Lincoln County public meetings in 2025

Veterans Service Commission

The Veterans Service Commission will meet to approve previous minutes and review the voucher schedule. The body will also discuss the budget report and the Veterans Service activity report.

• Review and signing of voucher schedule
• Budget report
• Veterans Service activity report

Solid Waste Committee

The Lincoln County Solid Waste Committee will meet to approve minutes, review financial reports, and discuss waste tonnage and leachate data. The meeting will be held at the Government Services Center.

• Approval of October and November financial reports
• Review of 2025 and 2024 waste tonnage data
• Review of leachate and rain reports
• Consideration of an application for an account from Contemporary Homes LLC
• Discussion on 5-year phasing

Board of Health

The Lincoln County Board of Health will meet to approve previous meeting minutes, discuss a license fee proposal, and review updates on the TransactRx contract and a public health nurse position.

• Approval of Board of Health meeting minutes from November 19, 2025
• Discussion of ATCP 75 license fee proposal
• TransactRx contract update
• Replacement of an authorized Public Health Nurse position
• Discussion of a Limited Term CDC Infrastructure Grant funded position

Ad Hoc Committee

The Ad Hoc Rules Committee will meet to review and discuss converting Lincoln County Chapter 2 to the WCA Template. The committee will also develop further work details and approve previous meeting minutes.

• Review and discussion of Lincoln County Chapter 2 conversion to WCA Template
• Approval of December 3, 2025 Ad Hoc Rules Minutes
• Approval of December 3, 2025 Updated WCA Template

Local Emergency Planning Committee

The Lincoln County Local Emergency Planning Committee will consider approval of its By‑Laws and the FY25 Lincoln County Hazardous Materials Strategic Plan. The committee will also approve minutes from the October 15, 2025 meeting and review two recent spill reports (WI SPILL #22781 and WI SPILL #22784). Public comment will be taken before adjournment.

• Approve Local Emergency Planning Committee By‑Laws
• Approve FY25 Lincoln County Hazardous Materials Strategic Plan
• Approve Minutes from October 15, 2025
• Review WI SPILL #22781
• Review WI SPILL #22784

Public Property Committee

The Public Property Committee will meet to review vouchers, expense reports, and the year-to-date budget. The body will also receive a report from the Maintenance Director and discuss auction items.

• Review of current vouchers
• Year to date budget report
• Expense report for 11/30 and 12/5
• Maintenance Directors report through 12/10/2025
• Discussion of auction items

County Board

The Lincoln County Board of Supervisors will meet for a pot‑luck social immediately after the regular December 16, 2025 meeting. No electronic attendance will be offered and no county business will be discussed or acted upon. A quorum of the board and committees may be present, but the event is purely informal.

• Informal pot‑luck social (no actions or business)
• No electronic attendance option

County Board

The Lincoln County Board will consider several appointments, recognitions, and resolutions, including the initiation of a county employee classification and compensation study. It will also discuss joining the statewide public safety interoperable communication system and adopt rezoning ordinances for specific parcels. The meeting includes routine approvals of minutes and budget reports.

• Appointment of Tim Fisher to the Civil Service Commission (term 1/1/2026‑12/31/2030)
• Resolution 2025‑12‑76: Approving the initiation of a County Employee Classification and Compensation Study
• Resolution 2025‑12‑81: Intent to join the Statewide Public Safety Interoperable Communication System
• Ordinance 2025‑12‑787: Rezone and comprehensive plan change for Frisch & Lust property
• Resolution 2025‑11‑72: Supporting Highway Facilities Architectural and Engineering Design Services and Construction Management Services

Land Services Committee

The Lincoln County Land Services Committee will adopt its agenda and review the minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting. It will receive monthly financial and written reports from the Register of Deeds and the Land Services department. The committee will recognize Mike Huth for ten years of service and will consider Resolution 2025-12-XX regarding a WVIC donation.

• Adopt agenda
• Review Land Services Committee minutes from November 13, 2025
• Monthly financial and written reports from Register of Deeds and Land Services
• Service recognition for Mike Huth – 10 years of service
• Resolution 2025-12-XX WVIC Donation

The Land Services Committee adopted its agenda and approved the November 13, 2025 meeting minutes, both by voice vote. The committee also approved the WVIC Donation Resolution presented by the Conservation Program Manager. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Adopt agenda – approved (voice vote)
• Approve November 13, 2025 minutes – approved (voice vote)
• Approve WVIC Donation Resolution – approved (voice vote)
• Adjourn meeting – approved (voice vote)

Ad Hoc Committee

The Ad Hoc Facilities Committee will first approve minutes from the November 11, 2025 meeting. It will then hear public comments and presentations from construction manager proposals. A motion will be considered to enter a closed session to deliberate the selection of a construction manager for future highway facility construction. The meeting will conclude with updates on committee actions and scheduling the next meeting.

• Approve minutes from 11/11/2025
• Public comment (limited to 15 minutes)
• Presentations from construction manager proposals
• Motion to go into closed session to review and possibly select a construction manager for future highway facility construction
• Update on actions since last meeting and next steps

The committee approved the minutes from the November 11, 2025 meeting by voice vote. It confirmed that the Construction Manager proposals have been cancelled and a formal notice was sent to the applicants. A motion to table the resolution and schedule a special board presentation on January 12, 2026 at 9 a.m. was carried by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.

• Approved minutes from 11/11/2025 (voice vote)
• Cancelled Construction Manager proposals; formal notice forwarded
• Motion to table resolution and hold special board meeting on 1-12-26 at 9 am (voice vote)

Opioid Task Force

The Lincoln County Opioid Task Force will review a written report from the Grant Coordinator. The body is scheduled to decide on an application for the State Opioid Response Funding Opportunity for the 2025-26 project packet.

• Approval of SOR Project Packet 25-26 application for state funding
• Written report from the Opioid Task Force Grant Coordinator
• Discussion regarding future funding

The Lincoln County Opioid Task Force approved the minutes from the October meeting. It also approved applying for the State Opioid Response funding to purchase medication lock boxes and lock bags. The board set the next meeting for January 14, 2026, and adjourned the session.

• Approved October meeting minutes (all ayes)
• Approved application for State Opioid Response funding (all ayes)
• Set next meeting date for Jan 14, 2026 (all ayes)
• Adjourned meeting at 2:34 pm (all ayes)

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will discuss and possibly adopt a resolution to join the Statewide Public Safety Interoperable Communication System. The committee will also review the request for proposal and select a mass‑notification system for the county. Additional items include year‑to‑date budget reports from Emergency Management, the Coroner’s Office, and the Sheriff’s Office.

• Resolution of Intention to Join the Statewide Public Safety Interoperable Communication System (Res 2025‑12‑XX)
• Discussion and selection of a Request for Proposal for a Mass Notification System
• Year‑to‑date budget report for Emergency Management
• Year‑to‑date budget report for the Coroner’s Office
• Year‑to‑date budget and activity reports for the Sheriff’s Office (case summary, expense/revenue, 9‑1‑1 supervisor)

The Public Safety Committee approved the November 12, 2025 meeting minutes by voice vote. It also approved a $10,613.78 write‑off for Emergency Medical Services by voice vote. The committee agreed to forward a resolution declaring intent to join the statewide WISCOM communications system to the County Board for further approval.

• Approved November 12, 2025 minutes (voice vote)
• Approved $10,613.78 EMS write‑off (voice vote)
• Moved resolution to join WISCOM to County Board for intent approval

Forestry, Land, and Parks Committee

The Forestry, Land, and Parks Committee will review and award bids for timber sales and tax‑delinquent land sales. It will also consider awarding contracts for an ATV bridge, forest mowing, and advertising for tree‑planting bids. Additional agenda items include budget review, public comment, and reports from the WDNR and the administrator.

• Open and award timber sale bids
• Open and award tax delinquent land sale bids
• Award ATV bridge bid
• Award forest openings mowing bid
• Approve advertising for tree planting bids

The Forestry, Land and Parks Committee approved the November 10, 2025 minutes and awarded tax delinquent land sale bids to the highest bidders for three properties. It also approved contracts for an ATV bridge, forest openings mowing, and advertising to plant 45,000 seedlings on 66.7 acres. Several timber sales were closed with letters of credit to be returned pending final payments, and the next meeting was scheduled for January 12, 2025.

• Approved November 10, 2025 minutes (all ayes)
• Awarded tax delinquent land sale bids to highest bidders for Properties 1-25, 3-25, 5-25 (all ayes)
• Awarded ATV bridge contract to the lowest bidder (all ayes)
• Approved Forest Openings mowing contract to Bacholl (all ayes)
• Approved advertising for planting 45,000 seedlings on 66.7 acres (all ayes)
• Closed multiple timber sales and ordered return of letters of credit pending final payments (all ayes)
• Set next meeting for Monday, January 12, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:50 a.m. (all ayes)

Social Services Board

The Social Services Committee will review year-to-date financial reports for Social Services and UW Extension. The body will consider resolutions regarding a healthcare award and the acceptance of donations for the Child Welfare Unit.

• Resolution recognizing North Central Health Care and Tri-County Social Services Teams as 2025 Children's System of Care Champion
• Resolution to accept donations of items for the Child Welfare Unit
• Review of 2025 YTD Social Services financial report
• Review of 2025 YTD UW Extension financial report

The Social Services Board approved the November 10, 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved a resolution recognizing North Central Health Care and the Tri‑County Social Services Teams for a children’s system award, and a resolution to accept donations for the Child Welfare Unit. All approvals were passed by voice vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved minutes from Nov 10, 2025 (voice vote)
• Approved resolution recognizing award to North Central Health Care and Tri‑County Teams (voice vote)
• Approved resolution to accept donations for Child Welfare Unit (voice vote)

Finance & Insurance Committee

The committee will review and vote on several resolutions, including cancellation of checks and designation of public depositories. It will also approve contracts for the Humane Society, Inc., workers compensation premium, and CLA audit for 2026. Additional items include budget expenditure reports and a discussion on the Comprehensive Facilities Plan. The meeting will conclude with setting the next meeting date.

• Resolution 2025-12-xx: Cancellation of Checks
• Resolution 2025-12-xx: Designation of Public Depositories
• 2026 Humane Society, Inc. Contract
• 2026 Workers Compensation Premium
• 2026 CLA Audit Contract

The Finance & Insurance Committee approved the cancellation of checks, the designation of public depositories for 2026, the 2026 Humane Society, Inc. contract, and the use of CLA for the 2025 audit, each by voice vote. The committee noted that the 2026 workers‑compensation premium is $47,853 lower than in 2025. It also reported that year‑to‑date expenditures are at 103% of the budget because Pine Crest loan payments were not budgeted. No public comments were received.

• Approved cancellation of checks (voice vote)
• Approved designation of public depositories for 2026 (voice vote)
• Approved 2026 Humane Society, Inc. contract (voice vote)
• Approved use of CLA for 2025 audit (voice vote)
• Noted workers compensation premium reduced by $47,853 for 2026
• Reported YTD budget expenditures at 103% due to unbudgeted Pine Crest loans
• Approved minutes from 10.31.2025 (voice vote)
• Approved sales tax report showing a 4% increase from the previous year

Youth Justice Collaborative Committee

The committee will meet to discuss an update on the Opioid Mini Grant and review goals for 2025 and 2026. The meeting also includes partner updates and a review of October minutes.

• Opioid Mini Grant update
• Review of 2025 goals and potential 2026 goals
• Partner updates

The Youth Justice Collaborative met on December 5, 2025, called to order at 9:04 am with nine members present. The October 2025 minutes were reviewed and approved by Sofia Widowski, seconded by Cheryl Wolken. The group received an opioid mini‑grant update, discussed partner news, noted no new 2026 goals, and left the next meeting date undetermined.

• Approved October 2025 minutes (Widowski motion, Wolken second)

Highway Committee

The Lincoln County Highway Committee will meet to approve previous meeting minutes, review financial vouchers, and discuss routine maintenance agreements with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The agenda includes a payment proposal for building designs and an update on gravel pit operations.

• Approval of minutes from October 2 and 23, 2025
• Discussion/Possible approval for payment of building designs out of Highway Department Building Fund
• Review and Approve Routine Maintenance Agreement with Wisconsin Department of Transportation
• Update on Krueger Pit operations and gravel pit logistics
• Discussion on Highway 107 impact on Lincoln County roads

The Highway Committee approved the 2026 routine maintenance agreement with the Wisconsin DOT for $1,669,700 and authorized reimbursement of $21,000 for a topographical survey. It also approved the minutes from the October meetings, set the next meeting for Jan. 8, 2026, and approved per diem and registration for the Winter Road Conference.

• Approved minutes from Oct. 2, 2025 (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved minutes from Oct. 23, 2025 (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved $21,000 reimbursement for topographical survey (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved 2026 DOT Routine Maintenance Agreement for $1,669,700 (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved per diem and registration for Winter Road Conference (all ayes, voice vote)
• Set next meeting for Jan. 8, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
• Recorded no public comments
• Adjourned meeting at 6:22 p.m.

Broadband Commission

The Lincoln County Broadband Commission will consider approval of the September 25, 2025 meeting minutes. It will receive monthly updates from the commission chair, the Public Service Commission on the BEAD program, and Internet Service Providers including the Charter RDOF project. The commission will also prepare for Digital Pathways roundtables and discuss future meeting topics and scheduling.

• Approval of September 25, 2025 LCBC meeting minutes
• BEAD Program updates from the Public Service Commission
• Charter RDOF Project implementation update
• Preparation for Digital Pathways roundtables
• Future agenda topic suggestions and next meeting scheduling

The Lincoln County Broadband Commission set dates for two stakeholder roundtables in February, one on Feb. 5 and another on Feb. 10, both at the Service Center. Guild will send invitations in early January and finalize roundtable questions at the January meeting. The commission also confirmed the next regular meeting for Jan. 22.

• Scheduled first broadband roundtable for Feb. 5, 12–1 pm at Service Center
• Scheduled second broadband roundtable for Feb. 10, 9–10 am at Service Center
• Decided to send roundtable invitations in early January
• Agreed to finalize roundtable questions and goals at the January meeting
• Confirmed next commission meeting for Jan. 22, 5:30 pm at Service Center

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing regarding a variance request for a garage setback. The board will also conduct elections for Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary.

• Public hearing for variance request by James and Mindy Swinkles regarding section 17.4.10 of Lincoln County Ordinance for a garage street yard setback
• Elections for Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary

The Lincoln County Board of Adjustment denied the variance request from James and Mindy Swinkles to build a garage with a setback below the required minimum. The denial was approved by a roll‑call vote of three aye votes. The board also elected Curtis Powell as Chair, Jim Beaumont as Vice‑Chair, and Mary Ann Gretenhardt as Secretary, each on a voice vote.

• Adopted agenda (voice vote)
• Approved April 24, 2025 minutes (voice vote)
• Elected Curtis Powell as Chair (voice vote)
• Elected Jim Beaumont as Vice‑Chair (voice vote)
• Elected Mary Ann Gretenhardt as Secretary (voice vote)
• Denied garage setback variance request (3‑0 roll‑call vote)

Ad Hoc Committee

The Ad Hoc Rules Committee will approve the minutes from the November 19, 2025 meeting. It will discuss converting Lincoln County Chapter 2 to the WCA template and outline further work details. The committee will also set dates for upcoming meetings.

• Approve minutes of the November 19, 2025 meeting
• Review conversion of Chapter 2 to the WCA template
• Develop further work details
• Confirm upcoming meeting dates (Dec 13, 2025 and Jan 7, 2026)

Administrative & Legislative Committee

The Administrative & Legislative Committee will vote to approve a contract with the University of Wisconsin and a Memorandum of Understanding with ADRC‑CW to provide technology services. It will also approve the Intradyn social media archival and a compensation study. The committee will re‑elect Matthew Pultz as the Lincoln County Veterans Service Officer. A closed session may be held to discuss collective bargaining matters.

• Approval of UW Contract
• Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with ADRC‑CW for Technology Services
• Approval of Intradyn Social Media Archival
• Re‑elect Matthew Pultz as Lincoln County Veterans Service Officer
• Approving Compensation Study

The committee approved the November 5, 2025 minutes and several contracts, including a UW contract, a technology services MOU with ADRC‑CW, and an Intradyn social media archival contract. It also approved a compensation study and re‑elected Matthew Pultz as the Veterans Service Officer. The board moved to a closed session to discuss collective bargaining and then reconvened to open session.

• Approved minutes from 11/05/2025 (voice vote)
• Approved UW contract (voice vote)
• Approved MOU with ADRC‑CW for technology services (voice vote)
• Approved Intradyn social media archival contract (voice vote)
• Re‑elected Matthew Pultz as Veterans Service Officer (voice vote)
• Approved compensation study (voice vote)
• Moved to closed session to discuss collective bargaining (all ayes)
• Reconvened to open session (all ayes)

Traffic Safety Commission

The Lincoln County Traffic Safety Commission will meet to approve the August 2026 meeting minutes, review crash data from the Merrill Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, and schedule the next meeting for February 17, 2026.

• Approval of August 2026 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Minutes
• Review of Merrill PD Crash Data
• Review of Lincoln Co. Sheriff Crash Data
• Schedule next regular meeting for February 17, 2026
• Electronic attendance available via phone and video link

The commission approved the August 2026 meeting minutes. It approved the review of crash data from the Merrill Police Department and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s office. The commission approved the state report and set the next regular meeting for February 17, 2026. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved August 2026 Traffic Safety Commission meeting minutes (all ayes)
• Approved review of Merrill PD crash data (all ayes)
• Approved review of Lincoln County Sheriff crash data (all ayes)
• Approved state report (all ayes)
• Scheduled next regular meeting for Feb 17, 2026 (all ayes)
• Adjourned meeting (all ayes)

Ad Hoc Committee

The Ad Hoc Rules Committee will approve the November 12 minutes, review the conversion of Lincoln County Chapter 2 to the WCA template, outline next steps for the project, and set dates for future meetings.

• Approve minutes from the November 12, 2025 meeting
• Review and discuss conversion of Lincoln County Chapter 2 to the WCA template
• Develop further work details for the conversion project
• Schedule upcoming meetings: Dec 3 2025 and Dec 17 2025, 2:30 PM, Room 247/248
• Adjourn the meeting

Board of Health

The Board of Health will review the Director's financial report and expense vouchers. The body will discuss 2026 community health improvement action plans and a donation for the Seal a Smile Program.

• Resolution to accept Aspirus donation for Seal a Smile Program
• 2026 Action Plans for Community Health Improvement - Live Well Lincoln
• Cohrs November 2025 Expense Voucher
• LCHD Google & Facebook Analytics Summary

The board approved the minutes from the October 15, 2025 meeting, approved the November 2025 expense voucher for Department Head Shelley Cohrs, and approved a resolution to accept an Aspirus donation for the Seal a Smile program. All actions were approved by voice vote. The donation resolution will be forwarded to the full County Board.

• Approved October 15, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved Shelley Cohrs November 2025 expense voucher (voice vote)
• Approved resolution to accept Aspirus donation for Seal a Smile program (voice vote)

Land Services Committee

The committee will discuss 2026 fee schedules for zoning, conservation, and land information. They will also establish citizen advisory committees for farmland preservation and water resource management. A series of public hearings will address specific rezoning and subdivision requests.

• Public hearing on a request to create 3 lots not meeting the 30-foot public road frontage requirement
• Public hearing to rezone parcel 00435060619971 from Rural Lands-2 (RL-2) to Rural Residential-1 (RR-1)
• Public hearing to rezone parcel 00434061349990 from Forestry (F) to Rural Lands-2 (RL-2)
• Conditional Use Request for a seasonal dwelling on an island in Rice River Flowage (Lake Nokomis)
• Review of 2026 fee schedules for Land Information, Conservation, and Zoning

The Land Services Committee adopted the 2025 crop price schedule and approved the 2026 fee schedules for land information, conservation, and zoning. It also approved rezoning of a Bradley parcel to Rural Residential‑1, amended the comprehensive plan for that parcel, and granted a conditional use permit for a seasonal dwelling with one condition removed. Two citizen advisory committees for land‑water resources and farmland preservation were established.

• Approved 2025 Crop Prices (voice vote)
• Approved 2026 Land Information Fee Schedule (voice vote)
• Approved 2026 Conservation Fee Schedule (voice vote)
• Approved 2026 Zoning Fee Schedule (voice vote)
• Approved rezoning of parcel 00435060619971 to Rural Residential‑1 (voice vote)
• Approved Comprehensive Plan Map amendment for parcel 00435060619971 (voice vote)
• Approved conditional use permit for seasonal dwelling on parcel 00435060519997, removing condition 4 (voice vote)
• Established Farmland Preservation Plan Citizen Advisory Committee (voice vote)

Public Property Committee

The Lincoln County Public Property Committee will review and approve the minutes from the October 21, 2025 meeting, examine monthly maintenance vouchers, and receive a year‑to‑date budget report. The committee will also hear the Maintenance Director’s report and vote on a resolution to allocate sales proceeds from the Pine Crest Nursing Home and Health and Human Services buildings to priority projects. The meeting will conclude with a discussion of auction items and scheduling the next meeting.

• Approve minutes from the October 21, 2025 meeting
• Review monthly maintenance department vouchers
• Year‑to‑date maintenance budget report
• Maintenance Director’s report
• Approve priority projects using proceeds from Pine Crest Nursing Home and Health and Human Services building sales

The committee approved the minutes from the October 21, 2025 meeting with unanimous ayes. They approved the resolution for priority projects at Pine Crest Nursing Home and the use of Health and Human Services sales proceeds. The next meeting was scheduled for December 16, 2025 at 5:00 pm.

• Approved October 21, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous ayes)
• Approved resolution for Pine Crest Nursing Home priority projects and HHS sales proceeds
• Set next meeting for Dec 16, 2025, 5:00 pm

County Board

The Lincoln County Board will consider and vote on the 2026 budget, including the tax levy, during the November 12 meeting. A public hearing notice for the 2026 budget is scheduled, and the board will also discuss priority projects for the Pine Crest Nursing Home sale proceeds and highway design services. Two appointments to the North Central Community Services Program Board are also on the agenda.

• Res 2025-11-68 – Approving the 2026 budget and providing for the tax levy
• Res 2025-11-71 – Approving priority projects for Pine Crest Nursing Home and health‑human services building sale proceeds
• Res 2025-11-72 – Supporting highway facilities architectural, engineering design and construction management services
• Appointment of Laurie Thiel to the North Central Community Services Program Board (term Jan 1 2026–Dec 31 2028)
• Appointment of Jessi Rumsey to the North Central Community Services Program Board (term Jan 1 2026–Dec 31 2028)

The Lincoln County Board adopted the 2026 budget with a total county tax levy of $17,214,963 and set specific levy amounts for health, veterans relief, libraries, EMS, debt service, town culvert aid, and other taxes. It ordered the County Clerk to issue tax deeds for delinquent properties from the 2022 sale. The board also created an Ad Hoc Board Rules Committee to review and recommend updates to Chapter 2 of the county code. Appointments to the North Central Community Services Program Board were approved.

• Approved appointment of Laurie Thiel to the North Central Community Services Program Board (voice vote)
• Approved appointment of Jessi Rumsey to the North Central Community Services Program Board (voice vote)
• Adopted the 2026 budget and set total county tax levy at $17,214,963 (voice vote)
• Ordered County Clerk to issue tax deeds for 2022 sale delinquent properties (voice vote)
• Created an Ad Hoc Board Rules Committee to review Chapter 2 ordinances (voice vote)
• Approved correction and adoption of September 16, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved correction and adoption of August 19, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved correction and adoption of July 23/September 16, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote)

Ad Hoc Committee

The Ad Hoc Rules Committee will meet to review the conversion of Lincoln County Chapter 2 to the WCA template. The committee will also discuss the inclusion of a standard committee agenda template and develop further work details.

• Review and discussion of converting Lincoln County Chapter 2 to the WCA template
• Discussion on including a standard committee agenda template
• Approval of October 29, 2025, meeting minutes and updated rules template

Opioid Task Force

The Lincoln County Opioid Task Force meeting scheduled for November 12, 2025 was cancelled. No agenda items were considered or decided. The cancellation notice was distributed to task force members.

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will review year‑to‑date budget reports for Emergency Management, the Coroner, and the Judicial departments, consider the FCC 2026 contract, and vote on the Sheriff's Office request to write off inmate debts. Additional reports from the Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Medical Services, and other public‑safety entities will be discussed.

• Emergency Management – Year‑to‑Date Budget Report
• Coroner – Year‑to‑Date Budget Report
• Judicial – FCC 2026 Contract approval
• Sheriff’s Office – Approval of jail inmate debt write‑offs
• Emergency Medical Services – Monthly charge report, write‑offs, and collections

The Public Safety Committee approved the October 8, 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved several travel and expense reports, the Family Court Commissioner’s contract, and write‑offs for jail inmate medical debt and EMS monthly charges. All approvals were passed by voice vote with unanimous support.

• Approved October 8, 2025 minutes (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved Emergency Management travel & expense report (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved Judicial Clerk of Courts & Family Court travel & expense report (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved Family Court Commissioner contract (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved jail inmate debt write‑offs of $14,345.14 (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved EMS monthly charge write‑offs of $14,564.40 (voice vote, all ayes)

General

The Ad Hoc Facilities Committee will review proposals from the Construction Manager and consider tentative actions. The committee will also discuss how to present the Comprehensive Facilities Report to the County Board. No other decisions are listed.

