Chippewa County meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Chippewa County 2027 Budget Proposal Advances With $2.00 Tax Rate, $23,051,141 Levy

The Chippewa County Executive Committee voted 4-0 on Oct. 6 to forward the county's proposed 2027 budget to the County Board for a Nov. 5 hearing. According to the meeting minutes, the proposal includes a tax rate reduction to $2.00 and a property tax levy increase to $23,051,141. The minutes record the forwarding vote and the Nov. 5 hearing date; they record no adoption of the budget. The committee also approved its consent agenda 4-0 and received an update on Wisconsin Act 196 regarding the Office of the Sheriff.

County Board: public health funding, hazard plan, claim denied

At its Oct. 13 meeting, the County Board of Supervisors approved three resolutions on 20-0 votes: Res. 33-26, supporting increased and sustainable state funding for local public health departments; Res. 34-26, to disallow the claim of Cindy Bijold and Cynthia Storm; and Res. 35-26, approving an update of the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan for Chippewa County. The board approved its agenda 20-0 and a consent agenda 20-0 that included the Sept. 8, 2026 minutes, a meeting schedule, and the Lafayette Zoning Map Update #3. It also approved general revisions to the Human Resources Policy Manual 20-0. The board heard a first reading of Ord. 11-26 for ATV/UTV routes and a first reading of Human Resources Policy Manual revisions related to the OBBBA; the minutes summary lists no vote on either.

Crime prevention grants

The Crime Prevention Funding Board approved its consent agenda 4-0 and approved the 2027 Grant Announcement and Application Process for 2026 Grant Funds 4-0 on Oct. 13. The announcement is scheduled for release on Feb. 1, 2027. Members also reviewed current fund totals and statistics from the Chippewa County Crime Stoppers.

Criminal justice council

The Criminal Justice Collaborating Council voted 11-0 on Oct. 13 to approve its agenda, the June 23, 2026 minutes, and a next meeting date of Feb. 23, 2027. Members received updates on Sequential Intercept Model workgroups and various criminal justice programs, and the council noted the upcoming retirement of CJS Director Rose Baier.

Health and Human Services

The Health & Human Services Board approved its consent agenda 7-0 on Oct. 15, covering the meeting agenda, minutes from Sept. 17, 2026, and a next meeting date of Nov. 19, 2026. The board adjourned at 8:55 AM on a 7-0 vote. Members received program and financial reports on human services, public health, and economic support, including updates on measles cases and health equity policy.

Informational gatherings, no action taken

Several recent meetings were informational only. The Highway Committee met Oct. 5 to attend the Wisconsin County Highway Association's Northwest/West Central Districts Fall Commissioners & Committee Members Meeting at the St. Croix County Highway Department, 300 Oak Ridge Parkway, in Baldwin. The Facilities & Parks Committee scheduled park tours on Oct. 7 at Otter Lake County Park in Stanley, Pine Point County Park in Holcombe, and Morris Erickson and Round Lake County Parks in New Auburn. County Board members were invited to an Oct. 12 conversation on community needs, programs, and impact. Agendas for all three state that no formal action would be taken; minutes for these meetings have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **Oct. 20 — Executive Committee:** a resolution to allow the claim of Eric and Tracy Torgersen, and an ordinance amending Sec. 2-82, Sec. 2-214, Sec. 42-1 and Sec. 42-2 of the Chippewa County Code of Ordinances regarding the Sheriff and Standing Committees.
• **Oct. 21 — Land Conservation & Forest Management Committee:** a Dairyland Power easement request in the County Forest, an overview of proposed Fall 2026 timber sales, and a department data dashboard update.
• **Oct. 22 — Planning & Zoning Committee:** discussion of the data center project schedule, public listening sessions, and education, plus a POWTS Maintenance Program report.
• **Oct. 23 — County Board of Supervisors:** an informational meeting on refugee resettlement and support services in the Chippewa Valley. No formal action is scheduled.

