Committee approves 10% intergovernmental materials fee to offset operating costs

The Walworth County Public Works Committee voted to raise the administrative fee the county charges municipalities and school districts for bulk materials and parts to 10% on Monday, citing the need to better recover operating costs.

Public works staff said the county currently charges about 4.63% and is proposing two options; staff recommended option 2 to raise the fee to 10% to cover equipment maintenance and labor. "We're viewing this as offsetting the current cost," Rich said. He noted some small municipal clients objected in written comments, but said the county is not attempting to be a revenue generator.

Committee members questioned affordability for small towns. One member asked what would happen if a large client withdrew; staff replied the county would have one fewer client and could continue operating, but the measure helps offset equipment and labor costs. A motion to adopt the 10% fee (option 2) passed by voice vote.

What's next: staff will write the change into the ordinances as part of the annual budget fee process and notify affected clients. The item will be reflected in upcoming operating budget adjustments.