• Review Construction Manager proposals (discussion, possible tentative action)
• Plan presentation of the Comprehensive Facilities Report to the County Board

The Ad Hoc Facilities Committee approved the minutes from the October 30, 2025 meeting by voice vote. No decisions were made on the construction manager proposals, which will be presented at the next meeting. The committee planned a PowerPoint for the upcoming Comprehensive Facilities Report presentation to the County Board. The next meeting was scheduled for December 8, 2025, after changing the originally planned date.

• Approved minutes from 10/30/25 (voice vote)
• Set next meeting for Dec 8, 2025 (changed from Dec 10, 2025)

Forestry, Land, and Parks Committee

The Forestry, Land, and Parks Committee will review the year‑to‑date budget and consider several advertising approvals. It will open and award bids for timber sales and tax‑delinquent property sales, and decide on the closure of Hess Road. The agenda also includes approval of an event permit and the appointment of a new department administrator.

• Open and award timber sale bids
• Open and award tax delinquent property bids
• Approve closure of Hess Road on the Lincoln‑Oneida county border
• Approve advertising to replace the 2017 pickup truck
• Approve appointment of Lucas Williams as Forestry, Land and Parks Department Administrator

The committee approved awarding 22 timber sale bids to the highest bidders, kept minimum bids for two tax‑delinquent land sales and will re‑advertise them. It also approved advertising contracts for a new pickup truck, a culvert replacement, and mowing game openings, and authorized closing Hess Road with a gate and signage. Additionally, the committee approved an event permit, appointed a new Forestry, Land and Parks Administrator, and closed three completed timber sales.

• Approved awarding timber sale bids to highest bidders (All Ayes)
• Approved keeping minimum bids for tax‑delinquent land sales and re‑advertising them (All Ayes)
• Approved advertising to replace 2017 pickup truck (All Ayes)
• Approved advertising for a galvanized steel arch culvert replacement ($8,000 estimated) (All Ayes)
• Approved advertising for mowing game openings using Turkey Stamp Grant funding (All Ayes)
• Approved closure of Hess Road with gate and signage (All Ayes)
• Approved event permit for Northwoods Chapter Ice Age Trail hike (All Ayes)
• Approved appointment of Lucas Williams as Forestry, Land and Parks Administrator (All Ayes)

Veterans Service Commission

The Lincoln County Veterans Service Commission will open the meeting, review and sign vouchers, and then move to a closed session to discuss Application DS9579-2025 for veteran financial assistance. After the closed session, the commission will return to the open session to act on any decisions made. The meeting will conclude with adjournment.

• Review and sign vouchers
• Closed session to consider Application DS9579-2025 veteran relief financial assistance
• Return to open session for any action from closed session
• Adjournment

The Lincoln County Veterans Service Commission met on November 10, 2025. The agenda listed a possible closed‑session discussion of a veteran relief application, but the minutes contain no recorded motions, votes, or approvals. Consequently, no substantive decisions were made during this meeting.

Social Services Board

The Lincoln County Social Services Committee will consider several routine items, including approval of the October 13, 2025 meeting minutes and year‑to‑date financial reports for Social Services and the UW Extension. A closed‑session will address staffing changes resulting from an employee discharge. The committee will vote on releasing a request for proposals for supervised visitation services for the Child Welfare Unit.

• Approve minutes from the October 13, 2025 meeting
• Review 2025 year‑to‑date financials for Social Services
• Closed session on staffing changes due to employee discharge
• Approve release of RFP for supervised visitation services for the Child Welfare Unit
• Review 2025 year‑to‑date financials for UW Extension

The Social Services Committee approved the minutes from the October 13, 2025 meeting by voice vote. A motion to convene a closed session was voted 3‑1, then returned to open session by a 4‑0 vote, resulting in no action on the closed‑session item. The board approved the release of a Request for Proposals for supervised visitation services for the Child Welfare Unit by voice vote. The next meeting was scheduled for December 8, 2025.

• Approved October 13, 2025 minutes (voice vote)
• Closed‑session motion voted 3‑1; returned to open session 4‑0, no action taken
• Approved release of RFP for supervised visitation services (voice vote)

Live Well Lincoln Leadership Team Meeting

The Live Well Lincoln Leadership Team is meeting to approve action plans for 2026 and establish guiding principles. The body will also discuss a poverty simulation and the recruitment of new members.

• Approval of 2026 Healthy Lifestyles Action Plan
• Approval of 2026 Healthy Minds Action Plan
• Approval of LWL Guiding Principles, Fact Sheet, and Resolution Template
• Discussion of Poverty Simulation Flyer
• Recruitment of new members

The team approved the minutes from the August 2025 meeting by voice vote. Both the Healthy Lifestyles and Healthy Minds 2026 action plans were approved by voice vote after motions by Erin Wells and seconded by Jessi Rumsey. The updated Live Well Lincoln Guiding Principles were also approved by voice vote. No other formal decisions were recorded.

• Approved August 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved Healthy Lifestyles Action Plan for 2026 (voice vote)
• Approved Healthy Minds Action Plan for 2026 (voice vote)
• Approved Live Well Lincoln Guiding Principles (voice vote)

Highway Committee

The Lincoln County Highway Committee meeting scheduled for November 6, 2025, has been cancelled. The meeting was to be held at the Government Services Center in Merrill, WI.

• Meeting cancelled
• Teleconference access details provided
• Meeting location: Government Services Center, 801 N Sales St, Merrill, WI

Civil Service Commission

The Lincoln County Civil Service Commission will hold a closed session to interview candidates for the Deputy Sheriff position. After the closed session, the commission will forward a list of finalists to the County Sheriff. The meeting also includes routine items such as officer elections, approval of prior minutes, and setting the next meeting date.

• Interview candidates for Deputy Sheriff (closed session)
• Forward list of Deputy Sheriff finalists to the Lincoln County Sheriff
• Election of Civil Service Commission officers
• Approve minutes of the previous meeting

Administrative & Legislative Committee

The Administrative & Legislative Committee will discuss a Total Rewards Compensation Study and approve contracts for software, website hosting, and internet backup services. The committee will also consider ordinances amending the county's general code.

• Discussion of Total Rewards Compensation Study Proposal
• Approval of UW Extension Contract
• Approval of Software as a Service & Data Migration Agreement with Tyler Federal
• Approval of Konect Statement of Work for County Website Refresh
• Approval of AireSpring Agreement for Starlink Backup Internet Service

The Administrative & Legislative Committee approved a Total Rewards Compensation Study proposal and created a team to set compensation for elected officials. It also approved several service contracts—including SaaS with Tyler Federal, a website refresh with Konect, Starlink backup internet with AireSpring, and the cancellation of the Ask Abe chatbot. Two ordinances were adopted, one cancelling participation in the PACE program and another updating appointment statutes. No action was taken on the UW Extension contract.

• Approved Total Rewards Compensation Study proposal (voice vote)
• Approved creation of team for elected‑official compensation (voice vote)
• Approved SaaS & Data Migration Agreement with Tyler Federal (voice vote)
• Approved Konect Statement of Work for county website refresh (voice vote)
• Approved AireSpring Agreement for Starlink backup internet (voice vote)
• Approved cancellation of Ask Abe chatbot subscription (voice vote)
• Approved ordinance canceling county participation in PACE program (voice vote)
• Approved ordinance updating appointment statutes for appointed officials (voice vote)

Finance & Insurance Committee

The Finance & Insurance Committee will review year-to-date expenditures, health insurance updates, and credit card policies. The primary action items are discussing and possibly approving the 2026 budget and tax levy, as well as 2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) requests.

• Discussion/Possible Approval of Resolution 2025-11-XX - Approving the 2026 Budget and Providing for Tax Levy
• Discussion/Possible Approval of 2026 CIP Requests
• Review of County Credit Card Policy/Purchases/Flow Chart
• Health Insurance Stop Loss Update
• Resolution 2025-11-xx Ordering County Clerk to Take Tax Deeds of the 2022 Sale

The Finance & Insurance Committee approved a resolution ordering the County Clerk to take the 2022 tax deeds, carried by voice vote. The draft 2026 budget and capital improvement project (CIP) list were forwarded to the County Board with recommendations for approval, also by voice vote. All other reports were informational with no actions taken.

• Approved Resolution ordering County Clerk to take 2022 tax deeds (voice vote)
• Forwarded draft 2026 Budget to County Board with recommendation to approve (voice vote)
• Forwarded updated 2026 CIP list to County Board with recommendation to approve (voice vote)
• Approved meeting minutes as presented (voice vote)

Ad Hoc Committee

The Ad Hoc Facilities Committee will consider a resolution approving priority projects related to the Pine Crest Nursing Home and the Health and Human Services Building sale proceeds. The committee will also discuss updates on construction manager proposals, a draft report, and support for highway facilities design and construction management services. Minutes from the September 25, 2025 meeting will be approved.

• Approve minutes from 09.25.25 meeting
• Update regarding Construction Manager proposals – discussion and possible action
• Discussion and possible action on draft report
• Resolution approving priority projects for Pine Crest Nursing Home and Health and Human Services Building sale proceeds
• Support for highway facilities architectural, engineering design, and construction management services

The Ad Hoc Facilities Committee approved the minutes from the September 25 meeting by voice vote. It approved using current funds for topography services before winter. The committee adopted a resolution to allocate priority‑project proceeds from the Pine Crest Nursing Home and Health and Human Services Building sale, and another resolution supporting highway facilities architectural, engineering, and construction‑management services. An administrative coordinator was tasked with revising a draft report for the November County Board meeting.

• Approved minutes from 09.25.25 (voice vote)
• Approved use of current funds for topography services (voice vote)
• Approved draft report revisions and forward to November County Board (voice vote)
• Approved resolution for Pine Crest Nursing Home and Health and Human Services Building sale proceeds (voice vote)
• Approved resolution supporting highway facilities design and construction‑management services (voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)

Ad Hoc Committee

The Lincoln County Ad Hoc Rules Committee will review a new rules template and discuss converting Chapter 2 to the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) template. The meeting will also cover committee agenda templates and future meeting dates.

• Review and discuss conversion of Lincoln County Chapter 2 to WCA Template
• Review and discuss updated Rules Template dated October 15, 2025
• Review and discuss inclusion of a Standard Committee Agenda Template
• Upcoming meetings: November 12, 2025 and November 26, 2025
• Public comment limited to current agenda items

General

The Lincoln County Municipal Clerks will meet on Oct. 29, 2025 to discuss the calendar for the 2026 elections and to review a range of election‑related supplies and procedures. Topics include envelope sizes, transport bags, DS200 equipment replacement, privacy laws for election officials, and absentee‑voting processes. The meeting also covers election observer code updates, open records requests, and public testing of election materials.

• Set 2026 election dates
• Discuss County Clerk and Municipal Clerk envelope sizes
• Review election material transport bags and general election supplies
• Discuss DS200 equipment replacement timeline
• Review judicial and election official privacy laws (Protected Voter Supplemental) and absentee‑voting procedures

General

The Lincoln County Land Services Group will review the WLIP 2024 Grant Report, discuss a proposed amendment to the 2025‑2027 Land Information Plan, and consider a 2026 Strategic and Base Budget Grant Application. The meeting will also approve minutes from the November 15, 2024 session and outline upcoming business.

• WLIP 2024 Grant Report
• 2025‑2027 Land Information Plan Amendment
• 2026 Strategic and Base Budget Grant Application

The committee approved the November 15, 2024 meeting minutes with the requested amendment. It also approved the 2025‑2027 Land Information Plan Amendment. Finally, the 2026 WLIP grant application was approved. All motions passed by voice vote.

• Approved November 15, 2024 minutes with amendment (voice vote)
• Approved 2025‑2027 Land Information Plan Amendment (voice vote)
• Approved 2026 WLIP grant application (voice vote)

Highway Committee

The Lincoln County Highway Committee will hold a special meeting to discuss the Krueger Pit and vote on a contract. The meeting will be conducted via teleconference and in-person at the Government Services Center.

• Discussion, update, and contract approval for Krueger Pit
• Public comment on agenda items
• Meeting held at Government Services Center, 801 N Sales St., Merrill, WI
• Teleconference access provided via phone and video link

The committee discussed the private Krueger Pit lease and confirmed that wetland delineation with the DNR is up‑to‑date. Members Lemke and Lyskawa approved the lease agreement with specified corrections. The approval was carried by a voice vote.

• Approved Krueger Pit lease agreement with corrections (voice vote)

Solid Waste Committee

The Lincoln County Solid Waste Committee will review waste tonnage and financial reports, discuss 2026 fee structures, and conduct a closed session for a manager's performance review.

• Review of September 25, 2025 meeting minutes
• Waste tonnage and leachate reports
• Financial reports
• Discussion and possible action on 2026 solid waste fees
• Closed session for manager performance review

The committee approved the September 25 minutes and adopted a 6% fee increase for 2026. It also authorized the manager to adjust other fee schedule items and added an "Issues" section to the manager's report. The body entered a closed session to review a performance evaluation, then reconvened in open session. The next meeting was set for December 18, 2025.

• Approved September 25, 2025 minutes (All Ayes)
• Approved 6% increase in 2026 solid waste fees (All Ayes)
• Authorized Manager Cohrs to modify other fee schedule items (All Ayes)
• Moved to closed session for employee performance review (All Ayes)
• Reopened open session after closed session (All Ayes)
• Added an "Issues" section to the manager's report (All Ayes)
• Set next meeting date for December 18, 2025 (All Ayes)

Broadband Commission

The Broadband Commission meeting scheduled for October 23, 2025, has been cancelled. No items were decided or discussed.

Public Property Committee

The Lincoln County Public Property Committee will meet on Oct 21, 2025. The agenda includes routine items such as approving prior minutes, reviewing vouchers, a budget report, and a maintenance director’s report. The primary substantive item is a discussion and possible approval of a land and topographic survey. The committee may also move to a closed session to review personnel evaluation data before reconvening.

• Approve minutes of the September 16, 2025 meeting
• Review month-to-date voucher report
• Year-to-date budget report
• Discussion and possible approval of land and topographic survey
• Consider motion to adjourn into closed session for personnel evaluation data

The committee approved the minutes from the September 16 meeting. It authorized a $21,300.00 spend from the maintenance operational budget for a land and topographic survey. The committee moved the maintenance director to the next step and set the next meeting for November 12, 2025. The meeting adjourned at 5:38 pm.

• Approved September 16 minutes – all ayes
• Approved $21,300.00 land and topographic survey from maintenance budget – all ayes
• Convene closed session – Bialecki, Lemke, Wickham, Zelinski each voted yes
• Reconvene open session – Bialecki, Lemke, Wickham, Zelinski each voted yes
• Moved maintenance director to next step – all ayes
• Set next meeting for November 12, 2025 – no recorded vote
• Adjourned meeting at 5:38 pm – no recorded vote

County Board

The Lincoln County Board will vote on several resolutions accepting state and private grants, including a $33,511.30 RICE grant and a $10,000 Environmental Health Tracking grant. It will also adopt the 2026 Lincoln County Forest Annual Work Plan and consider a rezoning ordinance for Da & Da LLC. Additional items include budget reports, the September 16, 2025 meeting minutes, and a request for state funding for income‑maintenance administration.

• Res 2025-10-64 – Approve the 2026 Lincoln County Forest Annual Work Plan
• Ord 2025-10-784 – Rezone request for Da & Da LLC (David Prokop)
• Res 2025-10-66 – Accept $33,511.30 Routine Immunization through Community Engagement (RICE) Grant
• Res 2025-10-50 – Accept $10,000 Environmental Health Tracking Grant
• Res 2025-10-67 – Request state funding for Income Maintenance Administration due to federal cuts

The Lincoln County Board approved several resolutions, including accepting a $10,000 environmental health tracking grant and a $13,750 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs for the County Veterans Service Officer. The Board also accepted private donations of $500, $250, and $50 for the Veterans Relief Fund. All approvals were made by voice vote.

• Accepted $10,000 environmental health tracking grant (voice vote)
• Accepted $13,750 Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs grant (voice vote)
• Accepted $500 private donation for Veterans Relief Fund (voice vote)
• Accepted $250 donation of gift cards from Veterans Coffee & Conversation Club (voice vote)
• Accepted $50 private donation for Veterans Relief Fund (voice vote)
• Approved Resolution in Support of Operation Green Light (voice vote)

Healthy Minds Coalition

The Lincoln County Healthy Minds Coalition will hold its regular meeting on October 17, 2025. Attendees will approve the April 11, 2025 meeting minutes, receive updates on 2026 coalition meetings, consider Aspirus funding, hear legislative updates, and conduct the annual coalition assessment. The meeting also includes an agency round‑robin and scheduling of the next meeting.

• Approve minutes of Healthy Minds meeting held April 11, 2025
• 2026 Coalition Meetings & Updates
• Aspirus Funding discussion
• Legislative Updates
• Annual Coalition Assessment

The Healthy Minds Coalition voted to approve the minutes from the April 11, 2025 meeting. The motion was made by Jessi Rumsey, seconded by Robyn Swart, and passed with all ayes. No other formal decisions were recorded at this meeting.

• Approved April 11, 2025 meeting minutes (all ayes)

Ad Hoc Committee

The Ad Hoc Rules Committee will review the conversion of Lincoln County Chapter 2 to the WCA template. The body will also discuss the inclusion of a standard committee agenda template and develop further work details.

• Review and discussion of Lincoln County Chapter 2 conversion to WCA template
• Discussion of a standard committee agenda template
• Approval of October 1, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approval of updated rules template dated October 1, 2025

The Ad Hoc Rules Committee approved the minutes from the October 1, 2025 meeting and the updated rules template from that date, both by voice vote. Members discussed numerous procedural issues and decided to move committee‑related rules into an appendix, to continue work at the next meeting, and to schedule meetings for October 29 and November 12, 2025.

• Approved October 1, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved updated rules template dated October 1, 2025 (voice vote)
• Decided to move committee‑related rules into an appendix (no vote recorded)
• Resolved to continue discussions at the next meeting
• Scheduled next meeting for October 29, 2025 at 2:30 pm in Room 247/248
• Scheduled follow‑up meeting for November 12, 2025 after the County Board meeting

General

The Local Emergency Planning Committee will review and approve EPCRA Offsite Response Plans for six entities. The committee will also review spill reports #22545 and #22556.

• Review of WI SPILL #22545 and #22556
• Approval of Offsite Response Plans for Interflex Group, Northern Wire LLC, and PCA
• Approval of Offsite Response Plans for Samuel, Son, & Company (USA) Inc., Walmart #1366, and Harley Davidson—Kaphaem

The committee approved the minutes from September 17, 2024 and May 7, 2024. It also approved the 2025 Off‑Site Response Plan, covering Interflex Group, Northern Wire, LLC, PCA, Samuel, Son, & Company (USA) Inc., Walmart #1366, and Harley‑Davidson—Kaphaem. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved September 17, 2024 minutes (carried)
• Approved May 7, 2024 minutes (carried)
• Approved 2025 Off‑Site Response Plan (carried)

Board of Health

The Lincoln County Board of Health will vote on its five-year strategic plan for 2026‑2031. It will also consider a letter of support for the Aspirus Merrill Hospital renovation grant and a resolution to fund routine immunizations through a community‑engagement grant. A closed session will address the Health Officer/Director performance review. The meeting will conclude with standard items such as approving prior minutes and setting the next meeting date.

• Approve LCHD Strategic Plan 2026‑2031
• Approve Letter of Support for Aspirus Merrill Hospital Renovation Grant Application
• Approve Resolution for Routine Immunization Through Community Engagement Grant
• Closed session to consider Health Officer/Director performance review data
• Approve minutes of Board of Health meeting held 9/17/2025

The board approved the minutes from the September 17, 2025 meeting. It approved a letter of support for Aspirus Merrill Hospital’s renovation grant application, adopted the 2026‑2031 LCHD Strategic Plan, and approved a $32,000 CDC grant for routine adult immunizations, directing the resolution to the full County Board. The board then entered closed session to review the health officer’s performance, reconvened in open session, and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved September 17, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved Letter of Support for Aspirus Merrill Hospital Renovation Grant (voice vote)
• Approved LCHD Strategic Plan 2026‑2031 (voice vote)
• Approved $32,000 Routine Immunization Through Community Engagement Grant (voice vote)
• Moved immunization grant resolution to full County Board for approval (motion)
• Adjourned into closed session for Health Officer/Director performance review (all ayes)
• Reconvened into open session (all ayes)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:48 pm

Youth Justice Collaborative Committee

The Youth Justice Collaborative Committee meeting on October 14, 2025 will open with a call to order and approve the May 9, 2025 minutes. It will provide program and agency updates and discuss upcoming events and future meeting dates. The meeting will then adjourn.

• Approve previous month's minutes (May 9, 2025)
• Program/Agency updates
• Upcoming events/programs
• Set next meeting dates
• Adjourn

The Youth Justice Collaborative Committee approved the minutes from May 9, 2025, with Bolder moving and Woodall seconding. No other actions or votes were recorded. The meeting was scheduled to reconvene on December 5, 2025, and adjourned at 10:18 a.m.

• Approved May 9, 2025 minutes (motion by Bolder, second by Woodall)

Forestry, Land, and Parks Committee

The Lincoln County Forestry, Land, and Parks Committee will approve the September 8 minutes, review the year‑to‑date budget, and hear public comment. It will open and award bids for tax‑delinquent land sales and discuss options and new minimums for any unsold tax deed properties. Additional actions include awarding the Highway 51 right‑of‑way fence relocation contract, approving the 2026 work plan, and adopting a resolution supporting the Forestry Revitalization Act.

• Open and award tax delinquent land sale bids (Item 5)
• Discuss options for unsold tax deed properties and set new minimums (Item 6)
• Award relocation of Highway 51 right‑of‑way fence RFP bid (Item 7)
• Approve 2026 annual work plan (Item 8)
• Approve resolution supporting the Forestry Revitalization Act (Item 10)

The committee approved the purchase of Parcel 1‑25 for $3,510 and awarded a $16,400 Highway 51 right‑of‑way fence contract to Rapids Fence Co. It adopted the 2026 Annual Work Plan, including a $10,000 wildlife habitat grant, and changed the tax‑delinquent land sale strategy by reducing the price on Property 3‑25 to $30,000, holding Property 4‑25 for a combined sale, and removing Property 5‑25 from sale. Additional approvals covered ATV parking, bridge repair advertising, a timber‑sale contract update, and a resolution supporting the Forestry Revitalization Act.

• Approved purchase of Parcel 1‑25 for $3,510 (all Ayes)
• Reduced price on Property 3‑25 to $30,000, held Property 4‑25 for combined sale, removed Property 5‑25 from sale (all Ayes)
• Awarded $16,400 Highway 51 right‑of‑way fence contract to Rapids Fence Co. (all Ayes)
• Approved 2026 Annual Work Plan with $10,000 wildlife habitat grant (all Ayes)
• Approved update to timber‑sale contract HRD policy increasing minimum stump diameter (all Ayes)
• Approved resolution supporting the Forestry Revitalization Act (all Ayes)
• Approved Honey Road ATV parking takeover by Tomahawk Trail Seekers ATV Club (all Ayes)
• Approved advertising for Harrison Hills ATV bridge repair (all Ayes)

Death Review Team

The Death Review Committee will approve minutes from the July 14, 2025 meeting and adopt a draft of the Death Review Guiding Principles. It will then enter a closed session to discuss three specific child death cases under Wisconsin confidentiality statutes. After reconvening, the committee will discuss prevention initiatives and review county death trends presented by the coroner.

• Approve Death Review Meeting minutes from 7/14/2025
• Adopt draft Death Review Guiding Principles (Shelley Cohrs)
• Closed session to review three child death cases under Wis. Stat. 19.85 and related statutes
• Discussion on prevention initiatives following closed session
• Review of Lincoln County death trends by Coroner Valerie Caylor

The Death Review Committee approved the July 14, 2025 meeting minutes by voice vote. It then moved into a closed session to discuss confidential information about unexpected child deaths, as required by Wisconsin statutes. After the closed session, the committee reconvened in open session, recorded several follow‑up actions on health and safety education, and adjourned by voice vote.

• Approved July 14, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Entered closed session to discuss confidential child death cases (voice vote)
• Reopened open session after closed session (voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)
• Cohrs to follow up with Aspirus on POAHC activation training for healthcare workers
• Caylor to follow up with DNR on boating safety and carbon monoxide poisoning education
• Caylor to follow up with Tomahawk School District on teen mental health first‑aid training
• Byer to offer Law Enforcement POAHC activation training in Spring 2026

Social Services Board

The Social Services Committee will review and approve its 2025 year‑to‑date financials and the Director's expense report. Members will consider the 2026 Social Services budget book and mission statement. A resolution will be considered requesting state funding for income‑maintenance administration after recent federal cuts. The meeting also includes updates from UW Extension and a closed‑session personnel matter.

• Approve 2025 year‑to‑date Social Services financials
• Approve Director expense report
• Review and approve 2026 Social Services budget book and mission statement
• UW Extension FY2026 contract review (136 contract)
• Resolution requesting state funding for income‑maintenance administration

The Social Services Board approved a resolution requesting the State of Wisconsin to provide funding to counties for income‑maintenance administration due to federal funding cuts. The board also moved the FY2026 136 contract for UW to the Administrative & Legislative Committee for review, and entered a closed session to discuss the director’s performance evaluation. All actions were approved by voice vote except the closed‑session motions, which passed 5‑0.