Chippewa County committee forwards 2027 budget proposal; board to take up ATV routes, zoning

The Chippewa County Executive Committee voted 4-0 on Oct. 6 to forward a proposed 2027 budget to the County Board, which is scheduled to hold a hearing on the plan Nov. 5. The proposal includes a tax rate reduction to $2.00 and a property tax levy increase to $23,051,141, according to the meeting minutes. The committee also approved its consent agenda 4-0 and received an update on Wisconsin Act 196 regarding the Office of the Sheriff. The minutes do not state the current tax rate or levy, so the record does not show how the proposed figures compare with existing ones.

Most recent meetings: mostly no formal action

Five of the six meetings listed in the past two weeks were agenda-only or informational, with no decisions recorded.

• **County Board of Supervisors, Sept. 29:** Members were scheduled to attend an educational session, "Exploring Data Centers: Impacts & Planning Considerations." The agenda states no formal action would be taken.
• **Agriculture & Extension Committee, Oct. 1:** A regular meeting at 7:45 a.m. in Room 302 of the Chippewa County Courthouse. The agenda was largely procedural — roll call, public comment limited to 5 minutes per speaker, a consent agenda, and reports. The consent agenda covered approving the agenda, approving minutes from Aug. 6, 2026, and setting the next meeting for Dec. 3, 2026. The Business Items section listed no items. Area Extension Director Kristen Bruder was to report, including a Community Development Educator Position Update.
• **Highway Committee, Oct. 5:** A special meeting to attend the Wisconsin County Highway Association's Northwest/West Central Districts Fall Commissioners & Committee Members Meeting at the St. Croix County Highway Department, 300 Oak Ridge Parkway, Baldwin, WI. No formal action.
• **Facilities & Parks Committee, Oct. 7:** Off-site tours of Otter Lake County Park in Stanley, Pine Point County Park in Holcombe, Morris Erickson County Park in New Auburn, and Round Lake County Park in New Auburn. No formal action.
• **County Board of Supervisors, Oct. 12:** Members were invited to a conversation on community needs, programs, and impact. No formal action.

Coming up

Tuesday, Oct. 13 brings three meetings.

• **Criminal Justice Collaborating Council, 8 a.m.**, Room 001/003, 711 N. Bridge Street, Chippewa Falls. The only action item is a consent agenda: approve the agenda, approve minutes from June 23, 2026, and set the next meeting for Feb. 23, 2027. The rest is reports, including Sequential Intercept Mapping workgroup next steps, a 2027 strategic planning day on April 22, 2027, program updates for Recovery Court, First Time Offender/Front-End Intervention Treatment, Pre-Trial and Reentry, and a CJS Director retirement-recruitment update.
• **Crime Prevention Funding Board, 9 a.m.**, same address. The board is set to vote on the 2027 Grant Announcement and Application Process for the 2026 Crime Prevention Funding Board Grant Funds. Reports include funds collected to date, last year's grant recipient statistics (Crime Stoppers), and the CJS Director's retirement on Jan. 8, 2027.
• **County Board of Supervisors.** The agenda lists updates on the proposed 2027 budget and courthouse security, plus: AZO 07-26, Lafayette Zoning Map Update #3, a rezone in the Town of Lafayette; Ord. 11-26, an ordinance to amend ATV and utility terrain vehicle routes (first reading); Res. 35-26, approving an update of the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan; Res. 33-26, supporting state funding for local public health departments; and Res. 34-26, to disallow the claim of Cindy Bijold and Cynthia Storm.

Thursday, Oct. 15 — Health & Human Services Board. The board will discuss a Public Health APH-Health Equity Policy and receive program and financial reports from the Human Services and Public Health directors, along with Aging and Disability Resource Center minutes from Sept. 19, 2026.

Friday, Oct. 23 — County Board of Supervisors. An informational meeting on refugee resettlement and support services in the Chippewa Valley. No formal action will be taken.

Chippewa County board approves data center moratorium, $7.5M note sale

The Chippewa County Board approved a 12-month moratorium on data center development and set key 2027 budget items at its Aug. 11 meeting, including a $7.5 million promissory note sale and a 1% salary adjustment levy. The board also approved several position changes and a land acquisition for county forest.

