Washington County committee forwards ‘Charlie Kirk Way’ naming resolution to full board after heated debate over public funds

At a meeting of the Washington County Executive Committee, members voted to forward a resolution to the full county board to consider renaming a county highway “Charlie Kirk Way,” while agreeing the county would not pay for signage with tax dollars.

The committee’s debate focused on two questions: whether the county should use public funds for road‑naming costs and whether a divisive nomination should be decided by the full 21‑member board. The committee moved the item to the full board "without recommendation," a procedural step that shifts the final decision and any appropriation vote to the full board.

The exchange grew heated at times. Supervisor Dennis Kelling, who identified himself during his remarks, said he would support the naming but not a tax‑funded appropriation: “I am Dennis Kelling… I don't want any part of any taxpayer dollars going toward this. However, I will vote yes to Charlie Kirk Way,” Kelling said, adding that private fundraising was preferable.

Supervisor Schultheis, clarifying procedure, told guests the meeting was a business meeting rather than a noticed public hearing: “This is not the notice for a public hearing… This is a business meeting of the executive committee,” she said, explaining that formal public comment rules did not apply to the committee’s discussion.

County Executive (title used in the meeting) told the committee he had received hundreds of emails and calls both for and against the proposal and urged civil dialogue. He also explained a technical constraint about funding: even donations that are intended for a project often require a general fund transfer and appropriation by the county board. “General fund transfers are a procedure,” he said, noting the amendment now under consideration was drafted in response to constituent concern about using tax dollars.

Procedural votes recorded in committee: a motion to forward the Charlie Kirk road‑naming resolution to the county board passed on a voice vote after a motion from Supervisor Kelling and a second from Supervisor Schwab. Committee members noted that naming or un‑naming a road requires a 3/4 vote of the full county board (16 of 21 supervisors) under a resolution adopted last month, and that the full board will take up the item on April 21 as part of its next meeting schedule.

The committee also discussed an amendment intended to clarify that the $50,000 estimated cost for signage would come from donations rather than the tax levy; members emphasized the change would make the renaming honorary only and would not change residents’ mailing addresses or emergency call routing.

The matter will return to the full county board, where supervisors will have the opportunity to debate and vote on both the naming request and any required appropriation.