Waupaca County adopts 2023 budget, approves ARPA allocation amendment and five-year capital plan

Waupaca County Board of Supervisors adopted the countys Year 2023 budget on Nov. 8, 2022, voting 23-1 to approve Resolution No. 31, which sets levy amounts and directs department heads to operate programs as presented.

The board also unanimously approved two related measures: Resolution No. 29, an amendment to the first allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and Resolution No. 30, the countys 20232027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The public hearing on the proposed 2023 budget and the countys Transportation Services Program 85.21 drew no public input.

Resolution No. 29 noted that Waupaca County has been awarded $9,904,210 in federal ARPA funds administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The resolution amended the projects and estimated costs previously listed (Appendix B) while leaving the initial allocation request of $4,254,600 unchanged; the Finance Committee had recommended the amendment. Supervisor Miller moved adoption of Resolution No. 29, and Supervisor Timm seconded; the motion carried 24-0.

Resolution No. 30 approves the countys five-year Capital Improvement Plan, which the board said provides a framework for fiscal management, debt planning and the effect on reserves and operating budgets. Committees of jurisdiction and the Finance Committee reviewed the plan prior to adoption. Supervisor Federwitz moved the measure, Supervisor Nygaard seconded, and the motion carried 24-0.

Resolution No. 31 adopted the Year 2023 budget at the summary level as printed in the proceedings. The resolution levied $6,923 for veterans relief, $24,527,532 as the general tax levy, and $3,881,341 for debt service; it also specified statutory levies for bridges ($53,000, except certain cities) and public libraries ($1,157,166, except specified municipalities) under cited Wisconsin statutes. Supervisor Zaug moved adoption of Resolution No. 31, Supervisor Wengelski seconded, and the board approved the budget in a recorded vote, 23-1. The transcript does not identify the lone dissenting vote by name.

Earlier in the session, Chair Dick Koeppen opened the meeting, confirmed attendance and made the open meetings statement. The board voted 24-0 to approve the agenda and the Oct. 25, 2022 minutes. After the resolutions, the board received routine reports including an Employee Veteran Roll of Honor read by the chair and a vice chairs report from Vice Chair Dave Morack that included information about a Wisconsin Workforce Innovation Grant. Chair Koeppen placed correspondence for November on file. Supervisor Jaeger moved to adjourn; the meeting ended at 9:27 a.m.

Votes at a glance: Resolution No. 29 (ARPA amendment) adopted 24-0; Resolution No. 30 (20232027 CIP) adopted 24-0; Resolution No. 31 (Year 2023 Budget) adopted 23-1.

What happens next: the adopted budget takes effect at the summary level as printed and department heads shall operate their programs as presented; ARPA-funded projects listed on Appendix B were cleared to proceed per the Finance Committee recommendation.