Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Administrative Law topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board adopts standing policy to use independent hearing examiners for contested‑case appeals when ordinances are silent
Summary
Vernon County approved a standing policy authorizing corporation counsel to retain independent hearing examiners for contested‑case hearings under Wis. Stat. § 68.11 when local ordinances do not specify a presiding officer; the rule applies immediately to pending matters named in the resolution.
The Vernon County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution 2026‑37 on June 25 to establish a standing policy that contested‑case hearings conducted under Wis. Stat. § 68.11 will be presided over by an independent hearing examiner when county ordinances do not otherwise designate the presiding officer. Corp Counsel Swayne presented the resolution and the board adopted it on a voice vote.
The resolution authorizes Corporation Counsel to identify, retain, and contract with an attorney licensed in Wisconsin with experience in administrative, land‑use, or municipal law to serve as the independent hearing examiner, subject to approval by the County Administrative Coordinator. The examiner is charged with conducting hearings, managing the record, and issuing a written recommended decision to the board, which retains final authority to adopt, modify, or reject the recommendation.
The resolution says the policy promotes impartial records and consistency and is intended to insulate the board from acting as both advocate and adjudicator. It also applies immediately to a pending contested‑case matter named in the resolution (Green Tech Enterprises LLC / Lucas Winchel regarding the OMo Quarry site). The minutes record no dissent when the board adopted the resolution by voice vote.
