2 members of the Richland County Board resign

RICHLAND CENTER, Wis (WRCO / WRCE) – The Richland County Board of Supervisors gained one and lost two more at last night’s (Tuesday) meeting. The first order of business for the night was to appoint a representative to fill the vacant District 11 seat.

One person expressed interest. The board unanimously approved to seat Rod Perry as the representative effective immediately. Perry was then sworn into office.

Two seats remained vacant for last night’s meeting. They were Districts 12 and 20. By the end of the evening two more seats became vacant. Mark Gill from District 9 stated that this would be his last meeting, and Ingrid Glassbrenner from District 10 announced that she would be submitting her resignation today (Wednesday) effective immediately.

Persons interested in being appointed as a County Board Supervisor from the vacant Districts should submit a letter of interest stating your name and address. Applicants must be 18 years old and reside in the District they are applying for. Also include a brief statement of your qualifications to serve on the County Board. Letters of interest should be mailed to: County Clerk, Derek Kalish, Post Office Box 310, Richland Center, Wisconsin 53581. The email address is derek.kalish@co.richland.wi.us. The fax number is 608-647-6134. The deadline to apply for District 12 is 8:00 AM September 1. The deadline to apply to fill the seat in District 20 is 8:00 AM September 22. A deadline for Districts 9 and 10 will be announced.

In other business, Troy Maggied of Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission reported that for each dollar invested by the county the return on services was $1.77. Between 2011 and 2024 there was an increase of 193% increase in assets and a 27% increase in county contributions.

The Wisconsin Department of Administration Plat Review has been reviewing certified surveys, known as CSMs, for Richland County. The surveyors have been submitting the surveys to the state and charging the clients the extra $100 for the state to review. The state will no longer review the CSM’s. The Zoning office has been in contact with the County Surveyor about potential costs for him to review. It will cost an additional $200. The Land Conservation & Zoning Department is looking at changing the fee immediately to $300 plus $20 per lot. It was approved to adopt by the Richland County Board of Supervisors..

The Board of Supervisors also approved a number of items last night. They include:

A mission statement for the county which states: Richland County is dedicated to fostering a thriving, inclusive community through transparent, accountable, and fiscally responsible services. We aim to promote growth, well-being, and prosperity while respecting our rural roots and empowering all residents to succeed.

The addition of one full-time EMT position. EMS runs on a three-crew model and are required to run with a minimum of two people on a crew per state statute. Currently there are five staff members and overtime is excessive. Adding an additional full-time position will increase operational efficiency and be a more cost-effective solution.

The creation and filling of the Ambulance Service Director position and job description. Since 2014 Emergency Management and Ambulance Services has been overseen by the same Department Head. The purpose of separating the two positions is to have each responsibility given the attention it needs. The separation of these responsibilities into two different positions will lead to an increase in the Ambulance budget and a decrease in the Emergency Services budget.

For the Aging and Disability Resource Center of the Department of Health and Human Services to apply for and accept an Operating Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in the amount of $33,590. The grant requires a 50% minimum County match which can be either cash and/or in-kind funding.

The donation by the Symons Foundation to the Symons Recreation Complex of a Matrix Treadmill valued at $5,700, Miscellaneous Weight Room Equipment valued at $1,000, and three Portable Pickleball Net Systems valued at $510 for a total donation valued at $7,210.

Changes to the reimbursement section of the handbook of Personnel Policies & Work Rules of Richland County.

---