County staff previewed the Dunn County Board's November annual meeting, highlighting the 2027 budget hearing and levy decision, a proposed borrowing resolution for highway projects that requires a three-quarters majority, an appointment to fill a District 16 vacancy, and several sheriff agreements and resolutions including opposition to proposed U.S. Census counting-rule changes.

Discussion Points

•Board will only proceed to budget appropriations and levy if borrowing resolution passes.
•Borrowing resolution for highway projects requires a higher legal threshold (22 votes).
•Budget process overview from staff: timeline and public review steps.
•Committee on Administration forwarded the collective bargaining agreement resolution.
•decisions[]: []
•directions[]: []
•Planned purchases totaling $40,000 to be presented in manager's report.
•Preview lacked specific negotiated terms and budget impacts.
•Proposed Census rule would count residents where they spend majority of time between Jan. 3 and April 1; county fears undercounting of Wisconsin residents who spend winters elsewhere.
•Public hearing scheduled as opportunity for feedback before appropriations and levy votes.
•Second reading scheduled; staff did not describe substantive changes in the short update.
•Short training on open records to inform board members about record creation and retention.
•Two sheriff intergovernmental agreements will be presented; preview lacked fiscal and operational specifics.
•Vacancy created by Tom Wagner's resignation; appointment scheduled after budget hearing.

Nov

Dunn County Planning, Resources & Development Committee - 11/05/2026

Dunn County Planning, Resource & Development Committee met Nov. 5 to approve the 2027 Wildlife Damage Abatement budget and local commodity claim prices, accept tax-foreclosed property bids, review the 2026 groundwater monitoring results, get an Old Galley Dam update, and hear staff reports on planning, reclamation and code enforcement.

Discussion Points

•2026 sampling collected 333 well samples; long‑term sites exist for trend analysis.
•Budget increase of 2.21% driven by Telonex subscription costs for bear‑trap monitors.
•Commodity pricing methodology: average of local elevator cash prices on the 15th of each month for 2026.
•County average nitrates near 5 mg/L; southern townships show higher values.
•DNR well compensation program eligibility is restrictive and may not help many households below high thresholds.
•Enforcement workflow emphasized voluntary compliance first, then legal action if necessary.
•FERC inspection (May) raised concerns about powerhouse supports; in October FERC placed the project on non‑generating status and requested further documentation and a plan.
•Most common violations: unpermitted structures (88), sanitation (39), shoreland/floodplain (35), junk/unregistered vehicles (24), MRVs (40) and livestock in residential (8).
•One qualifying sealed bid for property 26‑01 exceeded the appraised minimum.
•Preliminary engineering identified significant issues and recommended additional investigation (~$75,000 estimate).
•Project has been non‑generating since the turbine was removed in 2024.
•Seven candidates submitted for three slots on the state Land and Water Conservation Board.
•Significant backlog and inconsistent historical case files required reconstruction and a new tracking approach.
•Six bids for property 26‑02; highest bid selected per county recommendation.
•Supervisors prefer candidates with natural‑resource credentials and a demonstrated commitment.
•Supplemental letters of intent may be considered but committee typically follows highest bid unless other compelling factors exist.
•Venison processing reimbursement funds allow county participation in the DNR deer donation program.

Decisions

•2027 Wildlife Damage Abatement budget approved.
•Accept Quinton Papp bid for 26‑01; accept Tom Karras bid for 26‑02; require 30‑day payment term for both.
•Committee asked for periodic (quarterly or as‑needed) updates on enforcement outcomes and suggested focusing on the highest‑priority ordinance gaps.
•Commodity prices for corn and soybeans approved for claims calculation.
•No decision to repair or abandon was made; committee asked to be kept informed.
•No final vote taken; staff to bring recommendations for Dec. 3 meeting and deadline to submit selections is Dec. 11.
•No formal action taken; committee accepted the report and discussed grant eligibility concerns.

Directions

•Chase will return Dec. 3 with recommendations and candidate criteria for the committee to review.
•Continue sampling and maintain long‑term monitoring sites while funds last; report back on trends as more years of data accumulate.
•County staff, county manager and corporation counsel to meet with Zero Six Energy and the Lake Oglala Association to discuss next steps; staff to report back.
•Indelius will return later this winter with computed claims reflecting the approved commodity prices.
•Staff to collect payment within 30 days and return to committee if buyer fails to pay.
•Staff to prioritize ordinance clarifications related to mobile recreational vehicles and animal unit definitions and present a package of ordinance updates rather than piecemeal changes.

Oct

Dunn County Local Emergency Planning Committee - 10/08/2026

Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) met to discuss quorum/procedural issues, plans to boost engagement through tabletop drills and site visits, off‑site facility plan updates and membership changes, and a report of 11 hazardous-material spills including a 500‑gallon PFAS wastewater release at a 3M facility.

