Committee backs substitute lease extension for Employment and Training Association at Dane County Job Center

The Health and Human Needs Committee on Aug. 20 recommended approval of a substitute extension of a lease with the Employment and Training Association (ETA) for space at the Dane County Job Center. Director Schuder described the item as a "standard lease extension" for an existing, long‑time lessee and said the current agreement earns the county roughly $34,000 annually and includes a 2% escalator.

Committee members asked why the substitute reduced the leased footprint (from 13 cubicles in the original to nine in the substitute). Adam Charlton, manager in the Division of Economic Assistance and Work Services, said space requests fluctuate with state and federal contracts and that ETA had reduced its space needs amid program reductions but could ask for more space later if new contracts arrive. "They've had some program reductions...so they're trying to reduce their space needs and share space where it's possible," Charlton said.

Supervisor Jackson moved the substitute; with no objection it was recommended to the County Board. The committee recorded the substitute recommendation by voice; the item will proceed in the legislative process for final County Board action.