• Approved minutes from August 11, 2025 (voice vote)
• Approved Director expense report (voice vote)
• Moved FY2026 136 contract for UW to Administrative & Legislative Committee (voice vote)
• Approved Resolution 2025-10-XX requesting state funding for income‑maintenance administration (voice vote)
• Motion to convene closed session on director performance evaluation (5‑0 roll‑call vote)
• Motion to reconvene into open session (5‑0 roll‑call vote)

Land Services Committee

The Lincoln County Land Services Committee will adopt its agenda, review minutes from the September 11, 2025 meeting, and receive department reports. It will consider two resolutions: a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Surface Water Restoration Grant and a Trout Unlimited donation. The committee will hold a public hearing on several land‑use requests, including a subdivision ordinance modification and multiple rezoning applications. A closed session will review the Land Services Administrator’s performance evaluation.

• Resolution 2025 – Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Surface Water Restoration Grant
• Resolution 2025 – Trout Unlimited Donation
• Petition to modify the Subdivision Ordinance to create 3 lots lacking the required 30‑ft frontage (Dean Frisch & Matthew Lust, rep. Chris Fieri)
• Request to rezone tax parcel PIN 00435060619971 from Rural Lands‑2 (RL‑2) to Rural Residential‑1 (RR‑1) (Dean Frisch & Matthew Lust)
• Request to rezone tax parcel PIN 00434061349990 from Forestry (F) to Rural Lands‑2 (RL‑2) (Randal and Karen McGill Revocable Trust, Sharon Frank, Sandra Huston, Randy Krueger)

The committee approved a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Surface Water Restoration Grant and a Trout Unlimited donation, each by voice vote. It also approved three separate 30‑day extensions requested by the Town of Bradley for a subdivision ordinance modification, a rezoning and comprehensive‑plan amendment, and a rezoning from Forestry to Rural Lands‑2, all by voice vote. The board entered a closed session to review personnel evaluations, then reconvened in open session, and adjourned at 4:28 pm.

• Approved Wisconsin DNR Surface Water Restoration Grant (voice vote)
• Approved Trout Unlimited donation (voice vote)
• Approved 30‑day extension for Town of Bradley subdivision ordinance request (voice vote)
• Approved 30‑day extension for Town of Bradley rezoning and comprehensive‑plan amendment request (voice vote)
• Approved 30‑day extension for Town of Bradley rezoning of Forestry parcel (voice vote)
• Moved to closed session to review personnel evaluations (roll‑call vote)
• Reopened session after closed session (roll‑call vote)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:28 pm (voice vote)

Opioid Task Force

The Lincoln County Opioid Task Force will review a written grant update, discuss the location for future NA meetings, and consider life‑skills training options. It will also receive updates on current school programming and the WCA meeting. The meeting will approve the September meeting minutes and set the next meeting date for November 12, 2025.

• Approve September meeting minutes
• Written update by Opioid Task Force Grant Coordinator
• Discussion of NA meeting location
• Discussion of life skills training
• Updates on current school programming and WCA meeting

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will review budget reports for Emergency Management, the Coroner, the District Attorney, the Sheriff’s Office, and EMS. It will discuss a grant application for FY25 emergency response equipment and consider a resolution to accept a Bierman Family Foundation donation for a Flock camera system. The meeting includes a closed‑session portion for personnel evaluations.

• FY25 Computer and Hazmat Response Equipment Grant application
• Resolution to accept Bierman Family Foundation donation for Flock camera system
• Year‑to‑date budget reports for Emergency Management, Coroner, DA, Sheriff’s Office, and EMS
• Closed session to consider Emergency Management Director performance evaluation

The Public Safety Committee amended a resolution to move the Bierman Family Foundation donation to the Public Safety Committee and then approved the donation, which will fund a Flock Camera System for ten years at no cost to the county. The committee also approved the write‑off amount of $20,277.86, the Travel & Expense report, and moved the Emergency Management item to follow EMS on the agenda. Minutes from the September 10, 2025 meeting were approved with typographical amendments, and the committee entered a closed session to consider employee evaluations.

• Amended resolution to shift Flock Camera donation to Public Safety Committee (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved acceptance of Bierman Family Foundation donation for Flock Camera System (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved write‑off amount $20,277.86 (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved Travel & Expense report (all ayes, voice vote)
• Moved Emergency Management item to follow Emergency Medical Service on agenda (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved September 10, 2025 minutes with typographical amendments (all ayes, voice vote)
• Entered closed session to consider employee evaluations (all ayes, roll call vote)

Health Insurance Trustees Committee

The Health Insurance Trustee Committee will first approve the minutes from its September 5, 2025 meeting. It will then discuss a possible action involving Anovia Health. Finally, the committee will consider approving the final 2026 health plan.

• Approve minutes from the September 5, 2025 meeting
• Discuss possible action – Anovia Health
• Consider approval of the final 2026 health plan

The committee approved the minutes from the September 5, 2025 meeting by voice vote. They approved adding Anovia to the county's overall health plan, also by voice vote. Finally, they approved page 1 of the 2026 health plan and incorporated the recommended Anovia addition, again by voice vote.

• Approved minutes from 9/5/2025 (voice vote)
• Approved adding Anovia to Lincoln County's overall health plan (voice vote)
• Approved page 1 of 2026 health plan and added recommended Anovia plan addition (voice vote)

Finance & Insurance Committee

The Lincoln County Finance & Insurance Committee will review year‑to‑date budget and expense reports from the Treasurer, County Clerk, and Finance Director. It will discuss the 2026 budget and Capital Improvement Plan and consider possible action. The committee will also move to a closed session to review the Finance Director’s performance evaluation.

• Approve minutes from the 9/5/2025 Finance & Insurance Committee meeting
• Treasurer presents YTD budget, account balances, and expenses
• Finance Director presents YTD finance expenditures and leads discussion of the 2026 budget and CIP
• Closed session motion to consider Finance Director performance review
• Review county voucher listing

The Finance & Insurance Committee approved the minutes from the September 5 meeting and approved several expense reports by voice vote. It adopted changes to the 2026 budget, including a $70,000 increase for shared revenue, a $50,000 reallocation, and the defeasance of $630,300 Pine Crest debt. The committee entered and exited a closed session by roll‑call vote and recommended a step increase for the Finance Director.

• Approved September 5 minutes with changes (voice vote)
• Approved Treasurer expenses as presented (voice vote)
• Approved County Clerk expenses as presented (voice vote)
• Changed 2026 budget proposal as noted (voice vote)
• Approved Finance expenses as presented (voice vote)
• Motion to adjourn into closed session carried (all ayes roll‑call)
• Motion to reconvene into open session carried (all ayes roll‑call)
• Recommended a step increase for the Finance Director (favorable review)

Highway Committee

The Lincoln County Highway Committee will discuss allocating highway facilities funds for preliminary architectural and engineering services. It will also review the sale of parcels off Swamp Road, updates on the Lake Clara Boat Landing and Krueger Pit, and a construction update for US 51 North. The meeting includes routine items such as minutes approval, financial reports, and a closed‑session portion for personnel performance review.

• Discussion and approval of using highway funds for Preliminary Architectural and Engineering Services (Item 11)
• Sale of parcels off Swamp Road (Item 10)
• Lake Clara Boat Landing update (Item 8)
• Krueger Pit update (Item 9)
• US 51 North construction update (Item 12a)

The committee approved the September 4, 2025 meeting minutes and scheduled the next meeting for December 4, 2025. It decided not to allocate highway facilities funds for preliminary architectural and engineering services pending more information. The body moved to a closed session to review the Highway Commissioner’s performance, then reconvened in open session and approved a favorable evaluation of Commissioner Jason Lemmer.

• Approved September 4, 2025 minutes (voice vote, all Ayes)
• Scheduled next meeting for Dec 4, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.
• Declined funding for preliminary architectural and engineering services (no funds approved)
• Moved to closed session for Highway Commissioner performance review (all Ayes)
• Reopened open session (all Ayes)
• Approved favorable evaluation of Highway Commissioner Jason Lemmer (voice vote)

Ad Hoc Committee

The Lincoln County Ad Hoc Rules Committee will meet to approve minutes from September 17, 2025, and review the conversion of Lincoln County Chapter 2 to the WCA Template. The committee will also develop further work details and set upcoming meeting dates for October 15 and October 29, 2025.

• Approve September 17, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review conversion of Lincoln County Chapter 2 to WCA Template
• Develop further work details
• Upcoming meetings: October 15 and October 29, 2025

Administrative & Legislative Committee

The Administrative & Legislative Committee will consider a discussion and possible action on a compensation study. It will vote to approve a new Information Technology Director job description. The committee will also review a travel request for the Administrative Coordinator and several veteran‑related resolutions and an ordinance update.

• Discussion and possible action regarding Compensation Study
• Approve New Information Technology Director Job Description
• Request for approval of out‑of‑state travel by Administrative Coordinator
• Resolution for Veterans Private Donation $500
• Ordinance 2025-10-XX – Chapter 1.02 update to include IT Director as an appointed official

The Administrative & Legislative Committee approved the prior meeting minutes and expense reimbursements by voice vote. It directed the Administrative Coordinator to obtain a compensation study proposal from Total Rewards Consulting and approved a new Information Technology Director job description. Several veterans‑related donations were approved, and the ordinance to update Chapter 1.02 was unanimously postponed to the November meeting. The committee also moved into a closed session to consider employee evaluations before reconvening in open session.

• Approved minutes from 09.10.25 (voice vote)
• Approved expense reimbursements as presented (voice vote)
• Directed Administrative Coordinator to request a compensation study proposal from Total Rewards Consulting (voice vote)
• Approved new Information Technology Director job description (voice vote)
• Approved Veterans Private Donation $500 (voice vote)
• Approved Veterans Private Donation $250 (voice vote)
• Unanimously postponed Chapter 1.02 ordinance to next meeting (unanimous consent)
• Moved into closed session to consider employee evaluations (roll‑call, all ayes)

Ad Hoc Committee

The Ad Hoc Facilities Committee will consider a proposal from Barrientos Design & Consulting, Inc. for preliminary architectural and engineering services. The committee will receive updates on funding for these services and on how to prioritize proceeds from the Pine Crest property sale. A presentation on project timelines and estimated costs may also be given, followed by a discussion of a draft report for the County Board.

• Review and possible approval of Barrientos Design & Consulting proposal for preliminary architectural and engineering services
• Update on funding for the architectural & engineering (functional design) services
• Discussion and action on prioritizing funds from Pine Crest sale proceeds
• Possible presentation by Melody Hamlin (Funktion Design Studio LLC) on project timelines and estimated costs
• Update on draft report for County Board presentation

The committee approved the minutes from the August 28, 2025 meeting by voice vote. It also approved contracting Barrientos Design & Consulting, Inc. for preliminary architectural and engineering services and will forward the proposal to the Highway Committee for further approval. The committee directed staff to work with Funktion Design Studio on prioritizing Pine Crest sale‑proceeds funding and to bring options to the next meeting.

• Approved minutes of 08.28.25 meeting (voice vote)
• Approved contract with Barrientos Design & Consulting for preliminary architectural and engineering services (voice vote)
• Directed Administrative Coordinator and Maintenance Director to collaborate with Funktion Design Studio on Pine Crest sale‑proceeds prioritization
• Requested Barrientos to work with Highway Commissioner to obtain CMS proposals for next meeting

Solid Waste Committee

The Solid Waste Committee will review waste tonnage, leachate, and financial reports. The body will discuss a Notice of Noncompliance from a 2025 DNR inspection and consider action on 2026 fees.

• 2026 Fee discussion and possible action
• 2025 DNR Inspection Notice of Noncompliance
• PFAS and Leachate discussion
• August financial reports
• Waste tonnage and leachate reports

The committee approved the minutes from the August 28, 2025 meeting. It directed IT or Finance to assist with future waste tonnage and leachate reports and placed the current reports on file. The next meeting was scheduled for October 23, 2025 at 5:00 PM, and the session adjourned at 6:27 PM.

• Approved minutes from 8-28-2025 meeting
• Directed IT or Finance to assist with future waste tonnage and leachate reports
• Placed waste tonnage and leachate reports on file
• Set next meeting for October 23, 2025 at 5:00 PM
• Adjourned meeting at 6:27 PM

Broadband Commission

The Lincoln County Broadband Commission will meet to receive monthly updates from leadership, the Public Service Commission, and internet service providers. The body will discuss stakeholder outreach and meeting preparation for the Digital Pathways Project.

• Charter RDOF Project Implementation updates
• Digital Pathways Project stakeholder outreach list and meeting preparation
• Approval of August 28, 2025 meeting minutes

The commission approved the August 28, 2025 meeting minutes. It scheduled the first Digital Pathways Project roundtable for Tuesday, Nov 4, 2025, 1‑2 pm at the Service Center, with invitations to be prepared in October. The next commission meeting was set for Oct 23, 2025, at 5:30 pm. No other motions were taken.

• Approved August 28, 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Scheduled first Digital Pathways roundtable for Nov 4, 2025, 1‑2 pm
• Targeted public‑sector partners for the first roundtable
• Set next LCBC meeting for Oct 23, 2025, 5:30 pm

Veterans Service Commission

The Lincoln County Veterans Service Commission will review its financial report and receive updates on veterans services, including two private donations totaling $750. The meeting will then move to a closed session to consider three applications for assistance (MP0978-2025, LR1795-2025, MH8441-2025). The agenda also includes confirming the remaining 2025 meeting schedule and setting the next meeting date.

• Private donation of $500 to Veterans Relief
• Gift card donation of $250 to Eagles Club for Veterans Coffee & Conversation
• Closed session to consider assistance applications MP0978-2025, LR1795-2025, MH8441-2025

Healthy Lifestyles Coalition

The Healthy Lifestyles Coalition will hold its regular meeting to review the annual survey results, discuss current state and local legislation affecting nutrition and healthy lifestyles, and consider the action‑plan dashboard and annual work plan. The agenda also includes a budget review and an agency round‑robin. No specific decisions are listed in the agenda.

• Open discussion of current state/local legislation influencing nutrition/healthy lifestyles
• Review annual survey results
• Action plan dashboard and annual work plan
• Budget review
• Agency round robin

The coalition voted to approve the minutes from the June 20, 2025 meeting, with all members voting aye. Members discussed state legislation (AB 48 / SB 67) that would fund free school meals and reviewed the annual survey and program updates. Buntrock announced plans to request 2026 funding and to set future Friday‑morning meetings. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved June 20 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Planned submission of 2026 funding request by year‑end
• Agreed to schedule future meetings on Friday mornings

Ad Hoc Committee

The Ad Hoc Rules Committee will consider converting Chapter 2 of Lincoln County to the Wisconsin County Administrator (WCA) template. The meeting will also approve minutes from the September 3, 2025 meeting and discuss further work details. Upcoming meeting dates for October 1 and October 15, 2025 are set. The committee will then adjourn.

• Approve minutes of September 3, 2025 meeting
• Review conversion of Lincoln County Chapter 2 to the WCA template
• Develop further work details
• Set upcoming meeting dates: Oct 1 and Oct 15, 2025

The Ad Hoc Rules Committee approved the September 3 meeting minutes and the updated rules template by voice vote. The committee decided to request clarification from Karry Johnson on several rule proposals, including the parliamentarian role, vice‑chair duties, public‑comment restrictions, and address disclosure. It also agreed to consider adjusting the October 15 meeting time at the October 1 meeting.

• Approved September 3 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved updated rules template dated September 3 (voice vote)
• Decided to seek clarification from Karry Johnson on parliamentarian duties
• Decided to seek clarification from Karry Johnson on vice‑chair committee membership rules
• Decided to seek clarification from Karry Johnson on restricting public comment to county residents/taxpayers
• Decided to seek clarification from Karry Johnson on public disclosure of commenters' addresses
• Decided to invite Karry Johnson to the next meeting for clarification on several rule items
• Decided to consider adjusting the October 15 meeting time at the October 1 meeting

Local Emergency Planning Committee

The Lincoln County Local Emergency Planning Committee will consider spill reports WI SPILL #22251 and WI SPILL #22545. The committee will review and approve offsite response plans for the City of Merrill Wastewater Plant, Frontier (Merrill), Frontier (Tomahawk), Harley Davidson, and Mitchell Metal Products. It will also approve the minutes from the May 7, 2025 meeting and set the date for the next meeting.

• Approve minutes from the May 7, 2025 meeting
• Review and approve offsite response plans for City of Merrill Wastewater Plant
• Review and approve offsite response plans for Frontier (Merrill) and Frontier (Tomahawk)
• Review and approve offsite response plans for Harley Davidson and Mitchell Metal Products
• Discuss spill reports WI SPILL #22251 and WI SPILL #22545

The Lincoln County Local Emergency Planning Committee approved five off‑site response plans for 2025, including plans for the City of Merrill Wastewater Treatment Plant, Frontier (Merrill), Frontier (Tomahawk), Harley‑Davidson, and Mitchell Metal Products. The approvals were recorded as carried. The committee also noted two recent spills, one involving diesel fuel and another involving wastewater, and planned to invite relevant agencies to the next meeting to discuss the wastewater spill.

• Approved City of Merrill Wastewater Treatment Plant off‑site response plan (carried)
• Approved Frontier (Merrill) off‑site response plan (carried)
• Approved Frontier (Tomahawk) off‑site response plan (carried)
• Approved Harley‑Davidson off‑site response plan (carried)
• Approved Mitchell Metal Products off‑site response plan (carried)

Board of Health

The Lincoln County Board of Health will consider several updates, including a resolution to accept an Environmental Health Tracking Grant and a carbon monoxide resolution. The agenda’s key decision is the approval of an agreement with TransactRx. Additional items include program updates on community health, public health preparedness, and a strategic plan review.

• Resolution to accept Environmental Health Tracking Grant
• Carbon monoxide resolution
• Approval of entering agreement with TransactRx
• Program update – Live Well Lincoln community health improvement plan
• Program update – public health preparedness

The board approved the July 16, 2025 meeting minutes by voice vote. It adopted a carbon monoxide resolution using a $10,000 grant to purchase and distribute 250 detectors and related education, also by voice vote. The board approved entering an agreement with TransactRx to provide shingles, tetanus, Tdap and hepatitis A vaccines to residents 65 and older, pending corporate counsel approval. No other actions were decided.

• Approved July 16, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved Carbon Monoxide Resolution, $10,000 grant for 250 detectors (voice vote)
• Approved TransactRx Agreement to offer vaccines to 65+ (voice vote, pending corporate counsel approval)

Public Property Committee

The Lincoln County Public Property Committee will review several reports, including a year‑to‑date budget summary and monthly vouchers. Members will hear a Constellation Energy presentation on natural‑gas pricing and discuss a possible contract approval. Final drafts of Health and Human Services subleases will be presented, and the committee will vote on the Service Center Transfer Switch RFP award.

• Constellation Energy presentation on natural‑gas pricing and potential contract approval
• Final drafts of Health and Human Services subleases
• Review of monthly vouchers
• Year‑to‑date budget report
• Award contract for Service Center Transfer Switch RFP

The Public Property Committee accepted revised subleases for the ADRC and NCHC facilities, each with unanimous approval. It awarded the Service Center Generator Transfer Switch contract to In The Light Electric for $45,450, also unanimously. The committee voted to proceed with a five‑year natural‑gas contract covering 70% of total building usage, again with all ayes.

• Approved minutes of August 19th meeting (all ayes)
• Accepted revised ADRC sublease as presented by corporation counsel (all ayes)
• Accepted revised NCHC sublease as presented by corporation counsel (all ayes)
• Awarded Service Center Generator Transfer Switch contract to In The Light Electric for $45,450 (all ayes)
• Approved five‑year natural‑gas contract at 70% building average usage (all ayes)

County Board

The Lincoln County Board will consider several resolutions, including authorizing an easement on the Hiawatha Trail for natural gas service to WPS Corporation. Other items include establishing a mini‑grant process for opioid settlement funds, conveying county real estate, and transferring funds related to defeasance of certain general obligation bonds. The board will also approve minutes from prior meetings and receive reports from finance and other committees.

• Res 2025-09-44: Authorize easement on Hiawatha Trail for natural gas service to WPS Corporation
• Res 2025-09-45: Authorize Opioid Settlement Task Force to manage a mini‑grant process for community organizations
• Res 2025-09-46: Approve conveyance of real estate
• Res 2025-09-47: Transfer funds, establish escrow account, and defease certain 2017 and 2021 general obligation refunding bonds
• Res 2025-09-49: Delegate authority to enter settlement agreements with opioid defendants to the designated county officer

The Lincoln County Board approved several resolutions, including establishing an escrow account to defease portions of the 2017 and 2021 General Obligation Refunding Bonds. It also authorized a natural‑gas easement on the Hiawatha Trail, a $50,000 opioid settlement mini‑grant program, and a real‑estate conveyance to Hans Buehler. Additional actions included appointing Sarah Brooks to a tourism committee and recognizing Chamber of Commerce Month.

• Approved appointment of Sarah Brooks to the North Central Wisconsin Tourism Partnership Tourism Committee (voice vote)
• Approved July 23, 2025 County Board meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved August 19, 2025 County Board meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved Resolution 2025-09-43 recognizing Chamber of Commerce Month (voice vote)
• Approved Resolution 2025-09-44 granting an easement on the Hiawatha Trail for Wisconsin Public Service natural‑gas service (voice vote)
• Approved Resolution 2025-09-45 authorizing $50,000 opioid settlement mini‑grants for community organizations (voice vote)
• Approved Resolution 2025-09-46 conveying real estate to Hans Buehler for $1,570.00 (voice vote)
• Approved Resolution 2025-09-47 establishing an escrow account and defeasing portions of the 2017 and 2021 General Obligation Refunding Bonds (voice vote)

Land Services Committee

The Lincoln County Land Services Committee will consider several Wisconsin DNR grant resolutions and agency budget updates. It will hold a public hearing on a rezoning request by Da & Da LLC for tax parcel 00434061419945. The committee will also hear a conditional use request for a sand and gravel pit and proposals to amend various county ordinances.

• Resolution 2025 – WDNR Lake Monitoring & Protection Network Grant
• Resolution 2025 – WDNR Clean Boats, Clean Waters Grant and donation acceptance
• Resolution 2025 – WDNR Surface Water Planning Grant
• Rezoning request by Da & Da LLC to change tax parcel 00434061419945 from Planned Business to Crossroads Mixed Use
• Conditional use request by Mathy Construction Company to continue sand and gravel extraction in Rural Lands (RL4) zoning district

The Lincoln County Land Services Committee approved several Wisconsin DNR grant resolutions, the 2026 WDACP budget, and a deer donation agreement. It granted a rezoning request for parcel 00434061419945 and approved a conditional use permit for Mathy Construction with two conditions. The committee also approved text amendments to county ordinances on non‑metallic mining and subdivision.

• Approved WDNR Lake Monitoring & Protection Network grant (voice vote)
• Approved WDNR Clean Boats, Clean Waters grant (voice vote)
• Approved WDNR Surface Water Planning grant (voice vote)
• Approved WDNR Healthy Lakes & Rivers grant (voice vote)
• Approved 2026 WDACP Lincoln County Budget (voice vote)
• Granted rezoning of parcel 00434061419945 to Crossroads Mixed Use (voice vote)
• Approved conditional use permit for Mathy Construction with two conditions (voice vote)
• Approved ordinance text amendments for non‑metallic mining and subdivision (voice vote)

Opioid Task Force

The Lincoln County Opioid Task Force will meet to review and approve documents related to mini-grants, including applications and project agreements. The body will also receive a written update from the Grant Coordinator and discuss recovery meeting updates.

• Review and approval of Mini-Grant Request for Applications
• Review and approval of Mini-Grant Application
• Review and approval of Mini-Grant Project Agreement
• Review and approval of Mini-Grant Evaluation Form
• Written update from the Opioid Task Force Grant Coordinator

The Opioid Task Force approved the July 2025 meeting minutes. It approved the mini‑grant request, including the RFP, application, project agreement and evaluation form. Members set the next meeting for October 8, 2025 at 2 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 2:41 p.m.

• Approved July 2025 meeting minutes (all ayes)
• Approved mini‑grant RFP, application, project agreement, and evaluation form (all ayes)
• Set next meeting for Oct 8, 2025 at 2 p.m. (all ayes)
• Adjourned meeting at 2:41 p.m. (all ayes)

Administrative & Legislative Committee

The Administrative & Legislative Committee will discuss the 2026 holiday schedule and a resolution regarding opioid settlement authority. The committee may also enter closed sessions to discuss IT service proposals and recruitment for the Forestry Administrator position.

• Resolution delegating authority to enter into settlement agreements with opioid defendants
• Approval of 2026 Holiday Schedule
• Response to Aging & Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin's RFP for IT services 2026-2028
• Recruitment strategy for Forestry Administrator position

The Administrative & Legislative Committee approved the August 6 minutes, the 2026 holiday schedule, and a resolution delegating authority to enter settlement agreements with opioid defendants. The committee entered closed sessions to discuss IT services proposals and forestry administrator recruitment, authorizing the IT Director to submit a proposal and directing recruitment actions. All votes were unanimous or by voice.

• Approved minutes from 08.06.2025 (voice vote)
• Approved 2026 Holiday Schedule (voice vote)
• Approved resolution delegating opioid settlement authority (voice vote)
• Moved to closed session on IT services RFP and collective bargaining (roll call, all ayes)
• Authorized IT Director to submit proposal to ADRC (voice vote)
• Moved to closed session on forestry administrator recruitment strategy (roll call, all ayes)
• Directed Administrative Coordinator to proceed with forestry administrator recruitment (voice vote)
• Moved to open session after each closed session (roll call, all ayes)

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will review budget and activity reports from county emergency services, the coroner, and the sheriff's office. The committee will also discuss a grant application for computer and hazardous materials response equipment.

