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Treasurer reports parcel sales, 1,600 delinquent notices and continued HHS mandate-driven costs
Summary
The Sawyer County treasurer briefed the finance committee on February settlements and the listing of seven parcels for sale, said the county sent over 1,600 delinquent tax notices this year, and finance staff warned HHS spending remains largely mandated and will require budget transfers to stabilize fund balances.
The Sawyer County treasurer reported March 12 that the county has listed seven parcels acquired in 2025 and will begin selling them as part of tax-settlement activity. He said February settlements produced receipts that were read into the record and that the county sent out “over 1,600 delinquent notices” on the 2025 tax roll.
Treasurer (S3) presented interim metrics—saying an interim figure dropped from 104 to 78—and described postal delays that have complicated receipt of mailed checks. On settlements he reported amounts in the record; the exported transcript contains numeric transcription issues for some figures, and the exact settlement totals should be confirmed with county records.
During the finance department review, staff (S2) summarized department-level results, noting child-support revenues were reported ahead of budget (documented in the report as roughly 130% of budget) with expenses at about 92% for the period shown. Finance Director (S4) said the county is closing books for the general fund and HHS, plans to recommend transfers at the April meeting, and intends to make an automatic 1% sales-tax transfer to assigned fund balances (including for ambulance services) while reducing next year’s levy accordingly.
Asked whether HHS spending is state-mandated, the finance director replied yes and explained that certain placements and services are required even when they are not fully state-funded, which can force the county to use local dollars. The director said Highway had a strong 2025 but continues to face a negative unassigned equipment fund balance that will be addressed via transfers.
On investments, staff said interest rates have held a little under 4% and that the county’s certificates of deposit are yielding above current money-market rates.
County staff said specific numbers and detailed line-item totals should be reviewed in the finance packet (page 36 referenced during the meeting). The committee did not take an action to adopt transfers on March 12; staff said recommendations will appear in April.
