Board approves $1.5 million in courthouse work, adds $222,000 for dome restoration

The Bayfield County Board on June 30 approved Resolution 2026-66 to amend the 2026 capital budget for courthouse improvements and the Iron River Highway Garage project. Administrator Mark Abeles-Allison told supervisors that the Iron River bid came in under budget while the courthouse work exceeded estimates; completing restoration of both the minidome and main dome would add approximately $222,000, to come from designated fund balances earmarked for courthouse and annex buildings.

Maintenance Supervisor Craig Parks explained that copper coatings applied in the 1960s and subsequent wear have required attention; he also noted the courthouse is "the oldest operating courthouse in Wisconsin," which several supervisors said supports investing in preservation. The board discussed potential historic-preservation grant eligibility; Abeles-Allison said the county applied for $750,000 but received $142,000 toward the project. The resolution passed unanimously.

The action directs use of designated fund balances to address the shortfall and authorizes expenditure for the approved repairs. County staff said they will pursue any appropriate historic-preservation funding and report back to the board.