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Sawyer County to pilot online permit automation as towns press for clearer zoning timelines
Summary
County staff described plans to automate online permits and clarify permit timelines; towns raised concerns about communication on rezoning and multi-dwelling ordinance revisions, and a petition was expected for formation of a Callahan Mud Lake district.
County staff told the board they are preparing a forms-automation project to allow online permit applications and payments for items such as highway and driveway permits, and forestry-related permits. Staff said online payments will likely include a customer-facing credit-card fee rather than the county absorbing processing costs; departments will publish fee information when each permit type is launched.
The county's human resources update noted recruiting progress but continued shortages for ambulance staffing and other positions. Discussion of jail capacity included a cited typical jail population around 50 and a reported double-bunking capacity reference near 110.
Several town representatives raised concerns about county zoning timelines and communication. Staff agreed to prepare a clearer timeline for zoning and conditional-use processes (for example, applications submitted by Oct. 15 would go to action at the December meeting under current timing). Towns also expressed frustration about being removed from certain approval processes (notably an ATV-on-county-roads decision) and asked for improved engagement on multi-dwelling ordinance revisions.
Staff reported an expected petition to form a Callahan Mud Lake district; if filed, the county would hold a public hearing within statutory deadlines and the land-water-forestry committee would summarize findings to the County Board.
Other administrative items: the CJCC agreement was renewed for one year with added quarterly reporting and tribal representation on jail reports; tax-deed process changes under state statute will shorten timelines (noted adjustments from 240 days to 180 days for sale after a holding period); broadband application windows are tied to pending FCC/PSC project-unit maps; and staff will present details on permit fees and staffing requests if ordinances are adopted.
Next steps: staff to present permit-fee proposals once ordinance language is finalized, provide a zoning timeline to towns, and proceed with committee review of the Callahan Mud Lake petition and CJCC renewal follow-up.
