Waupaca County Board approves $1 million transfer, wage boost for water patrol deputies and zoning changes

The Waupaca County Board of Supervisors on March 18, 2025 adopted a series of unanimous measures to address budget shortfalls, public-safety staffing and local land-use changes.

The board approved Resolution No. 57 to transfer $1,000,000 from the Highway Operations Fund to the Transportation Services Fund after learning Transportation Services exceeded its 2024 budget by $711,630 and the 2025 budget expected to use $492,555 of fund balance. The fiscal note states the transfer reduces the 2024 Highway Operations cash balance to $3,597,037. Supervisor Much moved the measure and Supervisor Ertl seconded; the motion carried 21-0.

The board also approved a personnel pay change for seasonal water enforcement staff. Resolution No. 59 authorizes increases above the $25.00-per-hour base for returning Water Patrol Deputies, up to a maximum of $30.00 per hour, contingent on meeting performance expectations; the change takes effect upon passage. Supervisor Jaeger moved and Supervisor Hardy seconded the motion; the transcript records the vote as 22-0. The board discussion and resolution text cite recruitment and retention difficulties for water patrol-certified law-enforcement officers and note that maintaining a strong law-enforcement presence on the county’s public waters is important for public safety.

Public-safety funding and equipment decisions included acceptance of a $1,000 donation from the Almond…