• FY25 Computer and Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Response Equipment Grant application and proposal
• Emergency Management year-to-date budget and activity reports
• Sheriff's Office case summary and jail census reports
• EMS reports for Tomahawk and Merrill
• Budget reports for District Attorney, Victim Witness, Clerk of Courts, and Register in Probate

The committee approved the August 13, 2025 meeting minutes and the Emergency Management travel and expense report by voice vote. It also approved EMS write‑offs. The FY25 Computer and Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Response Equipment Grant application was tabled until next month.

• Approved August 13, 2025 minutes (voice vote, all Ayes)
• Approved Emergency Management travel & expense report (voice vote, all Ayes)
• Approved EMS write‑offs (voice vote, all Ayes)
• Tabled FY25 Computer and Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Response Equipment Grant application (voice vote, all Ayes)

Forestry, Land, and Parks Committee

The Lincoln County Forestry, Land, and Parks Committee will open and award tax deed property bids and consider setting new minimum bids for any unsold properties. It will also approve several advertising requests, including moving Highway 51 right of way and promoting the Fall 2025 timber sale. Additional items include a reimbursement request for forestry audit supplies and an easement request for a natural gas line on Hiawatha Trail.

• Open and award tax deed property bids
• Discuss and set new minimum bids on unsold properties
• Approve WPS natural gas line easement request on Hiawatha Trail
• Approve advertising to move Highway 51 right of way to fence north of Highway C
• Set date and approve advertising for Fall 2025 Timber Sale

The committee voted unanimously to lower the minimum bids on unsold tax‑delinquent land by 20% and to re‑notify adjacent owners. It also approved reimbursements, a natural‑gas easement, advertising for a right‑of‑way move, replacement of three overhead doors at the Forestry Shop, and set the date for the Fall 2025 timber sale. The committee closed four timber‑sale letters of credit and refunded the associated bonds. The meeting concluded with a planned field trip and scheduling of future meetings.

• Approved lowering minimum bids on unsold tax‑delinquent properties by 20% (unanimous)
• Approved reimbursement for forestry audit lunch supplies (unanimous)
• Approved WPS natural gas line easement on Hiawatha Trail (unanimous)
• Approved advertising to move Highway 51 right‑of‑way fence north of Highway C (unanimous)
• Approved advertising to replace three overhead doors at the Forestry Shop ($28,000 estimate) (unanimous)
• Approved advertising and set date for Fall 2025 Timber Sale (Nov 10, 2025) (unanimous)
• Approved closing and refunding letters of credit for Smola Brothers, TNT, Wiitala & Vozka, and Bell Timber sales (unanimous)
• Approved setting next meeting dates for Oct 13 2025 and Nov 10 2025 (unanimous)

Social Services Board

The Lincoln County Social Services Committee scheduled for September 8, 2025 was cancelled. No agenda items or decisions will be considered at this meeting. The agenda includes only standard procedural notices and attendance information.

• Meeting cancelled – no agenda items will be discussed

Health Insurance Trustees Committee

The Health Insurance Trustee Committee will approve the minutes from the February 7, 2025 meeting. It will then discuss the item labeled Vital 110 and hear a presentation from Anovia by Jake Brehm. No other actions are listed on the agenda.

• Approve minutes from 2/7/2025
• Discussion of Vital 110
• Anovia presentation by Jake Brehm

The committee approved the minutes from February 7, 2025 after correcting the year. It also approved terminating the Vital 110 health benefit effective December 31, 2025. No other actions were decided.

• Approved Feb 7 2025 minutes (all ayes, motion carried)
• Approved termination of Vital 110 benefit as of 12/31/2025 (all ayes, motion carried)

Finance & Insurance Committee

The Lincoln County Finance & Insurance Committee will review the 2026 budget, consider changes, and possibly approve it. It will also discuss and vote on two resolutions: one to transfer funds and establish an escrow account related to the defeasance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds dated February 14, 2017 and December 1, 2021, and another to designate use of remaining funds after the defeasance. Additional items include a report on the Public Safety Answering Point grant and routine financial reports.

• Discuss/approve 2026 budget changes and possible approval
• Resolution 2025-09-XX: Transfer funds, establish escrow, defeasance of 2017 and 2021 GO bonds
• Resolution 2025-09-XX: Designate use of remaining funds after defeasance
• Update on 12/1/2024‑6/12/2026 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) grant status
• Possible approval of Emergency Management P‑Card

The committee approved the minutes from the August 1, 2025 meeting with a minor change to the cash report. It also approved two resolutions—one authorizing a fund transfer and escrow account, and another designating use of remaining funds after defeasance—both by voice vote. A motion to enter closed session for an employee compensation request was carried, and the next meeting was set for October 3, 2025.

• Approved August 1, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved County Clerk expense report (voice vote)
• Approved Resolution 2025-09-XX authorizing fund transfer and escrow account (voice vote)
• Approved Resolution 2025-09-XX designating use of remaining funds after defeasance (voice vote)
• Motion to enter closed session on employee compensation request carried (all ayes)
• Motion to reconvene into open session carried (all ayes)
• Set next meeting for October 3, 2025 at 7:30 a.m.
• No action taken on Emergency Management P‑Card request

Highway Committee

The Lincoln County Highway Committee will meet to approve minutes, review financial vouchers, and discuss the sale of parcels off Swamp Road. The committee will also receive updates on personnel, traffic safety, and winter preparations.

• Approve minutes from August 7, 2025
• Review financial vouchers and financial report
• Discussion on sale of parcels off Swamp Road
• Update on Highway Property Ad Hoc Committee
• Commissioner's report on winter preparations

The Highway Committee approved the August 7, 2025 meeting minutes by voice vote. It also scheduled the next two meetings for October 2 and November 6, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. No other substantive actions were approved or denied during this session.

• Approved August 7, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Scheduled future meetings: Oct 2, 2025 and Nov 6, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.

Ad Hoc Committee

The Ad Hoc Rules Committee will approve the minutes from the August 20, 2025 meeting, then review and discuss converting Lincoln County Chapter 2 to the WCA template. The committee will also outline further work details and set dates for upcoming meetings on September 17 and October 1, 2025.

• Approve August 20, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review and discuss conversion of Lincoln County Chapter 2 to the WCA template
• Develop further work details for the rules conversion
• Schedule upcoming meetings: Sep 17, 2025 and Oct 1, 2025

The Ad Hoc Rules Committee approved the August 20, 2025 meeting minutes by voice vote. It also approved an updated rules template, adopting several wording revisions and striking redundant paragraphs. Specific changes included gender‑neutral language, revised vacancy terminology, and clarified dress‑code and employee language. The committee set work for the next meeting and scheduled future meeting dates.

• Approved August 20, 2025 minutes (voice vote)
• Approved updated rules template with wording changes (voice vote)
• Struck first and third paragraphs of section 2.11, keeping only the blue paragraph
• Replaced "members" with "board members" in section 2.09 and "proceeding" with "preceding" in section 2.10
• Changed "qualifications" to "background and interests" for applicant statements in section 2.12
• Adopted gender‑neutral phrasing "his or her choice" (or "the candidate's choice") in section 2.12
• Removed "professional" from dress‑code wording in section 2.15 B, retaining "respectful manner"
• Replaced "executive and administrator" with "county employees" in section 2.15 C and struck a redundant point

Ad Hoc Committee

The committee will receive a bonding schedule update from the Director of Finance and continue a strategic planning activity with UW Extension. Members may take action on requesting funds for architectural design and obtaining quotes for potential plans.

• Update by Director of Finance regarding Bonding Schedule
• Possible action directing request for funds for Architectural Design
• Possible action regarding obtaining quotes for potential plans
• Discussion and action regarding drafting a report for the County Board
• Continuation of Facilitated Strategic Planning Activity by UW Extension

The Ad Hoc Facilities Committee approved the minutes from the June 26 meeting by voice vote. It authorized the chair and Supervisor Hartwig to work with department heads and the previous architect to assess the site plan and draft a plan, also by voice vote. The committee directed the Finance Director to coordinate with the Highway Commissioner to identify funding for functional design, again by voice vote. The meeting was adjourned by voice vote at 2:25 p.m.

• Approved minutes from 06.26.25 (voice vote)
• Authorized Chair and Supervisor Hartwig to work with department heads and previous architect on site‑plan assessment and draft (voice vote)
• Directed Finance Director to work with Highway Commissioner to identify funding for functional design (voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)

Solid Waste Committee

The Solid Waste Committee will approve minutes from the August 24 meeting and the manager's mileage expenses. It will review waste tonnage, leachate, and July financial reports, and hear the manager's report. The committee will discuss regional PFAS and leachate treatment, consider 2026 solid waste fee adjustments, and evaluate WWTP sludge pricing. Additional items include regrading for DNR compliance and setting the next meeting date.

• Approval of minutes from 8-24-2025 meeting
• Approval of manager's mileage expenses
• Waste tonnage and leachate reports
• 2026 pricing discussion and possible fee action
• WWTP sludge pricing and possible action

The Solid Waste Committee approved the minutes from the August 24, 2025 meeting by voice vote. It also approved the manager's mileage expenses by voice vote. The next meeting was set for September 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM.

• Approved minutes from 8-24-2025 meeting (voice vote)
• Approved manager's mileage expenses (voice vote)
• Set next meeting date: September 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM

Broadband Commission

The commission will conduct its annual vote for executive team membership. The meeting includes updates on the BEAD program and the Digital Pathways Project.

• Annual vote for LCBC Executive Team Membership
• Updates on the Lincoln County BEAD Program
• Digital Pathways Project stakeholder outreach and meeting preparation
• Charter RDOF Project Implementation updates

Traffic Safety Commission

The Lincoln County Traffic Safety Commission will review recent crash data from the Merrill Police Department and the Lincoln County Sheriff. It will discuss a possible recommendation to reduce the speed limit on County Highway U. The meeting also includes routine items such as approving minutes, a state report, and scheduling the next meeting.

• Review Merrill PD crash data
• Review Lincoln Co. Sheriff crash data
• Discussion and possible recommendation on speed limit reduction on CTH U
• State report
• Schedule next regular meeting for November 18, 2025

The Lincoln County Traffic Safety Commission approved the May 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved the review of Merrill PD crash data and the Lincoln County Sheriff crash data. A motion on the state report was approved, the next regular meeting was scheduled for November 20, 2025, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved May 2025 Traffic Safety Meeting Minutes (all ayes)
• Approved review of Merrill PD crash data (all ayes)
• Approved review of Lincoln Co. Sheriff crash data (all ayes)
• Approved motion on State Report (all ayes)
• Scheduled next regular meeting for November 20, 2025
• Adjourned meeting (all ayes)

Ad Hoc Committee

The Ad Hoc Rules Committee will approve minutes from its July 30 and August 6, 2025 meetings. It will discuss converting Lincoln County Chapter 2 to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals (WCA) template. The committee will also outline further work details and set dates for its September meetings.

• Approve July 30, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approve August 6, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review and discuss conversion of Lincoln County Chapter 2 to the WCA template
• Develop further work details
• Schedule September 3 and September 17, 2025 meetings

The Ad Hoc Rules Committee approved the July 30 and August 6, 2025 meeting minutes by voice vote. It also accepted the updated rules template from the August 6 meeting by voice vote. Section 213 on official statements was confirmed as acceptable, and work was assigned to revise sections 211 and 212.

• Approved July 30, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved August 6, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Accepted updated rules template (voice vote)
• Confirmed section 213 wording as acceptable
• Assigned Krueger to draft wording for section 211
• Assigned Marlowe to revise section 212

Public Property Committee

The Public Property Committee will discuss several routine items, including reviewing sublease proposals for the Health and Human Services building, examining monthly vouchers, and presenting a year‑to‑date budget report. A key decision item is whether to approve updating the truck bed on a 2006 maintenance pickup. The meeting will also cover an auction of items and set the date for the next committee meeting.

• Review proposed subleases for Health and Human Services building tenants
• Review of monthly vouchers
• Year‑to‑date budget report
• Possible approval to update truck bed on 2006 maintenance pickup
• Auction items

The Public Property Committee approved the minutes from the July 29 meeting. It approved four subleases for the Health and Human Services building—ADRC, CW Solutions, Forward Services, and NCHC—each with all ayes. The committee also approved a new truck bed for a 2006 maintenance pickup. The next meeting was set for September 16, 2025.

• Approved July 29 minutes (all ayes)
• Approved ADRC sublease (all ayes)
• Approved CW Solutions sublease (all ayes)
• Approved Forward Services sublease (all ayes)
• Approved NCHC sublease (all ayes)
• Approved new truck bed for 2006 maintenance pickup (all ayes)
• Set next meeting for September 16, 2025

County Board

The Lincoln County Board will adopt a master plan to connect the City of Merrill to the City of Wausau with a recreation trail. It will also approve a resolution to write for and accept the FY2026 Youth Justice Innovation Grant. Additional resolutions address donations for child welfare, a real‑estate conveyance, and the Discover Wisconsin giveaways. An ordinance will amend the county’s traffic and vehicle code.

• Res 2025-08-39 – Adoption of a Master Plan to connect Merrill to Wausau by a recreation trail
• Res 2025-08-38 – Resolution to write for and accept the FY2026 Youth Justice Innovation Grant
• Res 2025-08-41 – Approving conveyance of real estate
• Ord 2025-08-783 – Amending the General Code of the County of Lincoln Chapter 7 – Traffic and Vehicle Code
• Res 2025-08-40 – Acceptance of donations to support children served by the Child Welfare Unit

The Lincoln County Board approved a $100,000 Youth Justice Innovation Grant with a 5‑0 vote. It also adopted the Wausau‑Merrill recreation trail master plan, accepted several charitable donations, approved a real‑estate conveyance, and amended ATV route regulations. All actions were recorded as passed by the indicated votes.

• Approved $100,000 Youth Justice Innovation Grant (5-0 vote)
• Adopted Wausau‑Merrill Trail Master Plan (All Ayes)
• Accepted donations for child welfare unit (voice vote)
• Accepted donations for Discover Wisconsin giveaways (voice vote)
• Approved conveyance of real estate to Jeffrey S Rigney & Angelica M Rigney ($75,000) (All Ayes)
• Amended ATV routes in Chapter 7, Section 7.04 (passed 3-2)
• Postponed approval of July 23, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote)

Land Services Committee

The Lincoln County Land Services Committee will attend a summer conservation tour sponsored by the Northcentral Land and Water Conservation Association on August 15, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. The event is not a public meeting and no official County business will be discussed or acted upon. The notice is provided because a possible quorum of the committee may be present.

• Northcentral Land and Water Conservation Association summer conservation tour – no County business, no action

Youth Justice Collaborative Committee

The meeting scheduled for August 15, 2025, has been cancelled. No other items are listed on the agenda.

Land Services Committee

The August meeting of the Lincoln County Land Services Committee has been cancelled. No items were scheduled for decision or discussion.

Opioid Task Force

The Lincoln County Opioid Task Force will meet to discuss recovery meetings and review a written report from the Grant Coordinator. The body is scheduled to approve the mini grant process, including applications and funding agreements.

• Approval of mini grant Request for Applications, Application, Screening Checklist, Funding Agreement, and Resolution
• Review of August 13, 2025 written report by Opioid Task Force Grant Coordinator
• Discussion of recovery meetings

The Opioid Task Force approved the July meeting minutes. It adopted a resolution to approve the mini‑grant process and amended the funding language to allow up to $10,000 per project, set a total allocation of $50,000, and reduce a $100,000 figure to $50,000. The next meeting was scheduled for September 10, 2025, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approve July meeting minutes (all ayes)
• Approve mini‑grant process resolution (all ayes)
• Amend paragraph 3 to allow up to $10,000 per project (all ayes)
• Amend paragraph 4 to set total allocation of $50,000 (all ayes)
• Amend paragraph 5 to change $100,000 to $50,000 (all ayes)
• Set next meeting date for September 10, 2025 at 2 p.m. (all ayes)
• Adjourn meeting (all ayes)

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will review several year‑to‑date budget reports and activity updates. It will consider reapproval of the FY26 Emergency Management budget for resubmission to Finance & Insurance. The committee will discuss and vote on the 2026 preliminary budgets for the Sheriff’s Office and for Emergency Medical Services.

• Reapproval of FY26 Emergency Management Budget for resubmission to Finance & Insurance
• Discuss/Approve 2026 Preliminary Budget for the Sheriff’s Office
• Discuss/Approve 2026 Preliminary Budget for Emergency Medical Services
• Year‑to‑Date Budget Reports for Emergency Management, Coroner, and Judicial departments
• Sheriff’s Office statistical reports: case summary, 9‑1‑1 supervisor, jail census, etc.

The committee approved the July 9, 2025 meeting minutes, the Emergency Management travel and expense report, and write‑offs totaling $17,402.05. It also approved the 2026 preliminary budgets for the Sheriff’s Office and for Emergency Medical Services, each by voice vote. Additional reports on budgets, activities, and staffing were reviewed and placed on the record.

• Approved July 9, 2025 meeting minutes (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved Emergency Management Travel & Expense report (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved write‑offs of $17,402.05 (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved 2026 Preliminary Budget for the Sheriff’s Office (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved 2026 Preliminary Budget for Emergency Medical Services (all ayes, voice vote)

Forestry, Land, and Parks Committee

The Forestry, Land, and Parks Committee will award bids for tax delinquent land and set new minimum bids for unsold properties. The body will also consider requests for event permits and regional planning assistance.

• Awarding of Tax Delinquent Land Sale bids
• Event request from IRONBULL for the Red Granite Grinder Bike Race on October 11, 2025
• Request for quote to purchase tree seedlings from PRT
• North Central WI Regional Planning Commission assistance for the 2027-2031 Five-Year Outdoor Recreation Plan
• Update and potential action on the Harrison Flowage Dam

The committee approved the July 14, 2025 minutes and awarded the tax‑delinquent land bid for property P2-25. It lowered minimum bids on unsold tax deed properties by 10% and authorized a quote for tree seedlings from PRT. It also approved the IRONBULL bike race event, travel expenses for the WCFA Fall Meeting, and assistance from the regional planning commission for the 2027‑2031 recreation plan.

• Approved minutes of July 14, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Awarded tax delinquent land sale bid for property P2-25 (unanimous)
• Lowered minimum bids on unsold tax deed properties by 10% (unanimous)
• Authorized request for quote to purchase tree seedlings from PRT (unanimous)
• Approved IRONBULL Red Granite Grinder Bike Race for Oct 10‑11, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved attendance, mileage, and per diem for WCFA Annual Fall Meeting Sep 25‑26, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved North Central WI Regional Planning Commission assistance for 2027‑2031 recreation plan (unanimous)

Social Services Board

The Social Services Committee will approve the July 14, 2025 meeting minutes, review year‑to‑date financial reports for Social Services and the UW Extension, consider a request to approve an internship in the Child Welfare Unit, and vote on a resolution to accept donated items that support children served by the Child Welfare Unit.

• Approve minutes from the July 14, 2025 meeting
• Review 2025 year‑to‑date financial report for Social Services
• Review 2025 year‑to‑date financial report for UW Extension
• Approve internship request in the Child Welfare Unit
• Resolution to accept donations of items for children in the Child Welfare Unit

The committee approved the July 14, 2025 meeting minutes by voice vote. They also approved a social work internship in the Child Welfare unit, again by voice vote. Finally, they adopted a resolution to accept donated items to support children served by the Child Welfare unit, also by voice vote.

• Approved July 14, 2025 minutes (voice vote)
• Approved social work intern for Child Welfare unit (voice vote)
• Approved resolution to accept donations for Child Welfare unit (voice vote)

Highway Committee

The Highway Committee will discuss several items, including a special request for an access driveway (CTH K) and the award of a Blade Bids request for proposal. It will also review updates on the Lake Clara boat landing, bridge work on Center Avenue, and the proposed sale of Swamp Road parcels. The meeting includes routine items such as approving minutes, financial reports, and a commissioner’s report on highway operations.

• Special request to consider Access Driveway – CTH K (policy on entrance permits)
• Award Blade Bids – Request for Proposal
• Lake Clara Boat Landing discussion
• Sale of Swamp Road parcels
• Bridge work on Center Avenue (part of 6' to 20' structure update)

The committee approved the July 3, 2025 meeting minutes and the financial vouchers by voice vote. It approved the Blade Bids request as presented by the Highway Commissioner, also by voice vote. Future meetings were scheduled for September 4 and October 2, 2025. The driveway permit request on CTH K was not approved and will be followed up by the chairman.

• Approved July 3, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved financial vouchers (voice vote)
• Approved Blade Bids per Lemmer's request (voice vote)
• Scheduled future meetings: Sep 4, 2025 and Oct 2, 2025 at 4:30 pm
• Driveway permit request on CTH K not approved; chairman to follow up

Ad Hoc Committee

The Ad Hoc Rules Committee will meet to approve prior minutes, receive an overview of Google Workspace, and discuss converting Lincoln County Chapter 2 to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals suggested template. The meeting will also set assignments and schedule the next meeting for August 20, 2025.

• Approve minutes from the July 30, 2025 meeting
• Overview of Google Workspace
• Review and discuss conversion of Lincoln County Chapter 2 into the WCA Suggested Template
• Develop assignments for committee members
• Set next meeting date for August 20, 2025

The committee named Marlowe as administrator for final documents to prevent accidental changes. It approved removing district‑based seating rules and set the clerk to determine seating and accommodations. The committee added language designating areas for the public, press, and employees, and eliminated the separate board member biography form. It also changed the information‑request rule wording from “shall request” to “should request” and will consult Renee Krueger on the final sentence.

• Appointed Marlowe as administrator for final documents to prevent accidental changes
• Removed district‑based seating rules; clerk to determine seating and accommodations
• Included language designating areas for public, press, and county employees at board meetings
• Eliminated separate board member biography form, keeping qualifications on the preference form
• Decided not to add a chair/vice‑chair nomination section to the preference form
• Changed information‑request rule wording from “shall request” to “should request”
• Agreed to remove the last sentence of the information‑request rule and consult Renee Krueger
• Assigned Marlowe to draft the final document incorporating changes to Sections 1.01‑2.11

Administrative & Legislative Committee

The Administrative & Legislative Committee will meet to discuss IT service providers and grant applications. A closed session is scheduled to deliberate on bargaining strategies for the Wisconsin Professional Police Association.

• Approval of CXTec as a 3rd party service provider for HP Enterprise Equipment Warranties
• Resolution to write for and accept YJIG FY 2026
• Acceptance of donations for Discover Wisconsin Giveaways
• Update on insurance review team progress
• Closed session regarding Collective Bargaining Agreements with the Wisconsin Professional Police Association

The Administrative & Legislative Committee approved several routine items, including the minutes from July 2, 2025 and expense reimbursements, both by voice vote. It also approved a new third‑party service provider, CXTec, for HP Enterprise equipment warranties, subject to review by Corporation Counsel and the IT Director. Additional resolutions were adopted for the YJIG FY 2026 program and for accepting donations for Discover Wisconsin giveaways.

• Approved minutes from July 2, 2025 (voice vote)
• Approved expense reimbursement sheets (voice vote)
• Approved new equipment warranty contract with CXTec, pending legal and IT review (voice vote)
• Approved amendment to YJIG FY 2026 resolution adding termination clause (voice vote)
• Approved resolution to accept donations for Discover Wisconsin giveaways (voice vote)
• Moved to closed session to discuss collective bargaining strategy (all ayes)
• Moved back to open session (all ayes)
• No action taken after closed session

Finance & Insurance Committee

The Finance & Insurance Committee will review year-to-date budgets and the 2024 audit update. The body will discuss and potentially approve changes to the 2026 Budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

• Discussion and possible approval of 2026 Budget and CIP
• Resolution 2025-08-XX to write for and accept FY2026 Youth Justice Innovation Grant
• 2024 Audit Update
• Review of County Voucher Listing

The Finance & Insurance Committee approved the July 8, 2025 minutes by voice vote. It adopted several 2026 budget adjustments, balancing the budget, also by voice vote. The committee amended and then passed the Youth Justice Innovation Grant resolution for FY2026, both actions approved by voice vote. Discussions continued on 2026 CIP requests, but no decisions were made.

• Approved July 8, 2025 minutes (voice vote)
• Approved 2026 budget adjustments for libraries, NCHC, maintenance, sheriff's office, emergency management, EMS, and debt service (voice vote)
• Amended Youth Justice Innovation Grant resolution to remove "32 hour per week" clause (voice vote)
• Passed amended Youth Justice Innovation Grant resolution (voice vote)

Live Well Lincoln Leadership Team Meeting

The meeting will approve minutes from May 2, 2025, then receive updates on ongoing projects. The team will review the structure of the Live Well Lincoln Coalition and share a fact sheet on the CHIP program. Upcoming community events and future meeting dates will also be discussed.

• Approve minutes from the May 2, 2025 meeting
• Project updates presentation
• Discussion of Live Well Lincoln Coalition structure
• Fact sheet distribution on CHIP
• Review of upcoming community events

The leadership team approved the May 2, 2025 meeting minutes with all members voting aye. They also set the next meeting for November 7, 2025 at 9:00 am. No other formal actions were recorded.