County Board approves data center moratorium, 2027 budget items

The board voted 18-0 to approve a temporary moratorium on data center development, amended to last 12 months and apply to facilities of 10,000 square feet or more. It also approved parameters for selling up to $7.5 million in general obligation promissory notes (17-0).

For 2027, the board approved a tax levy for salary adjustments, amended to include a 1% increase (14-3), and approved health insurance plan funding (16-2). It also approved converting a limited-term environmental health specialist to part-time (18-0), creating a part-time social worker position (18-0), and acquiring land for county forest (18-0). The consent agenda, including two rezones, passed 17-0.

Executive Committee: closed sessions, liability claims

The Executive Committee held two meetings. On Aug. 10, it unanimously voted to enter closed session under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(c) to interview County Treasurer candidates; no substantive decisions were made in open session.

On Aug. 18, the committee unanimously disallowed three liability claims — from Debbie Patzoldt, Siera Bauch, and Mike Denesen — based on the insurance carrier's recommendation. It then held a closed session to discuss reference checks and select a finalist for the County Treasurer position, reconvening to open session without other decisions.

Traffic Safety Commission

The commission approved a plan for the Highway and Emergency Management departments to meet with Amish and Mennonite representatives to gather input on additional buggy signage locations. No formal vote was taken on the signage itself. The commission also discussed a speed study on CTH H that showed no reduction is warranted, and received updates on state highway projects and crash data. No action was taken on a STH 178 intersection evaluation.

Health & Human Services Board

The board approved forwarding a resolution to the County Board supporting increased and sustainable state funding for local public health departments (7-0). It also approved its consent agenda, including minutes and scheduling the next meeting for Sept. 17, 2026. Reports were presented on Aging and Disability Resource Center, Children's Long-Term Support, and public health programs, but no other formal decisions were made.

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment held two meetings on Aug. 19 related to Variance Request 2026-0002 by Jeremy & Wendy Stary for property at 5323 176th Street, Town of Lafayette. One meeting was a regular session with a public hearing; the other was an onsite inspection. Both were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published, so no decisions have been reported.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days.

Executive Committee forwards $7.5M borrowing, 3% salary plan to County Board

Chippewa County's Executive Committee voted 3-2 last week to amend a salary resolution that would give employees a 3% across-the-board increase while keeping the 2026 salary schedule for 2027, and forwarded the measure along with a $7.5 million borrowing authorization to the County Board for its Aug. 11 meeting. The Economic Development Committee separately approved its 2027 budget with no tax levy increase.

Executive Committee actions

At its Aug. 4 meeting, the Executive Committee voted 3-2 to amend a salary resolution to authorize a 3% across-the-board increase for employees but keep the 2026 salary schedule for 2027, rejecting a proposed update to the pay grid. The amended resolution was forwarded to the County Board.

The committee also forwarded several other items to the County Board:

• A resolution setting parameters for up to $7.5 million in general obligation promissory notes (5-0).
• A resolution for 2027 health insurance plan funding (4-1).
• A resolution to convert a limited-term environmental health specialist to a part-time position in Public Health (5-0).
• A resolution to create a part-time Social Worker position (5-0).

The committee voted 5-0 to enter closed session to review applications for the County Treasurer position. It also approved its consent agenda, including meeting minutes and future meeting dates, 5-0.

Economic Development budget

The Economic Development Committee approved its 2027 budget with no tax levy increase at its Aug. 5 meeting, voting 4-0. The budget was forwarded to the County Administrator. The committee also approved a consent agenda and a closed session to discuss potential future business park purchases, both by 4-0 votes.

Other recent meetings

The Planning & Zoning Committee held a public hearing Aug. 3 on a proposed ordinance to establish a temporary moratorium on data center development, but no action was taken; minutes have not yet been published. The Ad Hoc EMS Study Committee met Aug. 6 to review its final report and a draft job description for a part-time EMS Coordinator position, with no decisions recorded. The County Board held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 6 for the Lake Wissota Reserve Boat Landing at 16160 74th Ave, Chippewa Falls; no formal action was taken.

