreach and reporting items associated with the adopted solid-waste plan and resolution.