Marathon County committee outlines public‑engagement plan, schedules June 17 forum and survey review

Marathon County staff told the Alternative Energy Project Local Impact Advisory Committee they have launched a project page (marathoncount.gov/energy), opened an online survey that has received more than 400 responses, and scheduled a facilitated public forum for 6–8 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at the Lake View Conference Center.

Lori McSimmons, who presented the outreach update, said the forum will use small‑group facilitation led by Steve Smith so members of the public can discuss concerns and opportunities and submit written questions for Alliant to answer. McSimmons said staff and Public Information Officer Sarah Severson issued a press release, distributed flyers and letters to town chairs and clerks, and will post materials at county libraries and on social media to broaden participation.

McSimmons asked committee members and residents to forward technical questions — including PFAS and decommissioning — to staff so they may be routed to Alliant in advance of the committee's June 25 meeting, when Alliant is expected to be present to answer questions. Staff said the committee will review survey and forum findings at that June 25 meeting, draft an outline of a report to the executive committee, and reconvene July 9 to finalize recommendations for the executive committee meeting on July 18.

The chair reiterated that supervisors and appointed members are welcome to attend the June 17 public forum but should remain observers to ensure the facilitated process centers resident input. Staff said packet materials for the committee's June 25 meeting may arrive after the public forum due to timing on summarizing input, and encouraged attendees to check the project webpage for updates.

What happens next: the committee will compile questions for Alliant, review survey and forum results on June 25, and work toward a July 9 draft to present to the county's executive committee on July 18.