• Approved May 2, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for November 7, 2025 at 9:00 am

Ad Hoc Committee

The Lincoln County Ad Hoc Rules Committee will review and discuss updating rules with the WCA guiding document. They will also examine personnel issues with the Administrative Coordinator and consider how often key staff can attend future meetings. An example of placing Chapter 2 of the Governing Body into the WCA County Board Rules Template will be reviewed. The committee will develop assignments and set the schedule for the next meeting.

• Review and discuss updating rules with the WCA guiding document
• Discuss personnel issues with the Administrative Coordinator and possible committee rulings
• Review example of placing Lincoln County Chapter 2 into the WCA County Board Rules Template
• Develop assignments or further work items
• Set future meeting schedule and agenda items

The Ad Hoc Rules Committee approved the July 9, 2025 minutes by voice vote. It adopted a twice‑monthly meeting schedule (first and third Wednesdays at 2:30 PM) and named Marguerite Lyskawa to chair the August 20 meeting, with Chair Cummings preparing the agenda and attending virtually. Members were directed to read the WCA template before the next meeting to begin revising Chapter 2. No other motions were recorded.

• Approved July 9, 2025 minutes (voice vote)
• Adopted twice‑monthly meeting schedule (first & third Wednesdays, 2:30 PM)
• Assigned Marguerite Lyskawa to chair August 20 meeting
• Chair Cummings to prepare agenda and attend virtually for August 20 meeting
• Directed members to read WCA template before next meeting
• Decided to start reviewing WCA template to revise Chapter 2
• Agreed to add documents to meeting packets for open‑meeting compliance
• Agreed to use view‑only Google Drive for shared documents

Public Property Committee

The Public Property Committee will meet to review and approve a lease for Health and Human Services. The committee will also review current vouchers and the year-to-date budget report.

• Review and approval of the Health and Human Services lease
• Review of current vouchers
• Year to Date Budget Report
• Auction items

The committee approved the minutes from the June 17 meeting with all ayes. The Health and Human Services lease was approved unanimously. The amended 2026 maintenance department budget was approved with all ayes. The next committee meeting was scheduled for August 19, 2025.

• Approve June 17 minutes – all ayes, motion carried
• Approve Health and Human Services lease – all ayes, motion carried
• Approve amended 2026 maintenance budget – all ayes, motion carried
• Set next meeting for August 19, 2025 at 5:00 pm – motion carried

Ad Hoc Committee

The scheduled July 24, 2025 meeting of the Lincoln County Ad Hoc Facilities Committee was cancelled. No agenda items were considered. The committee will reconvene on August 27, 2025 at 10:00 am.

Solid Waste Committee

The Solid Waste Committee will review and approve minutes from the June 26 meeting, approve the manager's mileage expenses, and receive reports on waste tonnage, leachate, and PFAS. The committee will also discuss the county's financial statements and consider an account application from Ideal Dumpster Service 23 LLC.

• Approval of minutes from the June 26, 2025 meeting
• Approval of manager's mileage expenses
• Review of waste tonnage and leachate reports
• Discussion of PFAS and leachate issues
• Consideration of account application from Ideal Dumpster Service 23 LLC

The chair directed the Operations Statement and Cash Flow Statement to be placed on file. The committee set the next meeting for Thursday, August 28, 2025. The meeting adjourned at 5:52 PM.

• Financial reports placed on file per chair's direction
• Next meeting date set for Thursday, August 28, 2025

Broadband Commission

The Lincoln County Broadband Commission will convene on July 24, 2025, to review prior meeting minutes, consider nominations for an Action Team Member, and receive updates on the Charter RDOF Project and Digital Pathways Project.

• Review and approve prior meeting minutes from June 19, 2025
• Consider nominations for LCBC Action Team Member
• Receive updates on Charter RDOF Project Implementation
• Receive updates on Digital Pathways Project outreach
• Confirm next commission meeting date, time, and location

The commission approved the minutes from the June 19, 2025 meeting. The members voted to nominate Amber Lambrecht to the Action Team for a three‑year term ending in 2028. Both motions carried without recorded vote tallies. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved June 19, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved Amber Lambrecht nomination to Action Team (motion carried)

County Board

The Lincoln County Board will consider resolutions to authorize the sale of Pine Crest Nursing Home and approve an interim management agreement with Jack Pines Healthcare LLC. The meeting will also approve minutes from the previous regular session.

• Approve July 15, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
• Authorize sale of Pine Crest Nursing Home to CMS
• Approve interim management agreement with Jack Pines Healthcare LLC
• Authorize execution of amended sanitary sewer easement for Pine Crest Nursing Home
• Approve mileage and per diem for the meeting

The Lincoln County Board approved three resolutions related to the Pine Crest Nursing Home sale. Resolution 2025-07-35 directing an amended sanitary sewer easement was adopted by a 19‑1 roll call vote. Resolution 2025-07-36 approving the Interim Management Agreement was also adopted by a 19‑1 roll call vote. Resolution 2025-07-37 authorizing the Administrative Coordinator to submit a CMS Change of Ownership was approved by voice vote.

• Approved Resolution 2025-07-35 (amended sanitary sewer easement) – vote 19-1
• Approved Resolution 2025-07-36 (interim management agreement) – vote 19-1
• Approved Resolution 2025-07-37 (authorize CHOW filing) – voice vote
• Approved July 15, 2025 minutes as amended – voice vote
• Approved mileage and per diem for meeting – voice vote

Healthy Minds Coalition

The Healthy Minds Coalition regular meeting on July 18, 2025 was cancelled because a quorum was not present. No agenda items were discussed or decided. No further action was taken.

Board of Health

The Lincoln County Board of Health will review its strategic plan for 2025 and approve a service agreement with Aspirus. The meeting includes a report on reaccreditation and a review of environmental health and financial reports.

• Review Strategic Plan 2025
• Reaccreditation Site Visit Summary
• Environmental Health Quarterly Report
• Approval of Aspirus Service Agreement
• Financial Report

The Board approved the minutes from the June 18, 2025 meeting by voice vote. The Aspirus Health Plan Participating Provider Agreement was also approved by voice vote, pending review by corporate counsel. Other reports and strategic plan items were discussed but no further actions were decided.

• Approved June 18, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved Aspirus Health Plan Participating Provider Agreement (voice vote)

County Board

The Lincoln County Board of Supervisors will discuss several resolutions related to the Pine Crest Nursing Home, including indemnity and financial contingency planning. They will also accept two state grant awards for computer and hazardous‑materials response equipment. An ordinance will be considered to amend the county zoning code as a result of a comprehensive plan amendment and a rezoning petition in the Town of Bradley. Additionally, the board will appoint Mary Ann Gretenhardt as a full member of the Board of Adjustment.

• Appointment of Mary Ann Gretenhardt to the Board of Adjustment (full member, term expires 6/30/2028)
• Resolution to authorize an indemnity to Knight Barry Title Group for the Pine Crest Nursing Home and Health & Human Services Building sale
• Resolution to approve financial contingency planning for the Pine Crest Nursing Home
• Resolution accepting FFY2024 Computer and Hazardous Materials Response Equipment Grant (CHREG) funding
• Ordinance amending the county zoning code (Chapter 17, 17.1.12 and 17.2.03) for a property in the Town of Bradley

The board approved an indemnity agreement for Knight Barry Title Group to support the sale of Pine Crest Nursing Home, passing 15‑5‑1. It also adopted a financial contingency plan for the nursing home with a 16‑5 vote and approved several related resolutions, grants, a zoning amendment, and a Board of Adjustment appointment, all by voice vote or roll call.

• Approved appointment of Mary Ann Gretenhardt to the Board of Adjustment (voice vote)
• Approved Resolution 2025-07-30 indemnity to Knight Barry Title Group (15-5-1 roll call)
• Approved Resolution 2025-07-31 financial contingency planning for Pine Crest Nursing Home (16-5 roll call)
• Approved Resolution 2025-07-32 amendment to Resolution 2025-04-17 (voice vote)
• Approved Resolution 2025-07-33 grant for computer and hazardous materials response equipment (voice vote)
• Approved Resolution 2025-07-34 grant for hazardous materials emergency preparedness training (voice vote)
• Approved Ordinance 2025-07-782 zoning amendment (voice vote)
• Approved mileage and per diem for the meeting (voice vote)

Forestry, Land, and Parks Committee

The Forestry, Land, and Parks Committee will review the year-to-date budget, award bids for a rock grapple, and open bids for tax-delinquent land sales. The group will also discuss minimum bids for unsold properties and approve a permit for the Harrison Hills ATV Club.

• Award Rock Grapple Bid
• Open and award Tax Delinquent Land Sale Bids
• Approve Harrison Hills ATV Club signs permit
• Approve Harrison Hills ATV Club event permit for Oct. 4, 2025
• Update on Forestry Department ARPA Projects

The committee approved the minutes from the June meetings and then awarded tax delinquent property #6 to the highest bidder. It also lowered minimum bids on unsold tax deed properties by 20% and approved the purchase of a rock grapple from McCoy. Additional approvals included ATV trail signs, an ATV club event permit for October 4, 2025, and the closure of two timber sales with bond refunds.

• Approved minutes of June 9 and June 12, 2025 meetings (all ayes)
• Awarded tax delinquent property #6 to highest bidder (all ayes)
• Lowered minimum bids on unsold tax deed properties by 20% (all ayes)
• Approved purchase of rock grapple from McCoy (all ayes)
• Approved Harrison Hills ATV Club trail signs with business names (all ayes)
• Approved Harrison Hills ATV Club organized event permit for Oct 4, 2025 (all ayes)
• Closed Schreiner Forestry T022-20 and Wiitala & Vozka T013-24 timber sales and refunded bonds (all ayes)

Death Review Team

The Death Review Committee will approve the minutes from its April 14, 2025 meeting, consider recent practice changes, and examine three death cases in a closed session. After reconvening, the committee will discuss prevention initiatives and review county death‑trend data presented by Coroner Valerie Caylor. No formal actions beyond discussion are listed.

• Approve minutes of the 4/14/2025 Death Review Committee meeting
• Consider healthcare training for POA for Healthcare Activation – Klade
• Review three death cases in a closed session
• Discuss prevention initiatives arising from the closed session
• Review Lincoln County death trends presented by Coroner Valerie Caylor

Social Services Board

The committee will review a resolution to apply for and accept a FY2026 Youth Justice Innovation Grant. Members will also receive an informational presentation on the Youth Assessment and Screening Instrument (YASI) and review financial reports for Social Services and UW Extension.

• Resolution 2025-08-XX to write for and accept FY2026 Youth Justice Innovation Grant
• Informational presentation on Youth Assessment and Screening Instrument (YASI)
• Report on SNAP Ed Funding - FoodWIse Program Cut
• Review of 2025 YTD Social Services and UW Extension financials
• 4-H AmeriCorps Service Member Report

The committee approved the minutes from the June 9, 2025 meeting by voice vote. The Youth Justice Innovation Grant resolution was amended and then approved, also by voice vote, allowing the County Board of Supervisors to accept $100,000 for a 32‑hour per week position or contract services. The meeting also noted that funding for the FoodWIse program has ended, but no action was taken on that item.

• Approved minutes from June 9, 2025 (voice vote)
• Amended Youth Justice Innovation Grant resolution (voice vote)
• Approved Youth Justice Innovation Grant resolution (voice vote)

Land Services Committee

The Land Services Committee will hold a public hearing at 4:00 pm to consider a conditional use request submitted by Irvin Fick. The request seeks approval for an offsite parking lot in a General Business zoning district on property located at N2530 County Rd JJ in the Town of Merrill. The meeting will also include agency updates and routine department reports.

• Conditional use request by Irvin Fick for an offsite parking lot in a General Business zoning district at N2530 County Rd JJ
• Public hearing scheduled for 4:00 pm to consider the conditional use request
• Agency updates from APHIS-WS, NRCS, FSA, and Lumberjack RC&D
• Review of Land Services Committee minutes from June 12, 2025
• Department reports: Register of Deeds financial reports and Land Services administrator and financial reports

The Land Services Committee approved a conditional use permit for Irvin Fick's off‑site parking lot at N2530 County Rd JJ in the Town of Merrill, adding eight staff‑recommended conditions. The permit was approved by voice vote. The meeting also adopted its agenda, approved the June 12, 2025 minutes, and set the next meeting for August 14, 2025.

• Adopt agenda as presented – voice vote
• Approve June 12, 2025 LSC meeting minutes – voice vote
• Recess the meeting at 3:49 pm – voice vote
• Approve conditional use permit for off‑site parking lot with eight conditions – voice vote
• Close public hearing – voice vote
• Adjourn meeting at 4:10 pm – voice vote

Opioid Task Force

The Lincoln County Opioid Task Force will approve the minutes from its June 11, 2025 meeting, receive a written update and a substance‑use results flyer from the grant coordinator, and hold a brainstorming session on prevention ideas. The board will also identify items for the next agenda and set the date for the next meeting.

• Approve minutes of the June 11, 2025 meeting
• Review written update and Substance Use Results flyer
• Prevention brainstorming session
• Identify next meeting agenda items
• Set date for the next meeting

The task force approved the June meeting minutes. Erin Ray was tasked with drafting a Community Prevention Coordinator job description and evaluating its cost, and also drafting a mini‑grant application process. The meeting was adjourned at 3:11 p.m. No other decisions were made.

• Approved June meeting minutes (all ayes)
• Assigned Erin Ray to draft Community Prevention Coordinator job description
• Assigned Erin Ray to draft mini‑grant application process
• Adjourned meeting (all ayes)

Ad Hoc Committee

The Ad Hoc Rules Committee will review the WCA model board rules and discuss a proposed revision to Lincoln County Ordinance 2.05, General Rules of the Board. The committee will assign follow‑up work, including having Chair Cummings confirm the intent of County Board Chair Jesse Boyd. The meeting will also set the date, time, and frequency for the next committee session.

• Review WCA model board rules
• Discuss revision to Lincoln County Ordinance 2.05, General Rules of the Board
• Chair Cummings to confirm intent from County Board Chair Jesse Boyd
• Set next meeting date and time
• Establish meeting frequency

The Ad Hoc Rules Committee approved the June 25, 2025 minutes by voice vote. It agreed to rewrite all of Chapter 2 of Ordinance 2.05 using the WCA template, extending the deadline to the end of December. Wickham and Dorava were assigned to draft an amendment to Resolution 2025‑04‑17 to expand the committee’s authority. The committee tabled further discussion on specific closed‑session exclusion wording pending HIPAA review.

• Approved June 25, 2025 minutes (voice vote)
• Agreed to rewrite all of Chapter 2 of Ordinance 2.05 using the WCA template
• Extended deadline for Chapter 2 rewrite to end of December
• Assigned Ken Wickham and Joe Dorava to draft amendment to Resolution 2025‑04‑17
• Planned to update the county board at the July 15 board meeting, contingent on amendment approval
• Decided to table discussion on specific closed‑session exclusion wording
• Stated future meeting schedule will depend on board vote on the amended resolution
• No vote recorded on the amendment itself; pending board decision

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will approve the minutes from the June 11, 2025 meeting and review year‑to‑date budget reports for Emergency Management, the Coroner, the District Attorney, the Sheriff’s Office, and Emergency Medical Services. It will consider two resolutions to accept FY2024 grant funding for computer and hazardous‑materials response equipment and for hazardous‑materials emergency preparedness training. Additional reports include statistical data from the Sheriff’s Office and activity updates from EMS and the Coroner.

• Resolution accepting FFY2024 Computer and Hazardous Materials Response Equipment Grant (CHREG) funding
• Resolution accepting FFY2024 Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Core & Specialized Training Grant funds
• Approval of minutes from June 11, 2025
• Year‑to‑date budget reports for Emergency Management, Coroner, District Attorney, Sheriff’s Office, and EMS
• Sheriff’s Office statistical reports: case summary, 9‑1‑1 supervisor, jail census

The committee approved two grant resolutions: a $7,000 grant for computer and hazardous‑materials response equipment and a $3,810 grant for hazardous‑materials emergency‑preparedness training. Both motions passed on voice vote with all ayes. The committee also approved county write‑offs totaling $13,748.77, again by voice vote with unanimous approval.

• Approved resolution accepting FFY2024 Computer and Hazardous Materials Response Equipment Grant ($7,000) – all ayes, voice vote
• Approved resolution accepting FFY2024 Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness training grant ($3,810) – all ayes, voice vote
• Approved write‑offs totaling $13,748.77 – all ayes, voice vote

Finance & Insurance Committee

The Lincoln County Finance & Insurance Committee will approve the minutes from the previous meeting and receive year‑to‑date budget and expense reports from the Treasurer and County Clerk. The committee will review cash balance, sales tax and health‑insurance data for May and June. A discussion and possible action on the 2026 budget tax levy is scheduled. The meeting will also include review of correspondence, voucher listings and setting the next meeting date.

• Approve minutes from previous meeting
• Treasurer presents YTD budget, account balances, and expenses
• County Clerk presents YTD budget, activity report, and expenses
• Discussion and possible action on 2026 budget tax levy
• Review of cash balance (May), June sales tax, and health‑insurance financials

Highway Committee

The Highway Committee will review and possibly adopt Ordinance Chapter 7.04, Section 7.04 of the Lincoln County Code. It will also receive updates on the Lake Clara Boat Landing project and the sale of parcels off Swamp Road. Additional items include a financial report, a state highway conditions update, and a report from the ad‑hoc highway property committee.

• Lake Clara Boat Landing update
• Sale of parcels off Swamp Road
• Discussion and action on Ordinance Chapter 7.04, Section 7.04
• Financial Report and Vouchers
• State highway conditions and repair projects

The Highway Committee approved the June 5, 2025 meeting minutes by voice vote. It set the next meeting for August 7, 2025 in rooms 247/248. The committee adopted the proposed amendment to Ordinance Chapter 7.04, moving it to the County Board for action. Discussions on the Lake Clara Boat Landing and the sale of parcels off Swamp Road were deferred to the August meeting.

• Approved June 5, 2025 minutes (voice vote)
• Scheduled next meeting for August 7, 2025 in rooms 247/248
• Adopted change to Ordinance Chapter 7.04 and forwarded to County Board (voice vote)
• Deferred Lake Clara Boat Landing discussion to August meeting
• Deferred sale of parcels off Swamp Road to August meeting

Administrative & Legislative Committee

The Administrative & Legislative Committee will consider opening collective bargaining contract negotiations and forming a negotiations team. It will discuss and possibly approve a new "Lateral Entry" policy. An update and discussion on the pending sale of Pine Crest Nursing Home and its management agreement will be presented, followed by a vote on financial contingency planning for the facility.

• Approval to open collective bargaining contract negotiations and create a negotiations team
• Discussion and possible approval of the "Lateral Entry" policy
• Update and discussion on the pending sale of Pine Crest Nursing Home and its management agreement
• Approval of financial contingency planning for Pine Crest Nursing Home
• Consent agenda items: financials and activity reports

The committee approved the June 4, 2025 minutes with a minor amendment. It opened collective bargaining contract negotiations for the county and added Lateral Entry language to the county policy. The financial contingency planning resolution for Pine Crest Nursing Home was approved with an amendment, and a motion to delay it failed. Consent‑agenda items on financials and activity reports were placed on file.

• Approved June 4, 2025 minutes (amended) – voice vote
• Opened collective bargaining contract negotiations – voice vote
• Approved addition of Lateral Entry language to policy – voice vote
• Approved financial contingency planning resolution for Pine Crest Nursing Home – voice vote
• Amended resolution to note NCHC termination notice – voice vote
• Motion to delay Pine Crest contingency resolution until August failed – voice vote
• Placed financial items on file – voice vote
• Placed activity reports on file – voice vote

Ad Hoc Committee

The Ad Hoc Facilities Committee will vote to approve the minutes from meetings on April 24, May 22, May 28, and June 9, 2025. Public comment will be limited to a total of 15 minutes. The committee will discuss a facilitated strategic planning activity presented by Kayla Rombalski of UW Extension Wood County and consider any action that may result from that activity.

• Approve minutes from 04.24.25
• Approve minutes from 05.22.2025
• Approve minutes from 05.28.2025
• Approve minutes from 06.09.2025
• Public comment (15‑minute limit)

The Lincoln County Ad Hoc Facilities Committee approved the minutes from the April 24, May 22, May 28, and June 9, 2025 meetings by voice vote. No other actions were taken during the session. The meeting was then adjourned by voice vote.

• Approved minutes 04.24.25 (voice vote)
• Approved minutes 05.22.2025 (voice vote)
• Approved minutes 05.28.2025 (voice vote)
• Approved minutes 06.09.2025 (voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)

Solid Waste Committee

The Lincoln County Solid Waste Committee will consider several routine items, including approval of minutes from the May 22 meeting and the manager's time sheets. The committee will review waste tonnage and leachate reports and discuss PFAS and leachate issues. The primary decision is whether to approve signing a leachate hauling contract with Kautza.

• Approval of minutes from May 22, 2025 meeting
• Approval of manager's time sheets (time and travel)
• Review of waste tonnage and leachate reports
• Approval to sign leachate hauling contract with Kautza
• Discussion of PFAS and leachate

The Solid Waste Committee unanimously approved the corrected minutes from the May 22 meeting and the manager’s time and travel sheets. It also authorized the landfill manager to sign the leachate hauling contract with Kautza. The next meeting was scheduled for July 24, 2025.

• Approved May 22 minutes (all ayes)
• Approved manager time and travel sheets (all ayes)
• Approved signing leachate hauling contract with Kautza (all ayes)
• Set next meeting for July 24, 2025 (all ayes)

Ad Hoc Committee

The Ad Hoc Rules Committee will meet to elect a Chair and Vice Chair. The committee will discuss and take action regarding Lincoln County Ordinance Chapter 2, which governs board rules, and develop a work plan.

• Election of Chair and Vice Chair
• Discussion and action on Lincoln County Ordinance Chapter 2 - Governing Body (Board Rules)
• Development of a work plan

The committee elected Angela Cummings as chair and Marguerite Lyskawa as vice‑chair by unanimous consent. It decided to review the WCA Model Board Rules before the next meeting. The next meeting was set for July 9, 2025 at 2 pm, with future meeting frequency to be determined then.

• Angela Cummings elected Chair (unanimous consent)
• Marguerite Lyskawa elected Vice‑Chair (unanimous consent)
• Committee will review WCA Model Board Rules before next meeting
• Next meeting scheduled for July 9, 2025 at 2 pm; future frequency to be decided then

Healthy Lifestyles Coalition

The Healthy Lifestyles Coalition will review the current state and local legislation affecting nutrition and healthy lifestyles. It will present an action plan dashboard and an annual work plan. The meeting includes a budget discussion and a round‑robin update from participating agencies. Future meeting dates will also be set.

• Open discussion of current state/local legislation influencing nutrition/healthy lifestyles
• Action Plan Dashboard and Annual Work Plan presentation
• Budget review
• Agency Round Robin updates
• Set future meeting dates

Broadband Commission

The Lincoln County Broadband Commission will conduct an annual review of the Lincoln County Broadband Plan. The body will also discuss goals, timelines, and activities for the Digital Resources Utilization Pathway project.

• Approval of 2025-26 LCBC Action Team Membership
• Annual Review of Lincoln County Broadband Plan
• Digital Resources Utilization Pathway project goals and timeline
• Charter RDOF Project Implementation updates

The commission approved the minutes from the April 24, 2025 meeting. Members Heidi O’Hare of Tomahawk Public Library and Clyde Nelson of the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce were nominated and approved for three‑year terms effective June 2025. The commission also approved the annual review of the 2024 Lincoln County Broadband Plan.

• Approved April 24, 2025 LCBC meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved nomination of Heidi O’Hare (Tomahawk Public Library) to LCBC for a 3‑year term effective June 2025 (motion carried)
• Approved nomination of Clyde Nelson (Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce) to LCBC for a 3‑year term effective June 2025 (motion carried)
• Approved annual review of the Lincoln County Broadband Plan (motion carried)

Board of Health

The Lincoln County Board of Health will approve the minutes from the May 21, 2025 meeting and the director's timesheets for May 12‑June 8, 2025. It will recognize Kristin Bath for ten years of service. The board will review the 2024 Strategic Plan end‑of‑year summary and discuss the 2025 Action Plan timeline and process, as well as the 2025 programs, services, and funding review requirements.

• Approve Board of Health meeting minutes from 5/21/2025
• Approve Director timesheets for 5/12‑5/25/2025 and 5/26‑6/8/2025
• Service recognition for Kristin Bath – 10 years of service
• Review 2024 Strategic Plan end‑of‑year summary and 2025 Action Plan timeline
• Review 2025 programs, services, and funding review requirements

The Board of Health approved the May 21, 2025 meeting minutes by voice vote. It also approved the director’s time sheets for May 12‑25 and May 26‑June 8, 2025 by voice vote. The board set the next meeting for July 16, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. No other actions were taken.

• Approved May 21, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved Director Time Sheets 5/12‑5/25 and 5/26‑6/8/2025 (voice vote)
• Scheduled next meeting for 7/16/2025 at 4:00 pm

Public Property Committee

The Public Property Committee will discuss and possibly approve a lease for Mirror Imaging in Room 141 of the Health and Human Services building. It will also consider authorizing the disposal of technology assets and discuss the courthouse tree project. Additional items include a review of current vouchers, a year‑to‑date budget report, and the handling of auction items.