Discussion Points

•Amanda Lierman proposed as a candidate to join and potentially serve as secretary.
•Committee lacks quorum; can proceed for discussion but not voting.
•Enumerated 11 spill incidents since June, with dates and approximate volumes.
•Jason Spetz stated EPRA does not categorize their hydrogen system as an extremely hazardous substance.
•Members requested full spill details and to include them in the minutes.
•Minutes will reflect comments and follow-up actions.
•Most recent Oct. 7 wastewater PFAS spill at 3M reported ~500 gallons; some product reportedly entered storm drain.
•Options discussed: emergency meeting, email vote, interim appointment.
•Options for appointment: email vote, emergency meeting, or wait for next scheduled meeting.
•Point‑of‑dispensing and emergency notification drills recommended by public health.
•Program assistant position vacant; bylaw language removal proposed.
•Survey committee membership to find topic interest and presenters.
•Tabletop drills and mock simulations as post‑meeting activities.
•Walmart distribution removed from battery list after final off‑site; members asked if hydrogen storage should keep site on lists.

Decisions

•Bylaw change proposal tabled until quorum or follow-up procedure executed.
•No formal decisions due to lack of quorum; bylaws change proposal tabled.
•No regulatory change; facility removed from battery list per EPRA guidance.
•No regulatory enforcement action described during the meeting; follow-up reporting to occur.
•Plan to survey full committee; no formal vote required.

Directions

•Chair to consider calling an emergency meeting if volunteers identified.
•Dunn County Emergency Management to follow up with Amanda and to circulate possible next steps by email.
•Dunn County Emergency Management to include full spill list and details in posted minutes.
•Dunn County Emergency Management to send follow-up email and minutes.
•Encourage facilities with hydrogen systems to share plans with local responders even when EPRA thresholds are not met.
•Health and fire departments to coordinate any monitoring or follow-up.
•Identify potential trainers and schedule a tabletop exercise in upcoming months.
•If volunteers available, call a brief emergency meeting to appoint a secretary.
•Jason to work with members to draft a survey of LEPC interests and expertise.

Oct

Dunn County Judiciary and Law Committee - 10/26/2026

The Dunn County Judiciary and Law Committee heard public opposition and legal concerns about a proposed intergovernmental policing contract with the village of Elk Mound and agreed to monitor ongoing litigation rather than forward a recommendation; the committee approved smaller intergovernmental agreements with Wheeler (code enforcement) and continued participation in the West Central Drug Task Force.

Discussion Points

•Agreement would be covered by one on‑duty officer for about two hours per week.
•Corporation counsel said liability depends on investigation findings and that public records matters are being processed by an outside DA.
•Counsel reviewed public records and open‑meetings allegations led to an outside prosecutor review.
•Counsel said county liability would depend on whether the village vote or process were later found invalid.
•Drug activity described as "very active" and regional distribution routes mentioned.
•Elk Mound item drew sustained public comment and legal concern; committee chose to monitor litigation rather than vote.
•Participation affords shared investigative resources and technology.
•Public commenters alleged improper process and urged tabling; residents cited petitions and community impact.
•Staff explained the operational proposal and grant timing; sheriff emphasized school safety with dedicated coverage.
•Two other items (Wheeler and West Central Drug Task Force) were approved by voice vote.
•Wheeler lacks a police department and requested ordinance enforcement.

Decisions

•No formal county action; monitor and reconvene if needed.
•No motion made; no recommendation forwarded; action: monitor litigation / reconvene if necessary.
•Resolution approved by committee and will be processed.
•Resolution approved by committee; to be forwarded per process.
•Wheeler – approved; West Central Drug Task Force – approved; Elk Mound – no action, monitor.

Directions

•Committee will monitor ongoing outside review and corporation counsel's handling of public records requests; chair will be notified when further action is warranted.
•Corporation counsel will continue to process public records requests and advise the committee; the committee will monitor the outside review.
•Forward the two approved items for administrative processing and monitor the Elk Mound legal review.
•Proceed with finalizing the intergovernmental agreement and forward to the county board as required.
•Proceed with renewal of participation and continue coordination with partner jurisdictions.

Oct

Dunn County Health and Human Services Board Meeting - 10/22/2026

Dunn County Health & Human Services Board met to approve minutes and vouchers, heard reports from Veterans Services, Public Health, and Human Services, discussed a nearby measles outbreak (no Dunn County cases), reviewed department finances including an exhausted child-and-family grant, and authorized a streamlined process to accept small donations and grants.