Coming up

The Executive Committee will hold a special meeting Aug. 10 to interview candidates for County Treasurer in closed session. The County Board meets Aug. 11 and will vote on the $7.5 million promissory note authorization, the 2027 salary and health insurance resolutions, and a first reading of the data center moratorium ordinance. The County Traffic Safety Commission meets Aug. 13 to discuss Amish buggy signs, a speed zone request on CTH H, and highway project reports.

County committees advance 2027 budgets, approve Wheaton rezones, set data center moratorium vote

Chippewa County committees moved several 2027 budget proposals forward and approved two land rezone requests in the Town of Wheaton during meetings held July 20–23, 2026. The Planning & Zoning Committee also scheduled a special meeting for August 3 to act on a temporary moratorium on data center development.

Highway Committee

The Highway Committee voted 4-0 to forward the proposed 2027 Highway Department budget to the County Administrator for incorporation into the countywide budget. Members also approved meeting dates for November 17 and December 16, 2026, and approved the agenda and June 24, 2026 minutes, each by 4-0 votes. The committee received reports on construction schedules and financial funds. Official minutes were published for this meeting.

Planning & Zoning Committee

The Planning & Zoning Committee approved two rezone requests in the Town of Wheaton. The 2026-0006 Katz Rezone passed 5-0, and the 2026-0007 Pine Meadows HTP LLC Rezone passed 5-0.

The committee also voted 5-0 to approve additions of the words "air" and "wildlife" to the proposed data center moratorium language, and 5-0 to schedule a special meeting on the moratorium for August 3, 2026. The 2027 Department of Planning & Zoning budgets were forwarded to the County Administrator on a 5-0 vote. June 18, 2026 minutes were approved 5-0.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee's July 21 agenda included 2027 budget reviews for Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, County Clerk, Register of Deeds, Treasurer, Veterans Service, and other divisions. The agenda also listed a resolution to disallow a claim by Alex Nicholson, an update on Facilities & Parks capital improvement funds for a parking-lot replacement, and the engagement of Baker Tilly to review a Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative feasibility study. Minutes for this meeting had not been published as of the reporting date, so no outcomes are confirmed.

Legal & Law Enforcement Committee

The Legal & Law Enforcement Committee's July 20 agenda called for reviewing proposed 2027 budgets for the Probate Office, District Attorney, Child Support, Circuit Court, Coroner, and Sheriff Department. The agenda also included reports on sign placements in the right-of-way and an introduction to the Emergency Management Office. Minutes had not been published as of the reporting date, so no outcomes are confirmed.

Coming up

• **August 3 — Planning & Zoning Committee:** Public hearing and action on an ordinance to adopt a temporary moratorium on data center development under Chapter 70 of the Chippewa County Code of Ordinances.
• **August 4 — Executive Committee:** Discussion of a resolution for the sale of General Obligation Promissory Notes not to exceed $7,500,000, plus resolutions on the 2027 tax levy for salary adjustments and 2027 health insurance plan funding. The agenda also includes converting one LTE Environmental Health Specialist to a part-time position and creating one part-time Social Worker position in the Department of Human Services. A closed session will review County Treasurer applications.
• **August 5 — Economic Development Committee:** 2027 budget review, an update on the WEDC Talent Recruitment Grant for MakeMyMove, Lake Wissota Business Park parcel interest, and a closed session on potential business park negotiations.
• **August 6 — Ad Hoc EMS Study Committee:** Review and possible approval of the committee's final report for submission to the Executive Committee, plus review of a draft job description for a part-time EMS Coordinator position.
• **August 13 — County Traffic Safety Commission:** Discussion of Amish buggy signs, a CTH H speed zone request, city and county highway project reports, and crash statistics.

County committees advance broadband partnerships, 2027 fees and budgets take shape

Chippewa County's Executive Committee voted unanimously July 7 to forward two broadband expansion partnership agreements to the County Board, along with a resolution on the County Treasurer vacancy and a 2027 marriage license fee increase from $90 to $100.

