Public safety committee approves unfreezing three correctional officer positions and forwards petty-cash increase

The Marathon County Public Safety Committee approved several routine and personnel actions at its meeting.

The committee approved the May 12, 2026 public safety meeting minutes by voice vote with no changes.

On a personnel item, the committee voted to refer a county‑board resolution to unfreeze three previously unfunded correctional officer FTE positions. Staff told the committee the positions were left unfunded in the 2026 budget process and that no budget amendment is required to unfreeze them; staff said the sheriff's office can absorb the cost within its allocation and by reducing overtime use. During discussion staff said overtime costs rose in recent periods and referenced packet figures showing overtime costs increased from about $216,417 to over $252,000 when 42 corrections positions were funded (packet page 6). The motion to refer the resolution to the county board was moved and seconded (motion recorded as made by Jennifer with a second from Deb), and the committee approved the referral on a voice vote.

The committee also moved to forward a request to increase the sheriff's office petty cash from $100 to $200 (described in the memo as $200 per drawer across two drawers) to the county board for consideration. Staff explained the increase supports routine operating needs and that reconciliation procedures remain in place. The committee moved to place the petty-cash request on the county board agenda.

Why it matters: Unfreezing correctional positions affects staffing levels in the county jail and is intended to reduce reliance on overtime and deputy call‑ins; forwarding the petty-cash increase is a small operational adjustment that will be reviewed by the full county board.

Next steps: The petty-cash increase and the resolution to unfreeze the correctional officer positions will proceed to the county board for final action.