Discussion Points

•An invoice error was corrected from $253,550 to about $40,000; the child returned home.
•Board members asked about retroactive payment timing and appeals process.
•DHS will rename foster-care report to reflect all placements.
•Dunn County reported no cases and increased vaccinations.
•Family-and-children block grant used up; $277,000 expense noted for the month.
•New process allows committee to accept donations/grants under $10,000 to speed spending of small funds.
•Public Health outlined available vaccines and eligibility procedures.
•September vouchers totaled $292,799.69 and were noted by the board.
•Staff to monitor placements, grants and revenue and report back.
•Threshold set at $10,000; items above that go to executive committee.
•Two travel-related measles cases connected to Marathon and Chippewa; Chippewa had 11 cases.
•VSO described outreach events and a small transportation reimbursement program.
•VSO reported a $132,000 retroactive payment driving higher interactions.

Decisions

•Process approved by voice vote.
•Vouchers noted; no further action required.

Directions

•DHS to closely track family-and-children expenditures and report updates to board.
•Public Health to continue regional coordination and monitor exposures.
•Staff to add form to packet and coordinate with finance.
•Staff to update report name for next packet.

Oct

Dunn County Board of Supervisors Meeting - 10/21/2026

Dunn County Board of Supervisors met Oct. 12 for a regular session featuring a multi-part presentation on the proposed 2027 budget, staffing and benefits proposals, capital projects and borrowing, several departmental reports, and votes including budget amendments, wage and benefits resolutions and ordinance changes affecting sheriff hiring.

Discussion Points

•$3.1M not-to-exceed borrowing for highway project
•Bonded capital decrease because HVAC not bonded in 2027
•Change hiring process to match other county employees to avoid repeated list-clearing delays
•Five-year CIP numbers and 2027 projects
•General fund projected to be ~36% (policy 35%)
•Health fund deficits and 8% premium proposal with small deductible increases
•Human services fund increases driven by placement costs
•IT enterprise budget projection and equipment-replacement fund status
•Need to align county code with state statute regarding undersheriff/chief deputy
•Net -3.75 FTE after position eliminations and targeted additions
•Overview of 2027 vs 2026 adopted budgets
•Phishing simulation results and cybersecurity layers
•Plan readiness and importance for resource management
•Property sale book and notice timelines
•Proposed 1% midpoint COLA and performance increases (2%/3%)
•Recent security event involving a compromised external account
•Staff outreach, state-level review and board participation
•Tax-billing calendar and municipal settlements
•Total indebtedness approx. $41M; target annual debt service ~$5.2M
•Uncollected properties and total unpaid tax amounts presented

Decisions

•Board later approved resolutions for wage plan and health premiums during the meeting
•Land and Water Resource Management Plan adopted
•Ordinance adopted after suspension of rules

Directions

•IT to continue monthly phishing tracking and follow up with 1-on-1 coaching for repeat clickers
•Staff to prepare formal borrowing resolution and debt-service projections for the next meeting.
•Staff to present formal resolutions for the wage plan and health premiums; collect written comments in advance of final adoption
•Staff to publish and submit plan materials to state reviewers and prepare implementation steps.
•Staff to publish detailed budget reports on county website and accept written suggestions prior to next meeting
•Treasurer to continue standard processes and coordinate with municipalities
•Update ordinance text and implement payroll stipend if applied

Oct

Dunn County Committee on Administration - 10/15/2026

The Dunn County Committee on Administration met Oct. 15, 2026. Members approved minutes and vouchers, heard staff reports including an Economic Development/Data Center briefing, received a detailed employee satisfaction survey presentation, approved an FTE/title change in Human Services, forwarded budget and resolution items (broadband carryforward, collective bargaining tentative agreement) to the County Board, and set the next meeting for Nov. 12.

Discussion Points

•An ammunition invoice from the Thorpe Police Department was flagged for investigation.
•Bargaining reached tentative agreement in first session; staff noted mutual satisfaction.
•Changes consolidate prior side letters into contract language and add modest pay increments for investigators and training officers.
•Data center session included practitioners and raised cooling/technology capacity issues.
•Economic Development 101 provided an overview of processes and community elevator pitches.
•Finance staff transferred to Human Services prompting a duties review.
•Garnishment deductions included payments to County of Rusk (facilitation role).
•Medical examiner billing: death‑related services billed 100% to Eau Claire; some shared services split 50/50; payroll allocations may be 80/20.
•Missed carryforward from 2024/2025 led to funds being omitted from 2026 carryforwards.
•Participation: ~70% in 2025 and 2026; ~81% in 2024; ~371 respondents in 2026.
•Project complete; Bloomer Broadband requested payment of $30,000.
•Reclassification intended to support cross‑training across program assistant roles.
•Survey methodology and three‑year trend discussed (2024–2026).
•Top strengths: general satisfaction, manager relationships; Lowest areas: trust in administration and satisfaction with annual salary increases.