• Discussion and approval of lease for Mirror Imaging: Room 141, Health and Human Services building
• Authorization to dispose of technology assets
• Discussion of the courthouse tree project
• Review of current vouchers
• Auction items

The committee approved the May 20 and June 9, 2025 meeting minutes and accepted the time sheets and expense report, all with unanimous votes. It authorized the IT department to dispose of obsolete equipment pending legal review and directed bids for the courthouse tree project, including tree removal, sand blasting, and painting of the fire escape. The lease for Mirror Imaging in Room 141 was tabled, and the next meeting dates were set for July 15 and July 29, 2025.

• Approved May 20, 2025 meeting minutes (all ayes)
• Approved June 9, 2025 meeting minutes (all ayes)
• Approved time sheets and expense report (all ayes)
• Authorized disposal of IT department obsolete equipment (all ayes)
• Directed bids for courthouse tree project (all ayes)
• Tabled lease for Mirror Imaging, Room 141 (no vote recorded)
• Set next meeting for July 15, 2025, 5:00 pm, LCSC room 247/48
• Set additional meeting for July 29, 2025, 3:30 pm, LCSC room 247/48

County Board

The Lincoln County Board of Supervisors will consider several resolutions, including a $50,000 grant match for opioid settlement funds and the replacement of expired AEDs with a countywide first‑aid service. The board will also accept emergency management grant funding and approve an asset purchase and operations transfer agreement with Merrill Health Holdings, LLC and Jack Pines Healthcare, LLC. Additional items include appointments to local committees and review of the 2026 tax levy and budget reports.

• Appointment of Sara Brooks to the Local Emergency Planning Committee (fills unexpired term of Cheryl Skoug)
• Resolution approving $50,000 grant match of opioid settlement funds
• Resolution authorizing replacement of expired, non‑compliant AEDs and countywide first‑aid service
• Resolution accepting Emergency Management Performance Grant funding from Wisconsin Emergency Management
• Approval of Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement and Operations Transfer Agreement between Lincoln County and Merrill Health Holdings, LLC and Jack Pines Healthcare, LLC

The board approved a $50,000 grant match using opioid settlement funds. It also approved a resolution to replace expired AEDs and implement a countywide first‑aid service, authorizing levy funds for the purchase and management of AEDs, first‑aid cabinets, and trauma kits. A motion to postpone the asset purchase and operations transfer agreement with Merrill Health Holdings and Jack Pines Healthcare was defeated (6‑16), and the agreement was later approved by a 14‑8 vote.

• Approved $50,000 grant match of opioid settlement funds (voice vote)
• Approved resolution to replace expired AEDs and implement countywide first‑aid service (voice vote after amendment)
• Approved resolution authorizing Administrative Coordinator to approve department head timesheets (voice vote)
• Approved resolution accepting Emergency Management Performance Grant (voice vote)
• Approved resolution accepting EPCRA funding (voice vote)
• Approved resolution congratulating Merrill/Tomahawk High School girls bowling team (voice vote)
• Postponement of asset purchase and operations transfer agreement motion defeated (6-16)
• Asset purchase and operations transfer agreement resolution approved (14-8)

Forestry, Land, and Parks Committee

The Forestry, Land, and Parks Committee will review an Asset Purchase Agreement and an Operations Transfer Agreement for the sale of Pine Crest Nursing Home and the Health and Human Services Building. The committee will decide whether any action is needed before the County Board considers the contracts. No other agenda items are listed.

• Review Asset Purchase Agreement and Operations Transfer Agreement for sale of Pine Crest Nursing Home and Health and Human Services Building

The Forestry, Land, and Parks Committee reviewed the Asset Purchase Agreement and Operations Transfer Agreement for the sale of Pine Crest Nursing Home and the Lincoln County Health and Human Services building. The committee voted to approve the agreements and forward them to the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors for final approval. The motion passed on a voice vote.

• Approved forwarding Asset Purchase and Operations Transfer Agreements for Pine Crest Nursing Home to Board (voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting at 1:15 pm

Land Services Committee

The committee will discuss ordinance text amendments and a forestry department permit fee. Public hearings are scheduled for two rezoning requests and a non-metallic mine conditional use request.

• Public hearing: Mary and Bradley Bucks request to rezone parcels 00435062519988 and 00435062519998 from Recreation to Rural Residential-3
• Public hearing: Mary and Bradley Bucks request to amend Comprehensive Plan Map for parcels 00435062519988 and 00435062519998
• Public hearing: Brad Plautz conditional use request for a non-metallic mine at tax pin #01432063549995
• Public hearing: Brad Plautz reclamation plan for a non-metallic mine at tax pin #01432063549995
• Proposed ordinance text amendments for general cleanup and subdivision and platting

The Land Services Committee approved two fence proposals, waived the Land Use Permit fee for the Forestry Department pavilion project, and adopted proposed ordinance text amendments for general cleanup and subdivision/platting. It also approved the rezoning of tax parcels 00435062519988 and 00435062519998 from Recreation to Rural Residential‑3 and the accompanying comprehensive‑plan map change. Finally, the committee approved a conditional use permit for a non‑metallic sand and clay mining operation, attaching seventeen staff‑recommended conditions. All motions passed by voice vote.

• Approved both fencing proposals (voice vote)
• Waived the Land Use Permit fee for the Forestry Department pavilion project (voice vote)
• Approved general cleanup ordinance text amendments (voice vote)
• Approved subdivision and platting ordinance text amendments (voice vote)
• Approved rezoning of parcels 00435062519988 and 00435062519998 to Rural Residential‑3 and the related comprehensive‑plan map change (voice vote)
• Approved the conditional use permit for a non‑metallic mine with seventeen conditions (voice vote)
• Approved travel expense report (voice vote)
• Approved Zoning Program Manager timesheets for 4/28/2025–5/25/2025 (voice vote)

Opioid Task Force

The Lincoln County Opioid Task Force will meet to review grant applications and receive presentations on recovery services. The body will also receive a written update from the Grant Coordinator.

• Approval of Vital Strategies Grant Application
• Strengthening Families presentation
• Peer Recovery Services presentation
• Drug Free Community Grant presentation

The task force approved the minutes from the April meeting. It approved a resolution to apply for the Vital Strategies grant, using $50,000 settlement dollars as a match if awarded. The next meeting was set for July 9, 2025 at 2 p.m., and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved April meeting minutes (all ayes)
• Approved Vital Strategies grant application resolution (all ayes)
• Set next meeting for July 9, 2025 at 2 p.m. (all ayes)
• Adjourned meeting (all ayes)

Local Emergency Planning Committee

The meeting scheduled for June 11, 2025, has been cancelled. No other business is listed on the agenda.

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will review budget reports for emergency management, the coroner, judicial services, and the sheriff's office. The body is considering resolutions for grant funds and medical equipment, as well as a lateral entry program for the jail.

• Res. 2025-06-XX: Accepting FFY2024 Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Grant Funds
• Res. 2025-06-XX: Replacement of expired, non-compliant AEDs and implementation of Countywide First Aid Service
• Approval of Lateral Entry Program for Jail
• Preliminary 2026 Victim Witness Budget
• Annual Jail tour pursuant to Wis. Stat. §59.54(15)

The Public Safety Committee approved several routine items, including the May 14 minutes and various timesheets and expense reports. It accepted the FY2024 EPCRA grant funds with a date correction and authorized replacement of expired AEDs and a countywide first‑aid service. The committee also approved the Lincoln County Corrections Lateral Entry Program amendment, changing wage‑step language and making it effective June 1, 2025. Additionally, EMS write‑offs of $17,358 were approved.

• Approved minutes from May 14, 2025 (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved Emergency Management timesheets (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved Travel & Expense report (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved Resolution accepting FY2024 EPCRA grant funds with date correction (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved authoring replacement of expired AEDs and countywide first‑aid service (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved Preliminary 2026 Victim Witness Budget (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved Lincoln County Corrections Lateral Entry Program amendment, effective June 1, 2025 (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved EMS write‑offs of $17,358 (all ayes, voice vote)

County Board

The Lincoln County Board will hold a special informational town‑hall meeting. The agenda includes a welcome, a presentation by Jack Pines Healthcare LLC, a subsidiary of The Ensign Group, Inc., and a board discussion. No actions or votes are scheduled; the meeting is for information only.

• Welcome and Opening Remarks
• Presentation from the Ensign Group, Inc. (Jack Pines Healthcare LLC)
• Board Discussion
• Next Steps and Closing Remarks

County Board

The County Board is holding an informational town hall meeting. No actions will be taken by the board or its committees during this session.

• Presentation from The Ensign Group, Inc. and its subsidiary Jack Pines Healthcare LLC

Public Property Committee

The Public Property Committee and Forestry, Land, & Parks Committee will meet to review an Asset Purchase Agreement and Operations Transfer Agreement for the Pine Crest Nursing Home and Health and Human Services Building. The committees will determine if any action is needed before the County Board considers the contracts.

• Review of Asset Purchase Agreement for Pine Crest Nursing Home
• Review of Operations Transfer Agreement for Pine Crest Nursing Home
• Joint meeting of Public Property and Forestry, Land, & Parks Committees

The committee approved the Asset Purchase Agreement and Operations Transfer Agreement for the Pine Crest Nursing Home and the Lincoln County Health and Human Services building. The agreements were to be forwarded to the County Board of Supervisors for final approval. The decision was made by voice vote. The meeting was limited to the Public Property Committee only.

• Approved Asset Purchase and Operations Transfer Agreements for Pine Crest Nursing Home and Health & Human Services building (voice vote)
• Agreed to forward the agreements to the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors for final approval

Forestry, Land, and Parks Committee

The Public Property Committee and the Forestry, Land, & Parks Committee will review an Asset Purchase Agreement and an Operations Transfer Agreement for the sale of Pine Crest Nursing Home and the Health and Human Services Building. They will decide whether any action is needed before the County Board considers the contracts. No other business is scheduled for this joint meeting.

• Asset Purchase Agreement for the sale of Pine Crest Nursing Home
• Operations Transfer Agreement for the sale of the Health and Human Services Building

Forestry, Land, and Parks Committee

The Forestry, Land, and Parks Committee will meet to award timber sale bids and review the Wausau to Merrill Trail Master Plan. The body will also discuss fiber optic cable installation on Wildwood Ave. and provide an update on the Highway 86 ATV trail.

• Awarding of timber sale bids
• Review and approval of Wausau to Merrill Trail Master Plan
• Discussion and action on fiber optic cable installation on Wildwood Ave.
• Highway 86 ATV trail update
• Maple Bear Scavenger Hunt Organized Event Permit Request

The Lincoln County Forestry, Land and Parks Committee approved the Wausau to Trail Master Plan, awarded timber sale bids to the highest bidders, and authorized permits for a Maple Bear scavenger hunt event and a fiber‑optic line. It also approved the administrator’s timesheets and the minutes from the May 12 meeting. No action was taken on the Highway 86 ATV trail proposal.

• Approved Wausau to Trail Master Plan (all Ayes)
• Awarded timber sale bids to highest bidders (all Ayes)
• Approved Maple Bear Scavenger Hunt event permit (all Ayes)
• Authorized Dean to work with Corp Counsel on fiber‑optic permit (all Ayes)
• Approved Administrator’s timesheets (all Ayes)
• Approved May 12, 2025 meeting minutes (all Ayes)
• No action taken on Highway 86 ATV trail update

Administrative & Legislative Committee

The Ad Hoc Facilities Committee will conduct a tour of Lincoln County Highway facilities at the Merrill and Tomahawk locations. No actions or decisions will be taken at this meeting; any discussion will be deferred to the next regular meeting.

• Tour of Lincoln County Highway Facilities at Merrill Facility, 100 S. Cooper St, Merrill, WI
• Tour of Lincoln County Highway Facilities at Tomahawk Facility, 574 Southgate Dr, Tomahawk, WI
• No actions will be discussed or taken during this meeting

The Administrative & Legislative Committee toured the Lincoln County Highway Facilities at the Merrill and Tomahawk locations. No actions were discussed or taken during the tour. Any action or discussion related to the tour will be addressed at the next regular meeting.

Ad Hoc Committee

The Lincoln County Ad Hoc Facilities Committee will hold a tour-only meeting on June 9, 2025 at 10:30 AM. Members will travel from the north parking lot of the County Service Center to the Oneida County Highway Facility at 730 W. Kemp St., Rhinelander. No discussion, votes, or actions will take place; any decisions will be deferred to the next regular meeting.

• Tour of Oneida County Highway Facility – 730 W. Kemp St., Rhinelander, WI

Social Services Board

The Lincoln County Social Services Committee will vote on the preliminary 2026 Child Support Budget and the preliminary 2026 Social Services Budget, reviewing two proposals—one that includes the Energy Assistance Program and one that does not. The agenda also includes routine business such as approving minutes from May 12, 2025, reviewing 2025 year‑to‑date financial reports for UW Extension and Social Services, and a public hearing at 4:30 pm. No resolutions or ordinances are scheduled for action.

• Approve Preliminary 2026 Child Support Budget
• Approve Preliminary 2026 Social Services Budget (with and without Energy Assistance)
• Approve UW Extension 2025 YTD expense report
• Approve Social Services Director timesheet for 4/28/2025‑5/25/2025
• 4:30 pm public hearing (see Public Hearing Notice)

The Lincoln County Social Services Committee approved the preliminary 2026 Child Support budget and the preliminary 2026 Social Services budget that excludes the Energy Assistance program. Both approvals were passed by voice vote. The committee also approved the May 12, 2025 minutes and the director's timesheet for April 28‑May 25, 2025.

• Approved May 12, 2025 minutes (voice vote)
• Approved Director Timesheet for 4/28/2025‑5/25/2025 (voice vote)
• Approved preliminary 2026 Child Support budget (voice vote)
• Approved preliminary 2026 Social Services budget without Energy Assistance program (voice vote)

Finance & Insurance Committee

The Lincoln County Finance & Insurance Committee will review year‑to‑date expenditures for the Treasurer, County Clerk, and Finance departments. Members will discuss the tax deed fee and examine the 2025 YTD budget report. The meeting includes preliminary discussion of the 2026 Social Services budget and a broader 2026 budget and Capital Improvement Plan discussion. Additional financial reports such as cash balances, sales tax, and health insurance fund statements will be reviewed.

• Approve minutes from May 2, 2025
• Tax deed fee discussion
• 2026 Social Services preliminary budget discussion
• 2026 budget and Capital Improvement Plan discussion
• Review of cash balances, sales tax, and health insurance fund reports

The Finance & Insurance Committee approved the May 2, 2025 minutes, approved raising the tax deed fee to $300, and approved the finance director’s timesheets. All three motions passed by voice vote. No other actions were taken.

• Approved May 2, 2025 minutes (voice vote)
• Approved tax deed fee increase to $300 (voice vote)
• Approved finance director timesheets (voice vote)

Highway Committee

The Lincoln County Highway Committee will meet to approve previous minutes, review financial vouchers, and discuss mandatory budget cutbacks. The agenda includes public hearings for road projects and updates on traffic safety.

• Approve minutes from May 1, 2025
• Review financial vouchers and reports
• Discuss mandatory vs. optional budget cutbacks
• Public hearing for Town of Harding road projects
• Discuss sale of 160 acres off Swamp Road

The committee approved the May 1, 2025 minutes by voice vote. It scheduled the next meetings for July 3 and August 7, 2025. It approved the highway commissioner’s timesheets for three periods by voice vote. It approved 50/50 cost‑share agreements for several town road projects, approving all listed roads except Fairview Road, which was not approved.

• Approved May 1, 2025 minutes (voice vote)
• Set future meetings: July 3, 2025 and August 7, 2025
• Approved commissioner’s timesheets for 4/4‑4/27, 4/28‑5/11, 5/12‑5/25 (voice vote)
• Approved 50/50 cost‑share for Town of Harding – Edward Drive and Brook Drive (voice vote)
• Approved 50/50 cost‑share for Town of Scott – River Road (voice vote)
• Denied 50/50 cost‑share for Town of Scott – Fairview Road (did not meet requirements)
• Approved 50/50 cost‑share for Town of Skanawan – Skanawan Lake Road (voice vote)
• Approved 50/50 cost‑share for Town of Somo – Wilson School Road and Pine Tree Lane (voice vote)

Administrative & Legislative Committee

The Administrative & Legislative Committee will consider the 2026 budgets for the County Veterans Services Office and Information Technology. It will discuss actions from a recent PACE meeting and review resolutions to be submitted to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. The committee will examine the status of the proposed sale of the Pine Crest Nursing Home and Health and Human Services building, which may move to a closed session. A resolution to accept a $13,750 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs will also be considered.

• Review and approve CVSO 2026 budget
• Review and approve IT 2026 budget
• Discussion and possible action from PACE meeting
• Review status of proposed sale of Pine Crest Nursing Home and health building (possible closed session)
• Resolution accepting $13,750 grant from Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

The committee moved to closed session and approved the Asset Purchase Agreement and Operations Transfer Agreement for the Pine Crest Nursing Home and Health and Human Services building, forwarding them to the County Board. It also approved the 2026 budgets for the County Veterans Services Office and the IT department, and directed work on ending Lincoln County’s participation in the PACE program. Additional consent‑agenda items, including timesheets, expense reimbursements and a $13,750 veterans grant, were approved by voice vote.

• Approved Asset Purchase Agreement and Operations Transfer Agreement for Pine Crest (voice vote)
• Directed drafting of resolution to sunset Lincoln County’s PACE program (voice vote)
• Approved CVSO 2026 budget (voice vote)
• Approved IT 2026 budget (voice vote)
• Approved resolution authorizing Administrative Coordinator to approve department head timesheets (voice vote)
• Approved resolution accepting $13,750 veterans grant (voice vote)
• Approved timesheets as submitted (voice vote)
• Approved expense reimbursements as submitted (voice vote)

Ad Hoc Committee

The committee will discuss the previous tour of Portage County held on May 22, 2025. Following the meeting, members will tour the Waupaca County Highway Building at 2670 County Road A in Waupaca, WI.

• Discussion of Portage County tour (05.22.25)
• Tour of Waupaca County Highway Building at 2670 County Road A

The Ad Hoc Facilities Committee decided to schedule a tour of the Waupaca County Highway Building for June 9, 2025, after the Forestry Committee meeting. The meeting was adjourned (carried) with no other actions taken. Further discussion and any additional actions will be addressed at the next regular meeting on June 26, 2025.

• Adjourned meeting (carried)
• Scheduled tour of Waupaca County Highway facilities for June 9, 2025

Ad Hoc Committee

The Lincoln County Ad Hoc Facilities Committee will tour the Portage County Facility located at 800 Plover Road in Plover, WI. No actions or discussions will be taken during this tour; any decisions will be deferred to the next regular meeting. The committee will travel from the north parking lot of the County Service Center.

• Tour of Portage County Facility – 800 Plover Road, Plover, WI

The Ad Hoc Facilities Committee toured the Portage County facility at 800 Plover Road in Plover, Wisconsin. No actions or decisions were discussed or taken during the tour. The committee will address any actions at the next regular meeting.

Solid Waste Committee

The Solid Waste Committee will approve routine items such as the April 24 minutes, the manager's time sheets and mileage, the 2025 general engineering plan, and the financial reports. It will also discuss leachate disposal options. Finally, the committee will decide on an application for an account for West Side Salvage Company LLC.

• Approval of minutes from the April 24 meeting
• Approval of manager's time sheets and mileage expenses
• Review of leachate disposal options
• Approval of the 2025 general engineering plan
• Application for an account for West Side Salvage Company LLC

The committee approved the minutes from the April 24 meeting, approved the manager’s time sheets and expenses, approved a signed agreement with Tetra Tech for 2025 general engineering, and approved an account application for West Side Salvage Company LLC. All approvals were by voice vote with unanimous support. The next meeting was scheduled for June 26 at 5 p.m.

• Approved April 24 minutes (voice vote, all yes)
• Approved manager’s time sheets and mileage expenses (voice vote, all yes)
• Approved moving forward with signed agreement with Tetra Tech for 2025 general engineering (voice vote, all yes)
• Approved application for account for West Side Salvage Company LLC (voice vote, all yes)
• Set next meeting date for June 26, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to review the preliminary 2026 budget and evaluate applications for citizen and nurse board memberships. The meeting includes updates on family health programming and a review of the Director's financial and written reports.

• Approval of Preliminary 2026 Budget
• Review of Citizen and Nurse Board of Health Membership Applications
• Family Health Programming Update from Public Health Nurse Kristi Krombholz
• Approval of Director April 2025 Expense Voucher

The board approved the minutes from the April 16 meeting, several director timesheets, the April 2025 expense voucher, and the preliminary 2026 budget, all by voice vote. It also approved the citizen and nurse member applications along with a FAQ for board members. The next meeting is set for June 18, 2025.

• Approved Board of Health Meeting Minutes 4/16/2025 (voice vote)
• Approved Director Timesheets for 3/31‑5/11/2025 (voice vote)
• Approved Director April 2025 Expense Voucher (voice vote)
• Approved 2026 Preliminary Budget (voice vote)
• Approved Citizen Member Application, Nurse Member Application and Board of Health Member FAQ (voice vote)

Traffic Safety Commission

The Traffic Safety Commission will review crash data from the Merrill Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. The body will discuss and potentially take action on two specific road safety and access items.

• Possible action regarding the intersection of Hwy. JJ and Hillside Drive (Mike Fick Parking Lot/Pedestrian Crossing)
• Possible action regarding ATV access on Hwy. L underneath the R/R overhead north of Hwy. N
• Review of crash data from Merrill Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
• Election of officers

The Traffic Safety Commission elected Chief Deputy Tyler Iverson as Chair, Sheriff Ken Schneider as Vice Chair, and Captain Don Suebert as Secretary, each by unanimous consent. The commission approved the minutes from February 18, 2025. A motion to allow ATV use on County Hwy L under the railroad bridge passed unanimously. The proposed parking lot project at the intersection of Hwy JJ and Hillside Drive was formally noted as not moving forward.

• Elected Chair Tyler Iverson (all ayes)
• Elected Vice Chair Ken Schneider (all ayes)
• Elected Secretary Don Suebert (all ayes)
• Approved February 18, 2025 minutes (all ayes)
• Approved ATV use on County Hwy L under railroad bridge (all ayes)
• Parking lot project at Hwy JJ & Hillside Drive halted (not moving forward)
• Motion by Captain Don Suebert passed (all ayes)

Public Property Committee

The Public Property Committee will consider several routine items, including approval of the minutes from the April 15, 2025 meeting and review of vouchers. It will discuss and vote on the proposed 2026 maintenance budget and the 2026 capital improvement projects. Updates will be provided on the courthouse tree project, the Service Center I.T. room project, and the safety building 911 center project. The meeting will also include public comment, an auction of items, and setting the next meeting date.

• Approve minutes from April 15, 2025 meeting
• Review and approve 2026 maintenance budget
• Review and approve 2026 capital improvement projects
• Update on courthouse tree project
• Update on Service Center I.T. room project

The Public Property Committee approved the April 15 minutes, the current timesheets, the 2026 maintenance budget, and the 2026 capital improvement projects, each with unanimous support. The courthouse tree project was tabled until the June meeting. The next meeting was scheduled for June 17, 2025.

• Approved minutes of April 15, 2025 meeting (all ayes)
• Approved timesheets as presented (all ayes)
• Approved 2026 maintenance budget (all ayes)
• Approved 2026 CIP projects (all ayes)
• Tabled courthouse tree project until June meeting (no vote)
• Set next meeting date for June 17, 2025 (no vote)

County Board

The Lincoln County Board will re‑appoint Mary Ann Gretenhardt as the 1st Alternate to the Board of Adjustment and elect five members to the Board Rules Ad Hoc Committee. The board will hear the Finance & Insurance Committee's year‑to‑date budget report and 2026 budget projection. Three resolutions will be considered, including support for $20.2 million state funding for county conservation staffing, authority for additional defendants in opioid litigation, and authority to pursue a zoning amendment tied to the sale of the Pine Crest Nursing Home. Two ordinances will amend the county zoning code based on petitions from property owners in the towns of Schley and Merrill.

• Re‑appointment of Mary Ann Gretenhardt as 1st Alternate to the Board of Adjustment (term expires 6/30/2028)
• Election of five board members to the Board Rules Ad Hoc Committee
• Resolution supporting increasing state base funding for county conservation staffing to $20.2 million
• Ordinance 2025‑05‑780 amending the zoning ordinance for a property in the Town of Schley (Carter and Paula Schendel petition)
• Ordinance 2025‑05‑781 amending the zoning ordinance for a property in the Town of Merrill (Irvin and Cheryl Fick petition)

The board re‑appointed Mary Ann Gretenhardt to the Board of Adjustment and elected five members to the Board Rules Ad Hoc Committee. It approved three resolutions, including support for $20.2 million state conservation staffing and authority to add defendants to opioid litigation, and a 12‑7 roll‑call vote to pursue a zoning amendment tied to the Pine Crest Nursing Home sale. Two zoning ordinances were also adopted, and mileage and per‑diem for supervisors were approved.

• Re‑appointed Mary Ann Gretenhardt as 1st Alternate to Board of Adjustment (voice vote)
• Elected Dorava, Cummings, Wickham, Lyskawa, and Meunier to Board Rules Ad Hoc Committee (ballot)
• Approved Resolution 2025-05-20 supporting $20.2 M state base funding for county conservation staffing (voice vote)
• Approved Resolution 2025-05-21 ratifying authority to add defendants to opioid litigation (voice vote)
• Approved Resolution 2025-05-22 confirming authority to apply for zoning amendment for Pine Crest Nursing Home sale (12‑7 roll‑call)
• Approved Ordinance 2025-05-780 amending zoning ordinance for Carter & Paula Schendel property in Town of Schley (voice vote)
• Approved Ordinance 2025-05-781 amending zoning ordinance for Irvin & Cheryl Fick property in Town of Merrill (voice vote)
• Approved mileage and per diem for 19 supervisors for the May 20, 2025 meeting (voice vote)

Opioid Task Force

The Lincoln County Opioid Task Force will meet to approve minutes, a substance use report, and a distribution plan. The body will also discuss and approve spending priorities for grant funds.