Broadband and Treasurer vacancy move to County Board

The Executive Committee approved its June 16, 2026 minutes 4-0, then voted 4-0 on each of three items forwarded to the full County Board: a public-private partnership with Ntera, LLC for broadband expansion; a partnership with CTC Telcom, Inc., DBA Mosaic Technologies for broadband expansion; and a resolution regarding the County Treasurer vacancy recruitment. The committee also approved the 2027 marriage license fee increase from $90 to $100, voting 4-0.

The County Board's July 14 agenda listed those broadband partnerships as Res. 22-26 (Ntera, LLC) and Res. 23-26 (CTC Telcom, Inc., DBA Mosaic Technologies). That agenda also included Res. 12-26 and Res. 13-26, each authorizing up to $7,500,000 in General Obligation Promissory Notes for highway improvement projects, and Res. 17-26, authorizing funding of Highway Department Capital Improvement Projects as part of the 2027 budget. Minutes from the July 14 County Board meeting have not yet been published, so outcomes of those votes are not yet confirmed.

ADRC Board approves 2027 copays, reports Meals on Wheels grant

The Aging & Disability Resource Center Board met July 9 and approved its 2027 copays and contributions 7-0. The board also approved its May 14 minutes (7-0) and July 9 agenda (7-0) and scheduled its next meeting for September 17, 2026 (7-0). Staff reported a $30,810 grant from the Community Foundation to expand Meals on Wheels services. The 2027 ADRC budget was reviewed and will move to the Health & Human Services Board for further review.

Health & Human Services Board holds 2027 budget hearing

The Health & Human Services Board conducted a public hearing July 14 on the proposed 2027 Human Services budget. Director Bobbie Jaeger gave a high-level overview of the budget components. No members of the public provided input during the session. The board's July 16 agenda, with minutes not yet published, listed discussion of Human Services financial user fees, the 2027 Human Services budget, the 2027 Public Health budget, and a 2027 budget update.

Veterans Service Commission sets next meeting

The Veterans Service Commission met July 13, approving its agenda (4-0), May 18 minutes (4-0), and scheduling its next meeting for September 14, 2026 (4-0) before adjourning (4-0). Members discussed the Wisconsin Veteran's Home's occupancy and procedures for funding requests over $500. No substantive business items were decided. Future reports on veteran data and flag purchasing were scheduled for the next meeting.

County Board tours Aspirus Health hospital project

The County Board of Supervisors held an informational tour of the Aspirus Health new hospital project at 1326 Chippewa Crossing Blvd. on July 9, with a second tour notice posted for July 14. No formal action was taken or expected at either session.

Land Conservation and Facilities & Parks committees meet

The Land Conservation & Forest Management Committee met July 15 to discuss a resolution authorizing land acquisition for the County Forest using state grants and non-lapsing funds, a Deer Fly Chase Mountain Bike Race permit, timber sale contract extensions, the 2027 fee schedule, and 2027 budget requests. Minutes are not yet published.

The Facilities & Parks Committee met July 15 to review capital improvement project updates, a division performance dashboard, the Parks Master Plan, and the proposed 2026 Facilities & Parks budgets. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Legal & Law Enforcement Committee:** Review of proposed 2027 budgets for Probate, District Attorney, Child Support, Circuit Court, Coroner, and Sheriff Department.
• **July 21 — Executive Committee:** 2027 budget reviews for multiple divisions; a resolution to disallow a claim by Alex Nicholson; a Facilities & Parks capital improvement update on parking-lot replacement funding; and an update on engaging Baker Tilly for a Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative feasibility study.
• **July 22 — Highway Committee:** 2027 Highway Department budget; parallel parking signs on CTH S; an Enbridge CTH VV road use request; and a CTH T public hearing update.
• **July 23 — Planning & Zoning Committee:** Public hearings on two rezone requests in the Town of Wheaton (2026-0006 Katz Rezone and 2026-0007 Pine Meadows HTP LLC Rezone); review of Chippewa County Flood Insurance Rate Maps; and 2027 Planning & Zoning budget review.