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Board adopts updated rules and new code of ethics; clarifies mobile-device and conduct rules
Summary
St. Croix County supervisors approved a modernized rules package and a rewritten Chapter 90 code of ethics, adding an executive committee, written rules of conduct for supervisors and an ethics board process; both measures passed unanimously.
The County Board adopted two governance reforms intended to modernize procedures and provide a clearer process for adjudicating conduct and conflicts. The rules update (adopted 19-0) adds an executive committee composed of the board chair, vice chair and standing committee chairs, clarifies virtual attendance rules, and adds a rules-of-conduct process for supervisors. The code of ethics was comprehensively rewritten and sets out complaint timelines, membership of an ethics board (three citizens plus an alternate, one required to be a licensed attorney), investigative steps and remedies.
Corporate counsel said the rewrite addressed inconsistent statutory language in the prior code and gave the ethics board clearer procedures for handling allegations. Supervisors discussed a narrow change to cellphone language to prohibit using personal devices to communicate with other supervisors about matters on the floor while allowing devices for accessibility and public-records uses; a friendly amendment to that effect was adopted before the rules passed.
County leaders said the changes adopt best practices recommended by the Wisconsin Counties Association and will be followed by updated procedural guidance to supervisors and staff.