Decisions

•Committee approved the FTE and job title change
•Committee approved vouchers; requested follow‑up information.
•Forward budget amendment to County Board
•Forward tentative agreement to County Board

Directions

•Committee signaled interest in follow‑up on compensation practices and targeted communications.
•Finance to explain garnishment facilitation, provide medical examiner cost split details, and investigate procurement path for ammunition invoice.
•Forward resolution to County Board for approval; staff to execute payment upon approval.
•HR/Payroll to process classification and update records.
•If approved by the board, implement wage increases on the first paycheck in January.
•Informational only; consider insights for county economic strategy.
•Staff to circulate slides and underlying data for further review.
•Staff to forward the resolution to the County Board for final approval.

Oct

Dunn County October 2026 County Manager Message with Dan Dunbar

Dan Dunbar, Dunn County manager, gave a monthly update on agenda items ahead of the Nov. 10 public budget hearing, including the proposed 2027 budget, departmental reports, multiple ordinances and resolutions, and a reminder of the changed meeting date.

Discussion Points

•A simplified budget book will be published ahead of the Nov. 10 public hearing to assist public review.
•Comprehensive plan has been in development for over a year and will guide future land-use decisions.
•County manager noted DATCP approval and committee forwarding the plan to the board.
•Executive Committee approved the proposed 2027 budget; Dunbar and CFO Bridal Andrews will present and explain key changes.
•Five departmental reports scheduled: Treasurer, County Fair, IT, Land Information, and corporation counsel.
•Highway Committee forwarded a resolution to update county road classifications used by the state for funding.
•No ordinance text or vote date provided in the update.
•No ordinance text or vote outcome provided in the update.
•No resolution text or vote result provided in the update.
•No specific pay increases, benefit changes, or cost estimates provided.
•Ordinance aims to align county code with recent state law changes and a Supreme Court decision on tax foreclosures.
•Proposed changes update deputy hiring to align with other county hires and address state-law changes about appointed positions.
•Resolutions to adopt 2027 pay and benefits plans are on the agenda.
•Under state law, appointments remain the Sheriff's responsibility; ordinance outlines compensation for appointees.

Decisions

•Board consideration scheduled; no final action recorded.
•Committee forwarded ordinance to full board; no adoption recorded.
•Item scheduled as a first reading; no final action recorded.
•Item scheduled for second reading; no final action recorded.
•Plan forwarded for board consideration; no final action recorded.
•Public hearing scheduled for Nov. 10; no final adoption recorded in this update.
•Reports scheduled; no outcomes recorded in the update.

Directions

•Publish simplified budget book and make it available to the board and public prior to Nov. 10.

Oct

Dunn County Committee On Administration - 10/15/2026

Committee on Administration for Dunn County met Oct. 15 to approve minutes and vouchers, hear an HR presentation on a three-year employee satisfaction survey, approve an FTE/job-title change in Human Services, and forward resolutions on uncashed checks, a $30,000 broadband carry-forward, and a tentative 2027–2029 collective-bargaining agreement to the County Board.

Discussion Points

•Ammunition invoice from Thorpe PD and procurement questions
•Comp‑time payout alignment with WRS
•Field training officer pay increase and equipment allowance standardization
•How medical‑examiner costs are allocated with Eau Claire
•Improvement in manager check‑ins and clarity of expectations
•Investigator premium and shift differential increases
•Low ratings on compensation and trust; possible link to organizational change
•Microsoft licensing per‑user costs and Phoenix contract timeline
•Missed carry‑forward from 2024 for a USDA‑funded project
•No change to pay grade
•No interest assessed by vendor for the delay
•Opportunity for cross‑training
•Presentation of survey methodology and 3‑year trends
•Rationale for reclassification after staff transfer
•Vendor (Bloomer Broadband) requests payment
•Wage schedule (3%, 3%, 3.5%)
•Why garnishment payments appear to Rusk County

Decisions

•Committee approved reclassification and will forward as required.
•Committee approved vouchers for September 2026
•Committee moved tentative agreement to County Board
•Committee voted to move the amendment to the County Board

Directions

•Consider reviewing compensation practices and pacing of organizational change
•Forward resolution and budget amendment to County Board for approval on Nov. 10
•Forward resolution to County Board and prepare payroll adjustments if approved
•HR to share slides and more detailed numbers with committee
•Staff to investigate ammunition invoice and procurement path; IT/finance to export Phoenix data for audit records; staff clarified pass‑throughs to state for some fees.

