Richland County committee assigns supervisors to standing committees; two district seats remain vacant

The Richland County Committee on Committees met April 22 to assign county supervisors to standing committees and to several external boards, while noting two supervisor seats (districts 19 and 20) are vacant and several committee slots will be finalized after appointments.

Chair Severson opened the meeting, confirmed the agenda and minutes were approved, and turned to the main business of placing supervisors on standing committees. Staff confirmed that two recently declared winners in districts 19 and 20 will not fill seats immediately: one declared winner declined and a write‑in in district 20 has not produced verification of a qualified elector, so both seats are expected to remain vacant until oath and eligibility are resolved or an appointment is made. Staff told the committee it will advertise vacancies and hold appointments once organizational items are settled.

The committee reviewed preferences and current membership for each standing committee. Natural Resources, Community & Health Services, Public Safety, Public Works and Executive & Finance were discussed in detail. Staff recited current or prior members for Natural Resources (including Steve Carroll, Kevin Nolan, Brandy Skoonover, Rod Perry, Richard McKe and others) and for Community & Health Services (including Sandy Kramer, Daniel Maguire, Larry Engel, Rod Perry and Mary Miller). Members volunteered or confirmed interest in slots and alternates were proposed for at‑large positions.

Committee members emphasized the significance of the Executive & Finance committee because it will steer difficult budget tradeoffs for 2026. Staff and supervisors estimated the two departments overseen by Community & Health Services carry roughly $20 million between them; speakers also referenced a countywide budget figure that rose to about $53 million this year (up from a typical ~$43 million) because of a highway project. Members repeatedly urged that people assigned to finance have the availability and financial experience necessary to make difficult decisions.

Across the agenda the committee also placed supervisors on a variety of regional and citizen boards — including the county fair board, the Tri‑County Airport Commission, several library boards, Southwest Wisconsin regional entities and housing or aging authorities — and recorded which supervisors expressed interest in each. The committee flagged that some citizen membership lists may change and that staff will confirm citizen appointments separately.

Staff will compile the final committee assignment list and include it in the full county board packet for next week’s meeting for approval. The committee asked for an emailed copy of the assignments in advance so members can verify placements and catch any errors. The meeting concluded after a final motion (mover and seconder recorded in the transcript) that carried.