Administrator Leonard says board will consider ratifying winter-storm emergency proclamation next week

Administrator Leonard told the Marathon County Board that state law requires the board to consider and potentially ratify an emergency proclamation issued during a recent winter storm and that the board will take that item up at its meeting next week. "State statute requires that in the event of an emergency declaration ... it be ratified, considered and potentially ratified by the board," Leonard said.

Leonard said the governor's emergency declaration ended on the 16th and county crews are still cleaning up from the storm. He also said the executive committee "will take the information provided and continue with the evaluator on Tuesday," indicating continued review of storm response work and evaluation activities.

The announcement came during routine business after the board returned to open session. After the announcement, Supervisor Opel moved to adjourn; Supervisor Morash seconded the motion. The board assented by voice and the meeting ended; the transcript records verbal "I" votes but does not provide a numeric roll-call tally.

Why it matters: Ratification of a local emergency proclamation can affect how the county accounts for emergency costs and whether certain state or federal processes apply. Leonard indicated the county will bring the formal ratification to the board next week so members can address the statutory requirement and any follow-up actions.

What's next: The ratification item is scheduled for next week's board meeting; the executive committee will continue its work with the evaluator on Tuesday, according to Leonard. The board adjourned after taking that action.