• Approve minutes from April 9, 2025
• Approve Final Draft Substance Use Report
• Approve Substance Use Report Distribution Plan
• Discuss and approve spending priorities
• Review and approve Vital Strategies Grant

The task force approved the April meeting minutes, the final draft Substance Use Report, and its companion document. They adopted a distribution plan that adds the report and a QR‑code flyer to the task‑force website. Members voted to focus spending on two priorities: Strengthening Families and Peer Recovery Support. The next meeting was scheduled for June 11, 2025 at 2 p.m.

• Approved April meeting minutes (all ayes)
• Approved Final Draft Substance Use Report (all ayes)
• Approved Substance Use Companion Document (all ayes)
• Approved distribution plan: add report links and QR‑code flyer (assigned to Ray)
• Prioritized spending: selected Strengthening Families and Peer Recovery Support (written vote)
• Set next meeting for June 11, 2025 at 2 p.m.
• Adjourned meeting at 3:30 p.m.

Public Safety Committee

The Lincoln County Public Safety Committee will consider several budget items for 2026, including the Emergency Management budget, the Sheriff’s Office budget, and the Coroner’s budget. It will also review reports such as the 2025 tornado drill after‑action report and the 2024 jail assessment budget modification. The meeting includes routine items like approving the minutes from April 9, 2025 and a public comment period.

• Approve minutes from April 9, 2025
• Review and consider the proposed 2026 Emergency Management Budget
• Consider the 2026 Sheriff Proposed Budget and 2024 Jail Assessment Budget Modification
• Review the Preliminary 2026 Coroner Budget
• Discuss/Approve Non‑Emergency Service Agreement Fee‑For‑Service‑Agreement Update

The Public Safety Committee approved the minutes from the April 9 meeting and a series of budget items, including the 2026 Emergency Management Budget and the Sheriff’s Proposed Budget with reduced line items. It accepted a $34,072.23 Wisconsin Emergency Management grant and voted to raise the non‑emergency transport fee from $200 to $300. All motions passed by voice vote with unanimous approval.

• Approved minutes from April 9, 2025 (All ayes)
• Approved Emergency Management timesheets (All ayes)
• Approved Emergency Management travel & expense report (All ayes)
• Approved proposed 2026 Emergency Management Budget (All ayes)
• Approved Resolution to accept $34,072.23 WEM grant (All ayes)
• Approved increase of non‑emergency transport fee from $200 to $300 (All ayes)
• Approved 2024 Jail Assessment Budget Modification (All ayes)
• Approved 2026 Sheriff’s Proposed Budget with reduced civil process, postage, and office supplies (All ayes)

Forestry, Land, and Parks Committee

The committee will discuss the preliminary 2026 budget and changes to fees for trail passes, camping, and pavilion rentals. Members will also award bids for timber sales and the Hay Meadow pavilion.

• Preliminary 2026 budget approval
• Fee structure changes for camping, pavilion rentals, and trail passes
• Awarding of Hay Meadow pavilion bid
• Setting minimum bids and date for tax-delinquent property sale
• Permit request for a temporary produce stand at Larson Lake Park

The committee approved the April 14 minutes, awarded 22 timber sales worth $1,059,384.5 to the highest bidders, and accepted the Hay Meadow pavilion bid. It also approved the preliminary 2026 budget, set minimum bids for six tax‑delinquent properties with a sale date of July 14, 2025, and adopted new fee structures for camping and pavilion rentals. Additional actions included postponing a temporary produce‑stand permit, authorizing equipment‑attachment bids, and approving the blocking of secondary roads crossing wetlands.

• Approved April 14, 2025 minutes (All Ayes)
• Postponed temporary produce stand permit pending liability review (All Ayes)
• Awarded 22 timber sales totaling $1,059,384.5 to highest bidders (All Ayes)
• Accepted Hay Meadow pavilion bid from J&J Lee (All Ayes)
• Approved preliminary 2026 budget (All Ayes)
• Set minimum bids for six tax‑delinquent properties and scheduled sale for July 14, 2025 (All Ayes)
• Approved new fee structures for camping, pavilion rentals and trail passes (All Ayes)
• Approved blocking of secondary roads crossing wetlands (All Ayes)

Social Services Board

The Social Services Committee will review and approve the 2024 Social Services budget modifications and financial reports. Members will consider an action item on continuing to administer the WHEAP program locally versus transferring it to the state. The committee will also approve a preliminary 2026 budget for the UW Extension and adopt a resolution to request funding from the Aspirus Foundation for FoodWise nutrition education.

• Approve 2024 Social Services Budget Modifications
• Consider continuing local administration of WHEAP program or transferring to state
• Approve Preliminary 2026 UW Extension Budget
• Resolution to request and accept Aspirus Foundation funding for FoodWise Nutrition Education
• Approve minutes from the April 14, 2025 meeting

The committee approved the minutes from the April 14, 2025 meeting. It also approved the 2024 Social Services budget modifications, the director’s timesheet and expense report, and the preliminary 2026 UW Extension budget, all by voice vote. A resolution to request and accept funding from the Aspirus Foundation for the FoodWise nutrition education program was approved. The decision on whether to continue administering the WHEAP program locally was postponed until next month.

• Approved minutes from April 14, 2025 (voice vote)
• Approved 2024 Social Services budget modifications (voice vote)
• Approved director timesheet for 3/31/2025‑4/27/2025 (voice vote)
• Approved director expense report (voice vote)
• Approved preliminary 2026 UW Extension budget (voice vote)
• Approved resolution to request Aspirus Foundation funding for FoodWise program (voice vote)
• Postponed decision on continuing local WHEAP services until next month

Land Services Committee

The committee will discuss and potentially take action on the 2026 budgets for Land Services and the Register of Deeds. The meeting includes several public hearings regarding zoning changes and comprehensive plan map amendments.

• 2026 Budget discussion and possible action for Register of Deeds and Land Services
• Public hearing: Rezoning request by Irvin and Cheryl Fick for parcel 01432063639966 from RR3 to GB
• Public hearing: Rezoning request by Mary and Bradley Bucks for parcels 00435062519988 and 00435062519998 from RE to RR-3
• Public hearing: Rezoning request by Carter and Paula Schendel for parcels 02232080119997, 02232080119985, and 02232080119987 from F and A to RL-4
• Public hearing: Conditional use request by Kloehn-Stead Properties LLC to expand a private campground in an RL4 district

The committee approved the 2026 Register of Deeds budget and forwarded it to the Finance Committee. It also approved the 2026 Land Services budget, reducing the Transcendent Technologies contract to $30,000, and sent it to Finance. The committee approved rezoning of parcel 01432063639966 from Rural Residential‑3 to General Business and amended the comprehensive plan accordingly. Additional approvals included a 30‑day extension for the Town of Bradley, rezoning of two Bucks parcels, rezoning of three Schendel parcels, and a conditional use permit for Kloehn‑Stead Properties with 23 conditions.

• Approved 2026 Register of Deeds budget (voice vote)
• Approved 2026 Land Services budget with contract change to $30,000 (voice vote)
• Approved rezoning of parcel 01432063639966 to General Business (voice vote)
• Approved comprehensive plan amendment for parcel 01432063639966 (voice vote)
• Approved 30‑day extension for the Town of Bradley (voice vote)
• Approved rezoning of parcels 00435062519988 and 00435062519998 to Rural Residential‑3 (voice vote)
• Approved rezoning of parcels 02232080119997, 02232080119985, 02232080119987 to Rural Lands‑4 (voice vote)
• Approved conditional use permit for Kloehn‑Stead Properties with 23 conditions (voice vote)

Local Emergency Planning Committee

The Lincoln County Local Emergency Planning Committee will meet on May 7, 2025. The committee will approve the minutes from the December 11, 2024 meeting, review several recent Wisconsin spill reports, and discuss a U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board report on the Bhopal incident with a video. It will also consider a request from the Wisconsin Emergency Management Association for letters of support and examine an updated quick reference guide.

• Approve minutes from the December 11, 2024 meeting
• Review Wisconsin spill reports #21441, #21650, #21680, #21744, #21888, #21965
• Discuss U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board Bhopal report & video
• Consider Wisconsin Emergency Management Association request for letters of support
• Review LEPC Quick Reference Guide v3.1

Administrative & Legislative Committee

The Administrative & Legislative Committee will vote on the 2026 county budget and approve partial building and service closures for training. The committee will also discuss the proposed sale of the Pine Crest Nursing Home and Health and Human Services building, and consider department head timesheets and follow‑up from a recent PACE meeting. A resolution will be considered to confirm the authority of counsel for Lincoln County in opioid litigation (MDL 2804).

• Approve 2026 county budget
• Approve partial building/service closures for training purposes
• Review status and possible sale of Pine Crest Nursing Home and Health and Human Services building
• Discussion of department head timesheets
• Resolution confirming authority of counsel for opioid litigation (MDL 2804)

The committee approved the resolution giving Lincoln County counsel authority to add additional defendants to the opioid litigation, including MDL 2804. It also approved the 2026 administration and corporation counsel budgets, and authorized partial building closures for active‑threat training with date‑change flexibility. Several items were tabled or moved to closed session for further review.

• Approved minutes from 04.02.25 regular meeting (voice vote)
• Approved minutes from 04.03.25 special PACE meeting (voice vote)
• Approved Administration 2026 budget (voice vote)
• Approved partial building/service closures for active‑threat training, amendment allowing Emergency Management Director to modify dates (voice vote)
• Authorized Administrative Coordinator to draft resolution to approve Department Head timesheets (voice vote)
• Tabled follow‑up from PACE meeting until next month (voice vote)
• Moved to closed session to review proposed sale of Pine Crest Nursing Home and Health and Human Services building (roll call vote)
• Approved resolution confirming authority of counsel to add additional defendants to opioid litigation (voice vote)

Finance & Insurance Committee

The Finance & Insurance Committee will consider and vote on the 2026 budgets for the Treasurer, County Clerk, County Board, Finance Department and several other funds. It will also review and approve the 2024 year‑end budget modifications, contingency requests and carryovers. Additional items include a resolution to allocate Social Services funds for out‑of‑home placements and a request to fill an Economic Support Supervisor/Energy Assistant Specialist position. The committee will receive various financial reports and set the next meeting date.

• Approve 2026 Treasurer Budget
• Approve 2026 County Clerk Budget and County Board Budget
• Approve 2026 budgets for Finance, Non‑Departmental, Debt Service, Dog License, EMS, Jail Assessment Fund
• Resolution 2025 to commit Social Services Fund for out‑of‑home placements
• Request to fill authorized Economic Support Supervisor/Energy Assistant Specialist position

The Finance & Insurance Committee approved the 2026 budgets for the Treasurer, County Clerk, County Board, Finance, Non‑Departmental services, Debt Service, Dog License, and Jail Assessment Fund, all by voice vote. It also approved the request to fill the authorized Economic Support Supervisor/Energy Assistant Specialist position, with advertising to begin May 5, 2025. Earlier, the committee approved the minutes from the April 4, 2025 meeting and several 2024 budget modifications and contingency requests. No action was taken on Resolution 2025 regarding the Social Services Fund.

• Approved minutes from April 4, 2025 (voice vote)
• Approved 2026 Treasurer Budget (voice vote)
• Approved 2026 County Clerk Budget (voice vote)
• Approved 2026 Finance Budget (voice vote)
• Approved 2026 Non-Departmental Budget with changes (voice vote)
• Approved request to fill Economic Support Supervisor/Energy Assistant Specialist position (voice vote)
• Approved 2024 Sheriff Contingency Request (voice vote)
• Approved 2024 Forestry Budget Modification (voice vote)

Live Well Lincoln Leadership Team Meeting

The Live Well Lincoln Leadership Team will review the County Health Rankings. It will discuss transportation next‑step activities, including the Find Help event on May 14 and a transportation meeting on June 10. The meeting will also receive data updates on the opioid task force, Aspirus outcomes, and upcoming community events.

• Review of County Health Rankings
• Transportation next steps – Find Help event May 14 (9:30‑11:30 am) and Transportation meeting June 10 (9:30 am)
• Community Engagement Training – UW Extension, May 16, 12‑1 pm
• Social Connectedness Community Meeting – May 2025
• Data updates: Opioid Task Force Assessment and Aspirus Outcome Reporting

The Live Well Lincoln Leadership Team approved the December 2024 meeting minutes with all members voting aye. The team noted that the County Health Rankings will end due to funding cuts. Several action items were assigned for transportation planning, opioid assessment reporting, and community event promotion.

• Approved 12/28/2025 meeting minutes (all ayes)

Highway Committee

The Lincoln County Highway Committee will consider budget modifications for 2024, 2025, and 2026, as well as the 2026 Capital Improvement Program requests. It will also review the 50/50 Cost Share Bridge and Culvert Aid Program and discuss upcoming highway operation projects and staffing needs. Routine items include approving minutes, financial reports, and timesheets.

• Review 2024 Budget Modifications
• Review 2025 Budget Modifications
• Review 2026 Budget and 2026 Capital Improvement Program requests
• Discuss 50/50 Cost Share – Bridge and Culvert Aid Program
• Commissioner's report on upcoming highway RFPs and summer projects

The committee approved the 2024 and 2025 budget modifications and the 2026 budget, each by voice vote. It also approved the 2026 Capital Improvement Program requests and the commissioner's timesheets and travel expenses. Future meeting dates were set for July 3 2025 and the 50/50 cost‑share bridge and culvert requests will be considered at the next meeting.

• Approved April 3, 2025 minutes (voice vote)
• Approved 2024 budget modifications (voice vote)
• Approved 2025 budget modification (voice vote)
• Approved 2026 budget (voice vote)
• Approved 2026 Capital Improvement Program requests (voice vote)
• Approved and signed commissioner's timesheets and travel expenses (voice vote)
• Added July 3, 2025 to next month's agenda
• Deferred 7 bridge and culvert cost‑share requests to next meeting

Veterans Service Commission

The Lincoln County Veterans Service Commission will meet on April 29, 2025. The commission may move to a closed session to consider Application GB0689-2025, a veteran relief request for financial assistance. Any action on the application would be taken after the closed‑session discussion. The meeting will then return to open session before adjourning.

• Motion to enter closed session under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(f)
• Review Application GB0689-2025 for veteran financial assistance (closed session)
• Return to open session after closed session
• Adjourn the meeting

The Veterans Service Commission moved into a closed session to consider veteran relief application GB0689‑2025, then returned to the open session. No further action was taken on the application. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous motion.

• Motion to enter closed session on veteran relief application (outcome not recorded)
• Motion to return to open session (outcome not recorded)
• Adjournment motion carried (all Ayes)

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Lincoln County Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing to discuss a variance request. The board will determine if a garage addition may be built closer to the street than required by county ordinance.

• Public hearing regarding a variance request by Brzezinski Family Trust from section 17.4.10 of Lincoln County Ordinance for a garage addition setback

The Board of Adjustment approved a variance request from the Brzezinski Family Trust to add onto an existing garage at N11710 Acorn Rd, which does not meet the minimum street‑yard setback. The approval was granted with three staff‑recommended conditions and passed unanimously (3‑0). The meeting also adopted its agenda and the minutes from the December 17, 2024 meeting by voice vote.

• Approved variance for garage addition at N11710 Acorn Rd (3-0)
• Adopted agenda (voice vote)
• Approved December 17, 2024 meeting minutes (voice vote)

Ad Hoc Committee

The committee will receive presentations on the condition of Highway and Forestry buildings, as well as other Capital Improvement Plan needs. Members will discuss funding options and potential third-party facilitators for the project.

• Internal Report on Highway and Forestry Building
• CIP needs for Courthouse, Service Center, Health and Human Services, and Solid Waste
• Presentation on funding options by the Finance Director
• Possible action on third-party facilitator options
• Possible action on site tours or county presentations

The committee approved the minutes from the April 10, 2025 meeting by voice vote. Presentations on highway, forestry, courthouse, and finance needs were given. The committee assigned staff to obtain the courthouse covenant, prepare bonding projections, secure a third‑party facilitator, add public comment to the next agenda, and schedule tours of Portage County facilities on May 22 and May 28. The next regular meeting is set for June 26, 2025.

• Approved minutes from 04.10.2025 (voice vote)
• Assigned Krueger to pursue facilitator arrangement with Amber Rehberg
• Tasked staff to obtain a copy of the courthouse covenant
• Tasked staff to prepare bonding projection estimates
• Tasked staff to secure a third‑party facilitator for the June 26 meeting
• Added public comment period to the next regular agenda
• Scheduled Portage County facility tours for May 22 and May 28, 2025
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)

Solid Waste Committee

The Lincoln County Solid Waste Committee will consider several routine items, including approval of manager time sheets and financial reports. It will review a past‑due account for Lucas Golish and discuss account applications. The committee will vote on a contract with Tetra Tech and on the 2026 solid‑waste budget.

• Approval of Contract for Tetra Tech
• 2026 Budget Approval (Budget Worksheet)
• Collection of Past Due Account – Lucas Golish (Invoice)
• Approval of Manager's Time Sheets
• Waste Tonnage and Leachate Reports

The committee approved the minutes from the March 27 meeting, the manager's time sheets, and a small‑claims lawsuit against Lucas Golish. It also approved an account application for Integrity Sales & Auction and adopted the 2026 budget. The next meeting was scheduled for May 22, 2025 at 5:00 PM.

• Approved March 27 minutes (typo correction) – All Ayes
• Approved manager's time sheets – All Ayes
• Approved suing Lucas Golish in small claims – All Ayes
• Approved account application for Integrity Sales & Auction – All Ayes
• Approved 2026 budget – All Ayes
• Set next meeting date for May 22, 2025 at 5:00 PM

Broadband Commission

The Lincoln County Broadband Commission will review and approve the minutes from its March 27, 2025 meeting. It will receive updates from the commission chair, the Public Service Commission, and internet service providers, including the Charter RDOF project. The commission will present and discuss a Digital Asset Mapping process. It will also review its guidelines, proposed action team members, and consider future agenda topics and the next meeting schedule.

• Approve prior meeting minutes from March 27, 2025
• Updates from commission chair, Public Service Commission, and ISPs (including Charter RDOF project)
• Digital Asset Mapping presentation and discussion
• Review of commission guidelines and proposed action team members
• Consider future agenda topics and confirm next meeting date/time/location

The commission approved the March 27, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried). It decided to first complete a local digital‑asset assessment before pursuing regional collaborations and tasked UW‑Extension with providing survey and outreach examples for the May meeting. The next commission meeting was set for May 22, 2025 at 6:30 pm in the Lincoln County Service Center, with several agenda topics outlined.

• Approved March 27, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Decided to complete a local digital‑asset assessment before regional collaboration
• Directed UW‑Extension to share survey and outreach examples at the May meeting
• Agreed community engagement is essential for the digital‑resource assessment
• Confirmed next meeting date: May 22, 2025 at 6:30 pm, Lincoln County Service Center
• No changes to LCBC Guidelines or Action Team structure (review pending)
• Nelson and O’Hare reaffirmed willingness to continue as Action Team members
• Planned May agenda topics: Action Team vote, broadband plan review, BEAD Round 2 update, digital resources project timeline

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to approve the 2024 Annual Report and review applications for citizen and nurse board memberships. The session will also include updates on federal public health grant funding and a reaccreditation site visit report.

• Approval of 2024 Annual Report
• Review of Citizen and Nurse Board of Health Membership Applications
• Update on Federal Public Health Grants Funding Status
• Reaccreditation Site Visit Report Out

The Lincoln County Board of Health approved the March 19, 2025 meeting minutes by voice vote. It also approved the director’s time sheets for March 3‑16 and March 17‑30, 2025. The 2024 Annual Report was approved by voice vote. Membership application materials were reviewed and changes were recommended.

• Approved March 19, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved director time sheet 3/3‑3/16/2025 (approval by Cummings/Thiel)
• Approved director time sheet 3/17‑3/30/2025 (approval by Cummings/Thiel)
• Approved 2024 Annual Report (voice vote)
• Reviewed citizen and nurse board membership applications; suggested updates

County Board

The Lincoln County Board of Supervisors will consider several resolutions, including accepting $12,500 in state opioid response funding, approving an FDA grant, and adjusting wages for the Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division. The agenda also includes an ordinance to amend portions of the Lincoln County Zoning Ordinance. A finance report on the 2025 year‑to‑date budget will be presented.

• Res 2025-04-14 – Acceptance of $12,500 State Opioid Response Funding
• Ord 2025-04-779 – Amendment to Lincoln County Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 17)
• Res 2025-04-15 – Approval of FDA Grant 2025
• Res 2025-04-16 – Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division wage adjustment
• Res 2025-04-18 – Acceptance of donation from Aspirus Health

The Lincoln County Board approved six resolutions and a zoning ordinance, all by voice vote, including state opioid response funding, an FDA grant, a sheriff’s wage adjustment, an ad‑hoc committee, a donation from Aspirus Health, and a zoning amendment. The board rejected a resolution opposing Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) funding, with a roll‑call vote of 13 against and 6 in favor.

• Approved $12,500 State Opioid Response Funding (voice vote)
• Approved FDA Grant 2025 (voice vote)
• Approved Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division wage adjustment (voice vote)
• Authorized Board Rules Ad Hoc Committee (voice vote)
• Accepted donation from Aspirus Health (voice vote)
• Defeated resolution opposing BRIC funding, 13‑6 roll‑call vote
• Amended Chapter 17 Zoning Ordinance (voice vote)
• Approved mileage and per diem for 19 supervisors (voice vote)

Public Property Committee

The Public Property Committee will approve the minutes from the March 18, 2025 meeting and review March vendor invoices. It will examine the year‑to‑date budget, maintenance reports, and approve time sheets and expense reports. The committee will also review and approve the 2024 budget modifications, carryover requests, and the 2024 maintenance budget, and begin discussion on the 2026 maintenance budget. An auction of items will be held and the next meeting date set.

• Approve minutes of the March 18, 2025 meeting
• Review March vendor invoice list
• Approve 2024 budget modifications
• Review 2024 carryover requests
• Begin discussion on the 2026 maintenance budget

The Public Property Committee approved the minutes from the March 18, 2025 meeting, the time sheets and expense report, the 2024 budget modifications, and the 2024 carryover requests, each with all ayes. No further action was taken on the 2024 maintenance budget. Discussion of the 2026 maintenance budget was started and will continue at the next meeting.

• Approved March 18, 2025 meeting minutes (all ayes)
• Approved time sheets and expense report (all ayes)
• Approved 2024 budget modifications (all ayes)
• Approved 2024 carryover requests (all ayes)
• No action taken on 2024 maintenance budget report
• Carried forward discussion of 2026 maintenance budget

Social Services Board

The Social Services Committee will approve the March 10, 2025 meeting minutes and review financial reports for 2024 and 2025. A closed session will be held to consider personnel matters. The committee will consider transferring local WHEAP services to state administration and filling a vacancy for an Economic Support Supervisor/Energy Assistance Specialist. Initial budget discussions for fiscal year 2026 will also be presented.

• Approve minutes from the March 10, 2025 meeting
• Review 2024 year‑to‑date Social Services financials
• Closed session to discuss staff personnel issues
• Consider transferring WHEAP services to state and hiring an Economic Support Supervisor/Energy Assistance Specialist
• Initial budget discussions for FY2026

The committee approved the minutes from the March 10, 2025 meeting by voice vote. It also approved the director's timesheet for March 3‑30, 2025 by voice vote. A motion to convene a closed session passed unanimously (5‑0), and the committee reconvened in open session unanimously (5‑0). Finally, the board voted to allow the department to fill the Economic Support Supervisor/Energy Assistance Specialist position early.

• Approved March 10, 2025 minutes (voice vote)
• Approved director timesheet for 3/3/2025‑3/30/2025 (voice vote)
• Convene closed session (5‑0)
• Reconvene open session (5‑0)
• Allow early hiring of Economic Support Supervisor/Energy Assistance Specialist (voice vote)

Death Review Team

The Death Review Team will meet to approve guiding principles and a cooperative annual agreement. The body will enter a closed session to review four cases involving unexpected child deaths and discuss county death trends, including influenza and Covid cases.

• Approval of Death Review Guiding Principles
• Death Review Team Cooperative Annual Agreement
• Closed session review of 4 unexpected child death cases
• Review of Lincoln County death trends, including influenza and Covid cases
• Discussion on ADRC Falls Prevention, LCHD Safe Sleep, and 988 grief resources

The Death Review Team approved the prior meeting minutes and the Guiding Principles Document. They moved into a closed session to discuss confidential child death cases, then reconvened in open session. Mary Klade was tasked with contacting Aspirus and Marshfield Clinic about POA training responsibilities. The meeting adjourned at 12:12 p.m.