Oct

Dunn County Executive Committee - 10/14/2026

Dunn County Executive Committee approved a balanced 2027 budget after a detailed presentation by the county manager that included proposed borrowing, fund-balance strategy and several department-level revenue adjustments; the committee also advanced a comprehensive plan and other ordinances to the full board.

Discussion Points

•Authorizing borrowing resolution set at $3.1M to allow market cost buffers.
•Authorizing resolution assumes $3.1M borrowing to allow for issuance costs and market fluctuation.
•Budget applies about $493,000 of fund balance (short of the 700,000 previously discussed).
•Comprehensive plan must be presented as an ordinance and will be first reading at county board.
•County indebtedness approximately $40.9M; highway borrowing would raise debt service and the mill rate.
•County will create a 'major' position for budget continuity while maintaining appointment authority for the sheriff.
•Dan explained a $200,000 revenue assumption from a state inmate housing contract plus $100–$110k from correcting budgeted positions and other smaller revenue sources.
•Fund-balance policy sets high/low targets; projections show general fund ~36.3% for end of 2026.
•New opioid fund established to track settlement receipts and expenditures.
•Ordinance aligns local code with a new Wisconsin statute affecting the appointment of chief deputy/under-sheriff.
•PR&D had previously approved the land & water plan; state approval was received.
•State expected to cover ~80% of project cost.
•STP funds awarded for Cedar Creek Bridal (~$10M project).
•Supervisor Bachand sought clarification on a $373,162 reduction target and why sheriff budget rose.
•Supervisors questioned the risk of counting contract revenue before a signed agreement.

Decisions

•Approve 2027 balanced budget and forward for implementation
•Forward both items to county board

Directions

•County staff to provide the committee with full round-by-round budget documentation and sources for the sheriff department’s offsets.
•Highway staff to continue planning and present next steps to board as needed.
•Publish proposed budget and public notice; prepare budget book for board approval.
•Staff to draft ordinance language consistent with statute and present to the board.
•Staff to finalize budget book and public notice; continue analysis on funds with NA calculations.
•Staff to prepare board materials and public notice.

Oct

Dunn County Traffic Safety and EMS Meeting - 09/18/2026

Dunn County Traffic Safety & EMS committee met to review road and bridge construction schedules, county crash statistics including a June fatality linked to impairment, enforcement data shared via Community Maps, school bus stop-arm incidents and a County Road D design meeting planned for Oct. 22.

Discussion Points

•Adoption of WMUTCD 11th edition and notable changes to signs, marking widths and crosswalk devices.
•Community Maps opt-in policy, data visibility for advanced users, and current participation by state patrol and Sheriff's Office.
•County Road D identified as a high-injury network corridor; design includes rumble strips and edge-line enhancements.
•Detailed description by Travis of the June 26 fatal crash and the role of alcohol impairment per autopsy.
•Local implementation guidance: old noncompliant devices need not be replaced immediately but should follow the manual at end of life.
•Planned full closure on Nov. 21 for girder setting and lane-switching in mid-October.
•Presentation of county and statewide crash data showing a net decrease in crashes year-to-date, but a small increase in serious injuries compared with the three-year average.
•Project timelines for Highway 12, 29 and 170; short-term traffic control measures and temporary signals.
•Public outreach planned via Oct. 22 Tanner Town Hall meeting.
•Reported enforcement counts and how the map visualizes incident concentrations.
•Reports of drivers running bus stop arms on Highway 25 and other routes; school-district concerns about yellow-light implementation.
•State patrol and deputies offered increased presence during bus times.

Decisions

•No formal motions or policy adoptions related to crash data; informational review only.

Directions

•Continue targeted enforcement and education efforts focusing on impaired driving and high-injury corridors.
•DOT will coordinate signage and detours and notify school districts of closures that affect bus routes.
•Hold the public information meeting Oct. 22 and solicit input.
•Local agencies to review WMUTCD updates and incorporate changes into future sign/marking plans.
•Schools to provide bus stop times to deputies for targeted patrols.
•Share bus stop times and local schedules with patrols for targeted enforcement (see separate timeline entry).
•Staff to circulate information on how local agencies and authorized users can obtain advanced access and training.
•Staff to seek clarification on phased implementation if needed.

Oct

Dunn County Highway Committee Meeting - 10/14/2026

The Dunn County Highway Committee met to review end-of-season operations, project updates including a weakened County Road M bridge and two awarded STP projects, highway finances and winter readiness, vendor qualification for multiyear truck fabrications, and several routine motions that passed.

