Buffalo County roundup: Land sale authorized, $474,950 in highway vouchers approved, two variances granted
Buffalo County committees advanced several items this past week, including authorization to sell roughly two acres of land along US Highway 10, approval of nearly $475,000 in highway department vouchers, and two property variances in Nelson and Alma. Minutes for some meetings have not yet been published, so certain actions are reported from agendas and may be revised when official minutes are available.
Finance & Human Resources Committee
The Finance & Human Resources Committee met July 16 and, according to the agenda, authorized the County Administrator to sell approximately two acres of land along US Highway 10. The committee also took up several policy resolutions: amending Policy 103 to change overtime, compensatory time, on-call pay, and shift-differential rules; adopting Policy 405, a new Artificial Intelligence Acceptable Use policy; and designating public depositories. The County Vehicle and Fleet Operations policy was also updated. No action was taken on the Fountain City Rod and Gun Club's request for a property-tax exemption, pending further information. Official minutes for this meeting had not been published as of this report.
Highway Committee
The Highway Committee approved $474,950.92 in monthly vouchers at its July 14 meeting, covering vouchers numbered 31927 through 31995. The motion was made by Mr. Ruff, seconded by Mr. Sendelbach, and carried. The committee also voted not to renew the Culligan water system contract, which cost $1,387.20 per year, directing instead that the machine be removed and bottled water be purchased. That motion carried on a motion by Mr. Ruff, seconded by Mr. Sendelbach. Members additionally voted to proceed with a one-year plow-blade supply if funding is found; a roll-call vote showed all members in favor. The June 11, 2026 minutes were approved.
Board of Adjustments
The Board of Adjustments approved two variances unanimously at its July 10 hearing. Variance 2026-2, for Barry Johnson's accessory building in the Town of Nelson, was approved with zoning staff conditions and a requirement to shift the building footprint 10 feet south. Variance 2026-1, for Eric Parks and the Pank family's residential parcel in the Town of Alma, was approved subject to zoning staff conditions. The board tabled approval of the November 11, 2025 meeting minutes until its next hearing.
Land Management Committee
The Land Management Committee met twice during the period. On July 15, the committee approved its agenda and previous meeting minutes and set its next meeting for August 7 at 8 a.m., adjourning at 9:36 a.m. On July 17, the committee acted on an ordinance amendment to rezone part of the Town of Mondovi on the county zoning districts map; the motion was approved. The meeting also included a presentation on remonumentation of Nelson Township, discussion of data center issues (slated for a future agenda), a surveyor report noting field work planned for Maxville, and a director report on a DNR manure spill affecting Danuser Creek. Minutes for the July 17 meeting had not been published as of this report.
Other Meetings
The Buffalo/Pepin Community Justice Collaborating Council met July 15 to review program updates, including Reentry Program sustainability and jail nursing program policy changes. The agenda listed a request from Ms. Bautch for committee approval of 2027 TAD Grant funding. The CJCC financial report showed a balance of $31,639.66, and the Community Work Service Program reported 8 new participants in 2026. Minutes were not yet published.
The Highway Safety Commission met July 16 to review a request to lower the speed limit on County Trunk Highway OO and receive briefings on the Waumandee Creek Bridge overlay project and resurfacing projects on Highway 35/Highway 54, Indian Creek Road, and Highway 10. Reports on storm cleanup and sign theft on Highway 95 and County Road O were also on the agenda. Minutes were not yet published.
Coming up
No upcoming meetings were listed for the next 14 days. The Land Management Committee's next scheduled meeting is August 7 at 8 a.m.