The supervisors on the Iowa County Board heard the message at their Sept. 15th meeting Tuesday night … don’t cut UW-Extension.
Under the proposed budget the board is cutting the department except for 4-H. That brought 14 people to the meeting to ask the cuts be reconsidered. Those who spoke pointed out how much the agricultural agents have helped them through any ag related issues they incurred. One of the speakers in his early 20s said he is contemplating a career in farm related agriculture and needs the advice and expertise of the UWEX to help him through the process. Others discussed ways the UWEX has helped them and their neighbors navigate the farming landscape.
Of the 14 who spoke only one was on a different subject. Megan Currie, Iowa County Clerk, asked that the proposed cuts to her staff be reinstated.
The board later spent a lot of time on the budget but made no changes to what is proposed.
An effect of the pleas to not cut the UWEX the board had to deal with two amendment proposals with wages. The wage proposal calls for a 2% increase for employees.
One amendment was for a reduction to 1% and when that failed another amendment was offered for 1.5%. Both had some support but both failed.
Supervisor Dave Gollon was one opposing the amendments. He said some employees have already received a 2% and everyone should be treated the same.
Supervisor John Meyers added that the county had a wage study done to try and bring everything to a level where employees would not be tempted to leave for the private sector.
“We finally got where we could be competitive and I would hope we stay there.”
The wage proposal passed with the 2% increase.
Those requesting the 1 and 1.5% said they felt the reduction could help keep some UWEX positions.
Also under employee matters the board approved the dental insurance plan with the county covering $25.03 of a single plan and $66.80 of the family plan. Also approved was a health insurance resolution that has the county covering 80% of the state maintenance plan (high deductible).
Also approved was a HSA plan where the county will contribute $600 for a single plan and $1200 for family. Payments will be made quarterly for each quarter employed.
Board Ethics
A big part of the meeting dealt with ethics and conflict of interest through a presentation by an attorney with WCA. Supervisors were able to ask questions during the presentation when also touched on the county’s code of ethics.
Other Business
One item that did not sit well with supervisor Gollon was a CIP change for the Sheriff’s Department that did not go through committee. A dealer has come across needed upgrades for squad car equipment for radar and mobile data. Gollon felt the information was spotty and said he would oppose the motion because it did not go through committee.
“I feel that is a dangerous precedent to set,” Gollon said. He also questioned the number of squad cars that has grown from three to four.
Sheriff Mike Peterson said the additional vehicle was needed when his department assumed the duties of patrolling Ridgeway when the Marshall retired.
The CIP amendment passed with Gollon voting opposed.
Two ordinances were presented and will be carried over to next meeting. They dealt with speed limit zones on county roads and set the limits on many.
Supervisor Bruce Paull said he travels the roads while volunteering and feels the limits are fine.
The board was presented a resolution that offers support sustainable state funding for local public health departments.
Zoning
The board approved several zoning change requests. They included:
-Town of Eden request from Jeff Mueller for AR- 1 ag residential and AC-1 ag conservancy request from Don and Sandy Harms, Jessica Caygill and Jared Schmelzer for AR-1 ag residential
-Town of Mifflin request from Jeff Mueller to C-1 conservancy
Town of Highland request from Mark Shemak for AR-1 ag residential
-Town of Ridgeway request from Robert and Jeanne Alfred for AR-1 ag residential
Budget
The board received a packet from the Executive Committee that is where the budget process is to date. There will be more work done on it with another presentation coming next month and then finalized in November.
The budget explanation included proposed reductions and there was a deep dive into the UWEX reduction.
Discussion got emotional at times when several will be faced with job elimination or reduction. Gollon pointed out the seriousness of the budget situation with the large expenses incurred with the cyber breach and said cuts are the only way to bring in a balanced budget. He said he felt bad for those affected and noted the cuts have affected all the departments.
Myers added that it is the board’s responsibility to bring in a balanced budget.