Many items discussed at Tuesday’s Richland County Board of Supervisors meeting

A resolution requesting information regarding the potential 765 KV Transmission Line development by Transource LLC was brought before the Richland County Board at last night’s (Tuesday) meeting. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) announced that Transource LLC has been selected to propose, build and own a 765 kV transmission line through Richland County. The proposed project would be part the 765 kV transmission “backbone” system continuing from Portage to another regional electricity market that serves Chicago and points east. The cost of the Project would be assumed by ratepayers and has been estimated at $10.6 billion. It has been found that MISO’s transmission lines, included in this project would: forecast potential benefits to the customer that are “overstated” or “invalid” in five of eight keycategories; would lead to “uneconomic investment that will raise costs and undermine investment in resources, storage and other alternatives to transmission. The resolution states that the MISO Board should “postpone approval of Tranche 2.1 transmission lines. Use of electricity and summer peak demand in Wisconsin have been statistically flat over the last 20 years; and, an Environmental Impact Statement jointly authored by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources found that even smaller 345 kV transmission lines “may result in negative affects to property values, tax credits and heritage tourism”: and mentions studies showing devaluations from 10 to 45% depending on the proximity, visibility, size of parcel and whether sited in an industrial or natural setting. Several landowners from Akan Township, whose property would be affected by the transmission line spoke asking the board to approve the request for more information about the project. The resolution passed unanimously.

The board also approved the salaries for the sheriff, Clerk of Court, and Coroner. For the Sheriff for 2027, $107,166 which is a 10% increase over the 2026 salary. The salary will then increase five percent each of the next three years of the term. For the Clerk of Circuit Court for 2027, $87,320, a 10% increase over the 2026 salary. The salary will then increase five percent each of the remaining three years of the term. The Coroner will be paid $8,000 for 2027, an increase of 21.21% over the 2026 salary, plus $100 per call and $30 for cremation. For 2028 the salary will increase by four percent to $8,320 plus $105 per call and $35 per cremation. For 2029 the salary will again increase by four percent to $8,652 plus $110 per call and $40 per cremation. For 2030, the final year of the term, the salary shall once again increase by four percent to $8,998 plus $115 per call and $45 per cremation.

In other action the Richland County Board approved: 

Proclaiming April 2026 as Missing Persons Awareness Month.

The awarding of opioid settlement fund grants to applicants providing for the prevention, treatment, and/or recovery of opioid drug use.

Changes to the Handbook of Personnel Policies and Work Rules of Richland County.

And revisions to the Richland County Rules of the Board.

Richland County Administrator, Tricia Clements, reported to the County Board that the Campus Redevelopment Project Open House was well attended and ideas were shared with Short Elliott and Hendrickson (SEH) about the future of the campus. SEH will be distributing a Request for Interest (RFI) later this month to gauge interest from parties on what could be done at the property. She also reported that the Ambulance study continues. Dana Sechler from Strategic Management and Consulting has been meeting with the county and the municipalities. The final study should be completed by the end of this month and shared with Executive and Finance on March 30th. The county was notified on March 12 that the votes have tallied, and the Ambulance staff have approved the creation of a union. If no objections are received within eight days of the notice, WERC will issue the Certification of Representative. 

Last night (Tuesday) was also the final meeting of the current board of supervisors. The election for Richland County Board of Supervisors will be held Tuesday, April 7. The first meeting of the new board of supervisors will be held Tuesday, April 21.

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