Discussion Points

•Completed crack-filling on state routes and other finishing construction tasks.
•County awarded two STP grants (Cedar Falls bridge and County Road B).
•County will be responsible for approximately 20% of project costs under standard STP allocations.
•County will negotiate pricing and quantities later; RFQ acceptance is not a guaranteed purchase.
•DOT SMA paperwork was pending to confirm final amounts and schedules.
•Full bridge replacement under state program is possible but likely many years out and requires a 20% local match.
•Inspection showed outside girders deteriorated; consultant recommended a 20-ton posting.
•Paving schedules likely to conclude soon if weather cooperates.
•Resolution recommended to the county board without substantive debate.
•Revenues just over $11M; expenses just over $10M; difference driven by carryover projects like County Road C.
•RFQ was qualifications-based (not cost-based); three vendors responded; Universal recommended for consistency and capacity.
•Salt price increased to approximately $120/ton in 2026, up about $15/ton from prior year.
•Selection aims to shorten fabrication lead times and secure priority production.
•Staff may need to consider borrowing to preserve construction work if inflation continues.
•Staff proposed Jersey barriers (~$10,000–$15,000) as a mitigation to avoid a weight posting.
•Started two-week salt-sand mixing to prepare for winter.
•STP fund acceptance passed; SMA paperwork pending.
•Vouchers passed after minor questions about hay and tire disposal.

Decisions

•Committee accepted the RFQ recommendation for Universal Truck Equipment.
•Vouchers approved; STP funds accepted; resolution recommended to county board.

Directions

•Staff to obtain SMA paperwork for STP awards and present match plan.
•Staff to prepare specs and negotiate pricing when purchase needs are known.
•Staff to present classification resolution to county board.

Oct

Dunn County Health and Human Services Board Meeting - 09/24/2026

Dunn County Health and Human Services Board heard staff presentations and approved several budget amendments and an MOA; department heads outlined a plan to cut $290,000 through attrition while warning that some non-mandated services will be discontinued.

Discussion Points

•ADRC will reduce open enrollment appointment days and test a paper‑based model to increase reach.
•Board flagged risk that cuts to non‑mandated child welfare services could increase future placement costs.
•Case example showed risk of escalation; supervisors flagged potential future placements and public concern.
•Department heads proposed $290,000 in reductions based on attrition and recurring operating cuts.
•Department will no longer provide certain non‑mandated child welfare services due to staffing reductions.
•Early influenza and COVID rise; two linked measles cases tied to travel in nearby counties.
•EBS caseloads are unusually high and unsustainable for current staffing.
•Local fundraising and partner donations support emergency veteran relief and housing assistance.
•Plan intends to avoid cutting training and to look for new revenue sources.
•VA claim reviews recovered retroactive payments and corrected past errors.
•WIC app and community health assessment emphasized to boost engagement.

Decisions

•Board approved public health budget amendment to accept Title X funds and related adjustments.
•Board endorsed the discussion and asked for further policy lenses; no binding cuts formally adopted by board during the meeting.
•Operational decision to stop non‑mandated child welfare work pending partner communication and further planning.
•Temporary change to open enrollment scheduling for this year; further model changes to be evaluated post‑enrollment.

Directions

•Greg to prepare appreciation letters to donors and continue close coordination with state VA programs.
•Staff to meet with sheriff and school leadership and prepare resource packets for partners.
•Staff to prepare communications for partners and the public and submit vacancy recommendations to the county manager.
•Stand up vaccination clinics and continue regional coordination; increase outreach using QR code for health assessment.
•Tracy to develop communications and written materials to help residents prepare documentation in advance.

Oct

Dunn County Fair Board Meeting - 10/05/2026

Transcript of a Dunn County fair board meeting covering public comment from the Homemakers, discussion of forming a subcommittee on fair governance, operational lessons from race night (parking/admissions), vendor/booth placements, a $700 tractor-pull contract approval, an exception to livestock breed rules for Scottish Highlanders, and an agreement to have county staff handle beer-ticket accounting. Date/time not specified in transcript.

Discussion Points

•Board compared past lower-cost informal arrangements and discussed sponsorship possibilities.
•Board debated indoor locker-room location versus outdoor vendor spots and fairness to other nonprofits.
•Board discussed ticketing, tips, prepaid corporate tickets, and Square POS options.
•Consider moving demo/race timing and trimming class counts to reduce late-night overlap with fair events.
•Homemakers requested promotional listings for scheduled local authors and raised concern about a recent $175 charge after years of free use.
•Lions Club requested county to handle beer sales accounting to reduce cash risk and simplify reconciliation.
•Members suggested enforcing a fixed number of free passes or moving them to paid vendor status.
•Proposal for pre-allocated racer passes (approx. 2–3 per racer) to reduce confusion and speed admissions.
•Proposal to form a three-person subcommittee to study fair independence and governance.
•Race night patrons and pit access caused gate conflicts and attendee frustration.
•Staff (Dan Dunbar) recommended staff research as an alternative and highlighted open-meetings limits and county chair reluctance.
•Vendor proposed $700 base price including staffing and equipment for ages 4–12.

Decisions

•Board approved offering Homemakers the same vendor options/pricing or an alternate indoor space (voice vote).
•County staff will process beer-garden tills and deposits; arrangement approved by voice vote.
•Motion to contract vendor for $700 approved by voice vote.
•No formal policy change adopted at meeting; direction to staff to return with options.
•No formal subcommittee was created at this meeting; staff to report back.

Directions

•Board to consider operational recommendations prior to next fair.
•County staff to assume till balancing and deposit processing; Lions Club to invoice for expenses.
•Fair office to follow up with the Homemakers on logistics and signage options.
•Staff to compile examples of other counties' fair agreements and present options to the board.
•Staff to evaluate racer-pass logistics, signage improvements, and potential schedule changes.
•Staff to finalize contract and seek sponsorships to offset cost.
•Staff to identify indoor locations and clarify ticket/pass allocation and pricing.

Sep

Dunn County Committee on Administration - 09/17/2026

Dunn County Committee on Administration met on Thursday the 17th to handle routine business: approved minutes, conducted a closed session and approved its proposal, reviewed August 2026 vouchers and staff reports, advanced budget-reduction proposals and forwarded a 2027 wage grid and benefit recommendations to the full County Board.

Discussion Points

•Clerk warned sustainability risks if additional staff leave.
•Concerns that reductions will reduce efficiency and increase workloads.
•Estimated levy savings ~$70,000.
•Health-plan fund balance at ~$1.4M (below target).
•Human Services requested title change to clarify duties.
•Net reduction of 0.75 FTE in Clerk of Courts; incumbent willing to increase hours.
•Option 3: small deductible increases, reduce premium increase to 8%, no immediate employee premium increase.
•Reductions by function (vacant positions, attrition, hiring freezes, operating decreases).
•Request for HR/administration to prepare plans for rebalancing work.
•Sheriff's administrative specialist duties include body-cam review, prompting reclassification.
•Statutory basis for closed session (litigation strategy) read aloud.

Decisions

•Committee approved both title changes; pay adjustment for Sheriff's role deferred to 2027 budget.
•Committee approved departmental reduction proposals and forwarded the wage-grid resolution to full County Board.
•Committee approved the FTE change.
•Committee approved the proposal discussed in closed session.
•Committee forwarded Option 3 to the County Board.

Directions

•Staff to finalize resolution language and budget figures for County Board packet.
•Staff to provide vacancy and attrition plans and to continue coordinating with department heads.

Sep

Dunn County Board of Supervisors Meeting - 09/16/2026

Dunn County Board of Supervisors met Sept. 16 to receive the 2025 audit, hear presentations on county roles and regional planning, and approve budget amendments and several county resolutions and zoning actions.

Discussion Points

•Auditor reported clean opinion and reviewed fund balances, enterprise results, and legal debt margin.
•Executive committee identified $1.4M gap; plan staggers reductions and uses fund balance to soften impact.
•Five findings described: material adjustments, financial reporting, federal awards schedule, segregation of duties, internal cash controls.
•Multiple formal votes recorded; several items require staff follow-up.
•RBF loan program mechanics and eligibility.
•Recommendations to adopt strategic planning and clarify administrative job descriptions.
•RPC projects affecting Dunn County (comprehensive plan, hazard mitigation, outdoor recreation).
•Statutory bases for county authority (chapter 59) and differences among county forms.

Decisions

•Items passed as recorded; ordinance scheduled for future vote.
•Resolution adopted; staged reductions and fund balance use approved.

Directions

•Board asked to monitor corrections tied to ERP implementation.
•Clerk and relevant departments to implement passed items and schedule ordinance second reading.
•Staff to identify reductions and implement plan; report back to board.

Sep

Dunn County Facilities Committee Meeting - 09/14/2026

Dunn County Facilities Committee meeting: the committee approved event dates for Red Cedar Speedway (including a USMTS race on June 10, 2027), approved modest facilities budget reductions, confirmed fair board appointments and discussed parks maintenance, fleet changes and geothermal well progress.

Discussion Points

•135 of 150 geothermal wells completed; drilling 2–3 wells per day.
•Committee asked about training/travel and alternatives such as virtual attendance and local trainers.
•Event organizer requested two new dates: Oct. 24 cleanup derby and June 10, 2027 USMTS race.
•Gas shutoff Sept. 9 completed early; jail meal service coordination noted.
•Members asked about nightly cut-off times, number of classes, expected purse and gate fees.
•Options to involve nonprofits in parking and fundraisers were discussed.
•Organizer said purse and gate would be covered by the speedway and that fewer classes would be used to finish earlier.
•Pumps installed at government/judicial center.
•Reported fair board officer nominations (president, vice president, secretary).
•Staff noted available paint supplies and potential indoor projects if weather is poor.
•Staff outlined savings from vehicle-lease equity, not replacing one vehicle, and correcting a 25% staffing allocation.
•United Way selected Northwest Landing and Lamb's Creek for painting and cleanup.
•Vendor fees to increase and vendor count to be reduced to create indoor exhibit space.

Decisions

•Committee approved both event dates unanimously.
•Committee approved the appointments unanimously.
•Committee approved the recommended budget reductions unanimously.
•Proceed with Day of Caring projects on Oct. 1.

Directions

•Fair board to proceed with contract updates and vendor layout changes.
•Organizer to proceed with advertising and coordinate logistics with staff.
•Staff to continue project updates and report on realized savings from fleet decisions.
•Staff to coordinate supplies and volunteer assignments with United Way.
•Staff to implement line-item reductions and monitor savings across the combined departments.

Sep

Dunn County Judiciary & Law Committee - 09/14/2026

Dunn County Judiciary & Law Committee heard staff reports, approved department reduction plans and a 2026 budget amendment for a jail medication program, and approved changes to Chapter 25 civil service rules for deputy sheriffs; members discussed a recent missing-person search and emergency-communications gaps.

Discussion Points

•Members questioned whether round‑number estimates would change when detailed line items are entered.
•Sheriff argued most of his budget is personnel and jail costs and questioned the feasibility of $300,000 in cuts.
•Sheriff proposed taking state inmates to generate revenue but noted medical/liability risks.
•Staff presented functions‑of‑government breakdown and proposed using attrition and vacant positions to meet reductions.

Decisions

•Committee approved the department reduction plan and set Oct. 19 as deadline for budget amendments.

Directions

•Staff to refine line‑item reductions and return before Oct. 19 if needed.

Sep

September County Manager Meeting with Dan Dunbar

Dunn County Manager Dan Dunbar previewed this month's board meeting agenda, including a presentation of the 2025 financial audit, a Wisconsin Counties Association educational briefing, zoning and ordinance items, and a resolution to adopt the county's Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan; he also outlined a budget schedule with a public hearing planned for Nov. 10 and final budget adoption for 2027 after the hearing.

Discussion Points

•Educational briefings to help supervisors given frequent elections and limited onboarding time.
•Executive committee used fund balance to smooth timing of budget reductions; plan aims to replenish by 2028.
•Executive director will brief board on regional planning; director new to role but familiar with Dunn County.
•Kerberos will highlight the health of county finances and outline audit findings.
•Plan identifies hazards and mitigations and is required for many federal or state grants.
•Use of fund balance to smooth timing of reductions and plan to replenish by 2028.
•Zoning map update for AAA Farms; chapter 7 ordinance changes to align with Wisconsin law.

Decisions

•Executive committee chose to use fund balance to smooth reductions (described by manager)

Directions

•Board to consider resolution formalizing replenishment plan.
•Executive committee to finalize proposal in October; public hearing to be held Nov. 10.

Sep

Dunn County Highway Committee Meeting - 09/09/2026

Highway staff updated the committee on completed and upcoming road and bridge projects, recommended budget cuts including reducing pavement thickness to meet a $190,008.13 levy-reduction target for 2027, and the board approved vouchers, a financial-reduction plan and seven bridge-aid petitions.

Discussion Points

•Assigned $190,008.13 levy reduction for public works; tradeoffs of reducing asphalt thickness vs. longevity.
•Countywide plan to use $700,000 of fund balance to cover part of a $1.4M deficit in 2027.
•Estimate submission to DOT and unresolved parcel ownership; engineers' estimates may be high; bid letting Feb. 27.
•Progress updates on County Road I, County Road C and Irvington Bridge; ongoing culvert lining and crack sealing; list of candidate 2027 projects.
•Questions about APH vendor entries and shop supply deliveries.
•Rationale for switching from triaxles to quad axles (versatility, resale).
•Seven town bridge petitions presented (culvert replacements ≥36 in) totaling just over $100,000; county share ~ $50,002.23 and levy-exempt status explained.
•Use of existing pusher axles to complete conversion.

Decisions

•Committee approved the bridge petitions.
•Committee approved the financial reductions planning as presented.
•Vouchers approved by committee.

Directions

•Approve petitions and proceed with processing under bridge-aid rules.
•Implement targeted material reductions and pavement design adjustments; staff to report back with bid results and updated estimates.
•Issue fabrication bid requests next year for upfits.
•None beyond approving vouchers.
•Staff to issue bid requests for fabrication and to schedule a public information meeting for County Road D in October.
•Wait for bids, then consider change-management request if bids exceed allocation.

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