Vernon County adopts comprehensive plan ordinance after heated public comment and failed postponement

The Vernon County Board of Supervisors adopted the "Vernon County Comprehensive Plan 2024–2044" on Feb. 20, 2025, following a public-comment period and a failed attempt to postpone final action.

Public speakers urged the board to delay or reject adoption. George Wilber, a citizen member of the Vernon County Planning Commission from the Town of Whitestown, told the board he believed "there are three decisions being made with a single vote" and warned that the plan's implementing ordinance could "hinder the potential growth in rural areas." Clerk J. Pedretti read a packet of 32 written notices into the record; one of the letters read, in part, "I DO NOT wish to have any of my deeded property entered into any comprehensive plan." Several commenters alleged they were not properly notified or that statutory procedures were not followed.

Board members debated whether changes beyond clerical edits could be made without another hearing. Supervisor Muller moved to postpone the ordinance until April; that motion failed on a roll call vote, 2 ayes, 13 nays, 4 absent. The Board then adopted Ordinance 2025-03 by roll call: 13 ayes, 2 nays, 4 absent, with Supervisors Muller and Walleser voting no.

Supporters on the board emphasized the legal requirement for a county comprehensive plan and said the document reflects public input collected during the planning process. Zoning Administrator Matt Albright told members he had attended 16 meetings, led eight public input sessions, issued a survey and presented at town association meetings, and said the plan had been publicized in multiple forums.

The ordinance will take effect upon publication. The board scheduled its next regular meeting for March 20, 2025.