• Approved July 8 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Death Review Guiding Principles Document (unanimous)
• Moved to closed session for confidential child death case discussion (unanimous)
• Returned to open session (unanimous)
• Assigned Mary Klade to contact Aspirus and Marshfield Clinic for POA training info
• Adjourned meeting at 12:12 p.m. (unanimous)

Forestry, Land, and Parks Committee

The Lincoln County Forestry, Land, and Parks Committee will review the year‑to‑date budget report and discuss Timber Sale T039-18. It will vote on the 2024 budget modifications and the Capital Outlay/Improvement Schedule for 2026. Additional items include a storage shed request near the Underdown Pavilion, an Ironbull event for December 6, 2025, and awarding the UTV bid.

• Approve 2024 Budget Modifications
• Approve Capital Outlay/Improvement Schedule for 2026
• Discuss Timber Sale T039-18
• Approve Horse Club portable storage shed near Underdown Pavilion
• Award UTV Bid

The Forestry, Land and Parks Committee approved several items, including the 2026 Capital Outlay and Improvement Schedule, a $1 budget modification, and the purchase of a Polaris Ranger ATV. It also approved not charging for unharvested wood on Timber Sale T039-18, authorized a portable shed for the horse club, and sanctioned an organized event for December 6, 2025. The committee voted to close two timber sales (Smola Brothers T017-22 and Futurewood T036-19) and refund the associated bonds. All motions passed with All Ayes votes.

• Approved minutes of March 10, 2025 (All Ayes)
• Approved not charging for unharvested wood on Timber Sale T039-18 (All Ayes)
• Approved 2024 budget modification of $1.00 (All Ayes)
• Approved 2026 Capital Outlay/Improvement Schedule (All Ayes)
• Approved portable shed for horse club near Underdown Pavilion (All Ayes)
• Approved organized event for December 6, 2025 (All Ayes)
• Approved purchase of Polaris Ranger ATV from Ervs (All Ayes)
• Approved closure of Smola Brothers T017-22 and Futurewood T036-19 timber sales with bond refunds (All Ayes)

Healthy Minds Coalition

The Healthy Minds for Lincoln County coalition will approve the minutes from its January 17, 2025 meeting. Members will receive legislative updates and discuss Aspirus funding, the Social Connections Campaign, and planned 2025 outreach activities. The agenda also includes an agency round‑robin and setting the date for the next meeting.

• Approve minutes of January 17, 2025 meeting
• Legislative updates
• Aspirus Funding discussion
• Social Connections Campaign discussion
• Upcoming 2025 Outreach Activities

The Healthy Minds Coalition met on April 11, 2025 and approved the minutes from the January 17, 2025 meeting with all ayes. The department reported that a $10,000 Aspirus grant was awarded to support awareness and education campaigns, and that the Uplift WI peer‑support warm line has been discontinued. The Social Connection Campaign was reviewed, with billboards, ads, flyers and a challenge offering a $50 Chamber gift certificate running from May through June.

• Approved minutes of Jan 17, 2025 meeting (unanimous ayes)

General

The Executive Committee will vote on moving into a closed session to consult legal counsel about a possible settlement in pending litigation and to consider delegating settlement authority. After that discussion, the committee will vote to return to the open session. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Motion to enter closed session to consult counsel on a possible settlement and delegate settlement authority
• Motion to return to open session after closed‑session discussion

Land Services Committee

The Land Services Committee will review financial reports and budget modifications for 2024. The body is also considering a resolution to support increased state funding for county conservation staffing.

• Resolution regarding state funding for county conservation staffing
• 2024 budget modifications and carryover requests
• Register of Deeds monthly financial and written reports
• Land Services monthly financial reports

The Land Services Committee adopted its agenda and approved the corrected March 13, 2025 minutes. It approved staff timesheets and the 2024 budget modifications and carryover requests. The committee also adopted a resolution supporting increased state funding for county conservation staffing and directed the Conservation Program Manager to present it to the County Board and attend a state finance hearing.

• Adopted agenda (voice vote)
• Approved corrected March 13, 2025 minutes (voice vote)
• Approved Zoning Program Manager/Administrator timesheets (3/3/2025‑3/30/2025) (voice vote)
• Approved 2024 Budget Modifications and Carryover Requests (voice vote)
• Approved resolution supporting increased state funding for county conservation staffing and to forward it to the County Board (voice vote)
• Directed Conservation Program Manager to attend State Joint Finance Committee hearing in Hayward (voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)

Ad Hoc Committee

The Ad Hoc Facilities Committee will elect a Chair and a Vice Chair. Members will develop a work plan for the committee. The group will also set the meeting frequency and schedule the next meeting.

• Election of Chair
• Election of Vice Chair
• Develop work plan
• Establish meeting frequency and set next meeting date

The Ad Hoc Facilities Committee elected William Bialecki as chair and Gene Simon as vice chair, both by unanimous consent. The committee adopted a work‑plan schedule, with the final plan to be submitted to the County Board by February 26, 2026. It set regular meetings for the fourth Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. and asked the Administrative Coordinator to contact a possible third‑party facilitator.

• Elected William Bialecki as chair (unanimous consent)
• Elected Gene Simon as vice chair (unanimous consent)
• Adopted work‑plan timeline; final plan due to County Board by Feb 26 2026
• Established meeting frequency: fourth Thursday each month at 1 p.m.
• Requested Administrative Coordinator to pursue contacting a possible third‑party facilitator

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will review budget reports and activity updates from emergency management, the coroner, judicial services, the sheriff's office, and EMS. The body will also consider a resolution regarding pre-disaster mitigation and BRIC funding.

• Res. 2025-04-XX: Support of Pre-Disaster Mitigation and Opposition to BRIC Funding Cancellation
• Sheriff's Office 2024 budget modifications and carryover requests
• Emergency Management year-to-date budget report
• EMS monthly charge report, write-offs, and collections
• Judicial budget reports for District Attorney, Victim Witness, Clerk of Courts, and Family Court

The Public Safety Committee approved the next meeting date, the March 12 minutes, and several routine time‑card and expense reports by voice vote. Members corrected the header and adopted a resolution supporting pre‑disaster mitigation while opposing the cancellation of BRIC funding. The committee also approved 2024 budget modifications and carryovers for the Sheriff’s Office and authorized EMS write‑offs of $4,382.99.

• Approved next meeting date of May 14, 2025 (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved March 12, 2025 minutes (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved Emergency Management timesheets (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved Emergency Management travel & expense report (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved correction and adoption of Resolution in Support of Pre‑Disaster Mitigation and Opposition to BRIC Funding Cancellation (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved 2024 Sheriff’s Office budget modifications (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved 2024 Sheriff’s Office carryover requests (all ayes, voice vote)
• Approved EMS write‑offs of $4,382.99 (all ayes, voice count)

Opioid Task Force

The Lincoln County Opioid Task Force will discuss the distribution of settlement funds and review a draft Substance Use Report. The body will also hold a round table discussion regarding harm reduction.

• Review of Draft Substance Use Report and creation of a distribution plan
• Review of Approved Settlement Expenses – Exhibit E
• Discussion of State and other county plans for settlement dollars
• Round table discussion on harm reduction

The Lincoln County Opioid Task Force unanimously approved the March 2025 meeting minutes. The group also approved the settlement‑expenses guidelines outlined in Exhibit E. A next meeting was scheduled for May 14, 2025 at 2 p.m. The task force noted a $12,500 State Opioid Response funding award, with acceptance to be voted on by the County Board on April 15.

• Approved March 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved settlement expenses (Exhibit E)
• Scheduled next meeting for May 14, 2025 at 2 p.m.

Board of Canvass

The Board of Canvass will meet to conduct the official canvass of the April 2, 2025 General Election results. This process ensures the accuracy of the vote totals for the election.

• Canvass of April 2, 2025 General Election Results

The Lincoln County Board of Canvass reviewed the April 2, 2025 general election results, noting procedural deficiencies in numerous towns and districts. No further actions were taken, and the board adjourned the meeting by unanimous voice vote.

• Adjourned meeting (unanimous voice vote)

Youth Justice Collaborative Committee

The Youth Justice Collaborative Committee will meet to discuss a new goal regarding community awareness of technology and sexualized behavior. The group will also review updates on upcoming programming.

• Discussion of new goal: 'Increase awareness and knowledge related to technology & sexualized behavior in the community'
• Review of upcoming programming and program updates
• Approval of February 2025 minutes

The Youth Justice Collaborative Committee approved the February 2025 minutes after a motion by Klebenow and a second by Bolder. The group also scheduled its next meeting for May 9, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. No other formal actions or votes were recorded; the remainder of the agenda consisted of program updates and informational reports.

• Approved February 2025 minutes (motion passed)
• Scheduled next meeting for May 9, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.

Finance & Insurance Committee

The Lincoln County Finance & Insurance Committee will approve the minutes from the March 7, 2025 meeting, review year‑to‑date budget reports and expenses for the Treasurer, County Clerk, and Finance Director, and consider a resolution adjusting wages for the Sheriff's Office Corrections Division. The committee will also vote on 2024 budget modifications and carry‑overs for multiple departments and receive a letter from Representative Callahan about additional secured funding for fire and EMS services.

• Resolution 2025-04-xx Sheriff's Office Corrections Division Wage Adjustment
• Approval of 2024 Budget Modifications and Carry Overs for Child Support, Clerk of Courts, Emergency Management, Health Department, EMS, Non‑Departmental, Maintenance, Sheriff, Land, Social Services
• 2025 YTD County Budget Report
• 2026 Budget Update
• Letter from Representative Callahan announcing additional secured funding for Fire and EMS

The committee approved the minutes from the March 7, 2025 Finance & Insurance meeting with a change to the sales‑tax figure. It approved presented expenses for the Treasurer, County Clerk, and Finance offices, as well as the Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division wage‑adjustment resolution. All listed budget modifications and carry‑overs for multiple departments were approved unanimously. The next meeting is set for May 2, 2025.

• Approved March 7, 2025 meeting minutes (sales tax changed to "down 2.9%") – voice vote
• Approved Treasurer expenses as presented – voice vote
• Approved County Clerk expenses as presented – voice vote
• Approved Finance Director timesheets as presented – voice vote
• Approved Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division wage‑adjustment resolution – all voting aye
• Approved Child Support budget modification and carry‑over – all voting aye
• Approved Health Department budget modification and carry‑over – all voting aye
• Approved Sheriff budget modification and carry‑over – all voting aye

Highway Committee

The Highway Committee meeting will handle standard administrative business, including approving minutes from March 6, 2025, reviewing the financial report and vouchers, and approving timesheets and travel expenses for February‑March 2025. It will also discuss the CTH JJ and Hillside Drive intersection, consider Highway Department facility matters, and address openings and new hires for highway employees.

• Approve minutes from March 6, 2025
• Review financial report and vouchers
• Approve timesheets and travel expenses (Feb 17‑Mar 16, 2025)
• Discussion on CTH JJ and Hillside Drive intersection
• Highway Department facility matters and new employee openings

The Highway Committee approved the March 6, 2025 meeting minutes by voice vote. It also approved and signed the Commissioner’s timesheets for February 17‑March 2, 2025 and March 3‑March 16, 2025, each by voice vote. The committee agreed to hold future meetings on the first Thursday of each month, beginning May 1, 2025. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Approved March 6, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved and signed Commissioner’s timesheets for Feb 17‑Mar 2, 2025 (voice vote)
• Approved and signed Commissioner’s timesheets for Mar 3‑Mar 16, 2025 (voice vote)
• Set future meetings to first Thursday of each month, starting May 1, 2025

Administrative & Legislative Committee

The Administrative & Legislative Committee will hold a virtual special meeting for a presentation and discussion regarding the WI Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program. The agenda states that no action will be taken at this meeting.

• Presentation and discussion of the WI Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program

The Administrative & Legislative Committee met virtually to hear presentations on Wisconsin's Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program. Members and department heads asked questions, but the minutes record that no action or vote was taken. The meeting was purely informational.

Administrative & Legislative Committee

The Administrative & Legislative Committee will approve minutes from March meetings, adopt a consent agenda covering finances and expense reimbursements, and discuss an AireSpring telephone services contract, the 2026 budget process kickoff, and a marketing presentation. It will vote on two resolutions: one adjusting wages for the Sheriff's Office Corrections Division and another authorizing a Board Rules Ad Hoc Committee. A closed session is planned to review final Letters of Intent for the sale of Pine Crest Nursing Home.

• Resolution 2025-04-xx: Sheriff's Office Corrections Division wage adjustment
• Resolution 2025-04-XX: Authorize Board Rules Ad Hoc Committee
• Discussion of AireSpring Telephone Services (Information Technology) contract
• Kick off of 2026 budget process and A&L guidance
• Closed session to review best and final Letters of Intent for sale of Pine Crest Nursing Home

The committee approved the minutes from the March meetings and accepted the AireSpring telephone contract pending legal review. It amended the sheriff's wage resolution and the board‑rules ad hoc committee resolution, both by voice vote. In closed session, supervisors voted to discuss the Pine Crest Nursing Home sale and then authorized the Administrative Coordinator to sign a letter of intent with the selected purchaser.

• Approved regular meeting minutes (03.05.25) by voice vote
• Approved special meeting minutes (03.10.25) by voice vote
• Accepted AireSpring Telephone Services contract contingent on counsel review by voice vote
• Amended sheriff's wage resolution to add $4/hour for new officers; amendment carried by voice vote
• Amended board rules ad hoc committee resolution to change board member count; amendment carried by voice vote
• Moved to closed session to discuss Pine Crest Nursing Home sale; roll‑call vote, all ayes
• Authorized Administrative Coordinator to sign letter of intent for Pine Crest Nursing Home sale by voice vote

Broadband Commission

The Lincoln County Broadband Commission will approve its February 27 meeting minutes and receive updates from the Public Service Commission about the BEAD program and from Internet Service Providers on the Charter RDOF project. Commissioners will discuss a proposal to create a broadband asset map as a proactive future initiative. The meeting also includes public comment, action‑team updates, and scheduling of the next session.

• Approve meeting minutes from February 27, 2025
• PSC update on the BEAD Program
• Charter RDOF Project implementation update
• Proposal to develop a broadband asset mapping initiative
• Public comment period

The commission approved the February 27, 2025 meeting minutes. Members decided not to apply for a Digital Navigator grant this year and agreed to begin a digital asset mapping process, with UW‑Extension assistance, at the April meeting. Future agenda items include reviewing the commission guidelines in May and voting on three Action Team positions.

• Approved February 27, 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Decided not to pursue the Digital Navigator grant this year
• Agreed to start digital asset mapping, beginning at the April 24 meeting
• Planned to contact UW‑Extension for assistance with asset mapping
• Scheduled next meeting for April 24, 2025 at 6:30 pm
• Set agenda to review LCBC Guidelines before the May meeting
• Will vote on three Action Team member positions whose terms expire in May
• Agreed to consider a digital literacy program and broadband promotion for summer tourists

Solid Waste Committee

The Lincoln County Solid Waste Committee meeting will approve minutes from the February 27, 2025 meeting and the manager's time sheets. It will review waste tonnage and leachate reports and discuss a modification to the 2024 budget. The committee will also consider an account application from Master Clean & Precision Dirtworks LLC and plan goals for a possible presentation to the County Board.

• Approval of February 27, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approval of manager's time and travel sheets
• Review of waste tonnage and leachate report
• 2024 budget modification
• Application for account – Master Clean & Precision Dirtworks LLC

The committee unanimously approved the manager’s time‑sheet submissions. It also passed a modification to the 2024 budget with all members voting aye. Finally, the committee approved an account application for Master Clean & Precision Dirtworks llc. All three actions were recorded as passed with unanimous support.

• Approved manager’s time sheets (unanimous)
• Approved 2024 budget modification (unanimous)
• Approved account application for Master Clean & Precision Dirtworks llc (unanimous)

General

The Lincoln County Veterans Service Commission will formally approve the minutes from its December 19, 2024 meeting. Commissioners will review and sign the voucher schedule and receive a financial report. A veterans service report and an annual review of the 2025 meeting schedule will also be discussed. The board will set the date for the next meeting before adjourning.

• Approve Veterans Service Commission minutes from December 19, 2024
• Review and sign voucher schedule
• Financial report presentation
• Veterans service report
• Annual review and 2025 meeting schedule

The Lincoln County Veterans Service Commission approved the December 19, 2024 meeting minutes and the year‑to‑date financial report, each by unanimous vote. The commission also set the next regular meeting for June 20, 2025 at the Lincoln County Government Services Center. The meeting was adjourned after these actions.

• Approved December 19, 2024 minutes (all ayes)
• Approved year‑to‑date financial report (all ayes)
• Set next meeting for June 20, 2025, 10:00 a.m. at 801 N. Sales St. (all ayes)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:35 a.m. (all ayes)

General

The Executive Committee of the North Central Community Services Program Board will meet virtually to review medical staff recommendations. The primary action is the approval of appointments and reappointments for healthcare providers.

• Initial appointment of David McMahon, D.O.
• Reappointments of Daniel Hoppe, M.D. and Bababo Opaneye, M.D.
• Amendment for Kessa Erickson, APNP

Board of Health

The Lincoln County Board of Health meeting will consider routine administrative items such as approving minutes, timesheets, and expense vouchers. The board will also review and approve modifications to the 2024 health budget and a donation carry‑over to the 2025 budget. Additional items include a resolution to accept an Aspirus donation and updates on environmental health, respiratory disease education, and blastomycosis. The meeting will note participation in an accreditation site review on April 15 2025.

• Approve Board of Health meeting minutes from February 26 2025
• Approve Director timesheet (2‑17‑2025 to 3‑3‑2025) and expense voucher (Feb‑Mar 2025)
• Approve 2024 budget modifications and review the 2024 budget
• Approve donation carry‑over from 2024 to 2025 budget
• Resolution to accept Aspirus donation

The Lincoln County Board of Health approved the minutes from the February 26 meeting, several administrative items (director timesheets, expense voucher, and 2024 budget modifications) and a corrected carry‑over request for the 2024‑2025 fiscal year. The board also approved a resolution to accept a donation from Aspirus, directing it to the full County Board. All approvals were passed by voice vote.

• Approved February 26, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved Director timesheets for 2‑17‑2025 to 3‑3‑2025 (voice vote)
• Approved Director expense voucher for February‑March 2025 (voice vote)
• Approved 2024 budget modifications (voice vote)
• Approved corrected 2024‑2025 carry‑over request after amendment (voice vote)
• Approved resolution to accept Aspirus donation, to be sent to full County Board (voice vote)

County Board

The board will consider several resolutions, including authorizing legal action against Merrill Campus, LLC and Senior Management, Inc. related to the terminated Pine Crest sale agreement, accepting a $400 donation from the American Legion Riders Association of Wisconsin, District 11, and approving staffing changes such as adding a Conservation Specialist and reinstating a Payroll Technician while restructuring other positions. The meeting will also feature reports from committees on economic development, health‑care budgeting, and the county’s year‑to‑date budget, followed by public comment.

• Resolution to authorize legal action against Merrill Campus, LLC and Senior Management, Inc. (Pine Crest sale)
• Resolution accepting $400 donation from American Legion Riders Association of Wisconsin, District 11
• Resolution approving addition of a Conservation Specialist to the Lincoln County Land Services Department
• Resolution reinstating the Payroll Technician to full time and restructuring Forestry, Land & Parks positions
• Appointments of Mary Ann Gretenhardt and Kimberly Brixius as alternates to the Board of Adjustment

Public Property Committee

The Public Property Committee will meet to review February maintenance vouchers, budget reports, and time sheets. The committee will also receive an update and hold a discussion regarding the 911 Center project.

• Update and discussion on the 911 Center project
• Review of February Maintenance Voucher List
• Review of February Year to Date Budget

Board of Health

The Lincoln County Healthy Lifestyle Coalition will meet to discuss state and local legislation affecting nutrition and healthy lifestyles. The body will also review its Action Plan Dashboard, Annual Work Plan, and budget.

• Discussion of state and local legislation influencing nutrition and healthy lifestyles
• Review of Action Plan Dashboard and Annual Work Plan
• Review of Healthy Lifestyle Budget
• Establishment of 2025 meeting dates

Land Services Committee

The Lincoln County Land Services Committee will review several items, including a request by Irvin and Cheryl Fick to rezone tax parcel PIN 01432063639966 from Rural Residential‑3 to General Business and to change its classification in the Comprehensive Plan. The committee will also consider amendments to multiple sections of the County Zoning Ordinance and an update to the 2025 Land Information Fee Schedule. A 4:00 pm public hearing is scheduled, and agency updates will be presented.

• Rezone tax parcel PIN 01432063639966 from Rural Residential‑3 (RR3) to General Business (GB) – request by Irvin and Cheryl Fick
• Amend Lincoln County Comprehensive Plan map for the same parcel from Residential to Non‑Residential (General Business Public)
• Propose amendments to Lincoln County Zoning Ordinance Chapter 17 sections 17.3.03(4), 17.3.09, 17.6.03, 17.6.04, 17.2.100, 17.1.14, and 17.8.60(2)
• Amend the 2025 Land Information Fee Schedule
• 4:00 pm public hearings as noted in the agenda

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will review the year‑to‑date budget reports for Emergency Management, the Coroner, the Judicial departments and Emergency Medical Services. It will consider a resolution to move the Director of Emergency Management to a higher grade and a separate resolution adjusting corrections staff wages. The committee will also act on the Sheriff’s Office reports, including approval of jail inmate debt write‑offs. No other business items are listed on the agenda.

• Resolution 2025-02-XX Authorization to move Director of Emergency Management from Grade I to Grade N
• Resolution 2025-XX-XX Corrections wage adjustment
• Approval of jail inmate debt write‑offs (Sheriff’s Office)
• Year‑to‑date budget reports for Emergency Management, Coroner, Judicial departments and EMS
• Sheriff’s Office statistical and activity reports (case summary, 9‑1‑1 supervisor, recreational officer, etc.)

Opioid Task Force

The Lincoln County Opioid Task Force will meet to approve the minutes from its February session and to consider a resolution to accept State Opioid Response (SOR) funding. The body will also identify items for the next agenda and set the date for the April 9, 2025 meeting.

• Approve minutes from February meeting
• Approve resolution to accept SOR funding
• Identify next meeting agenda items
• Set next meeting date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 2:00 pm

Administrative & Legislative Committee

The Administrative & Legislative Committee will consider moving into a closed session to receive an update from the broker and review any letters of intent regarding the sale of Pine Crest Nursing Home. The committee will also consult with legal counsel about potential litigation concerning earnest money, alleged tortious interference with the nursing home sale, and a statewide tax‑deed class action. After the closed session, the committee will reconvene in open session and may take action on any items discussed.

• Consider motion to adjourn into closed session under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(e) for broker update and letters of intent on Pine Crest Nursing Home sale
• Review letters of intent for the sale of Pine Crest Nursing Home
• Consult with corporation counsel on litigation over return of earnest money
• Consult on possible tortious interference lawsuit involving Donald J. Dunphy and the Pine Crest Nursing Home sale
• Consult on tax‑deed class action lawsuit filed against Wisconsin counties and the City of Milwaukee

Social Services Board

The Social Services Committee will review year-to-date financial reports for 2024 and 2025. The body will consider budget modifications for Child Support and UW, as well as a request to accept funding from the Aspirus Foundation.

• Resolution to accept funding from Aspirus Foundation for Protective Factor and Capacity Awareness expenses
• Approval of 2024 Child Support Budget Modifications
• Approval of 2024 UW Budget Modification
• Approval of 2024 UW Carryover Request

Forestry, Land, and Parks Committee

The committee will decide on bid awards for site preparation and the Armstrong Creek Culvert. Members will also discuss Lake Clara access and a potential Highway 86 ATV trail. The meeting includes approvals for equipment and construction advertising.

• Award Armstrong Creek Culvert Bid
• Award Site Prep Bid
• Approve advertising for Hay Meadow Park Pavilion Construction
• Approve advertising for replacement UTV
• Set date and authorize advertising for Spring 2025 Timber Sale

Finance & Insurance Committee

The Finance & Insurance Committee will review year-to-date budget reports and consider modifications and contingency requests for 2024. The body will also discuss the 2026 budget timeline and goals.

• Resolution 2025-# to add a Conservation Specialist to the Land Services Department
• Discussion and possible action on the 911 Center HVAC Project
• Approval for replacement of the Ambulance Biller position and new hire training
• Review of January financials for North Central Health Care
• Approval of 2024 budget modifications for the Treasurer, County Clerk, County Board, and Finance departments

Highway Committee

The committee will review the county highway budget for fiscal years 2025, 2026 and 2027 and consider requests for proposals for emulsion oil, asphalt work, pulverizing services and a half‑ton pickup truck. It will also discuss the CTH L ATV route, the Hillside Drive/CTH JJ request, and treatment of invasive species on road sides, while handling routine items such as minutes, financial reports and employee matters.

• Budget for fiscal years 2025, 2026 and 2027
• Request for proposals: emulsion oil, asphalt bids, pulverizing, half‑ton pickup truck
• CTH L – ATV route
• Mike Fick – Hillside Drive/CTH JJ request
• Update on treatment of invasive species on road sides

Administrative & Legislative Committee

The Administrative & Legislative Committee will discuss the sale of Pine Crest Nursing Home and potential legal action to recover earnest money. The body is also reviewing budget modifications for several departments and staffing changes for Land Services.

• Resolution to authorize legal action against Merrill Campus, LLC and Senior Management, Inc. for release of earnest money
• Resolution to accept a $400 donation from The American Legion Riders Club
• Resolution to add a Conservation Specialist to the Land Services Department
• Proposal to reinstate Payroll Technician to full time and create a Recreation Forester position
• Discussion and approval of application for Energy Efficiencies and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG)