Land and Water staff outline budget, debate continuing county well‑testing program

Colton, speaking for the Land and Water Conservation Department, reviewed several budget line items: producer‑led project codes (129) are budgeted at zero because the county is not currently the fiscal agent; wildlife damage is shown with a $100,000 placeholder pending USDA input; staffing funds are about $191,000, roughly $58,000 more than in 2024, and structural and nutrient‑management allocations are listed at about $65,000 and $29,000 respectively.

Colton raised the issue of well testing (project code 628), noting ARPA funds used for the program have been depleted and asking whether the county should continue only technical support, set up a reimbursement model, or direct residents to UWSP’s water and environmental analysis lab. Colton estimated that providing about 200 tests would cost roughly $5,500 and said homeowner test kits from UWSP cost $78 each. Supervisors expressed support for continuing testing but asked that eligibility criteria be considered. The committee asked administration to develop a procedure if the board directs continued funding.