Rock County committees tackle 2027 budget previews, SNAP funding, and fairgrounds renovation
The Agriculture & Extension Education Committee was the only body with published minutes this past week. On July 8, the committee approved its agenda, the June 10 minutes, and April rental contracts. Members discussed a proposed $433,140.16 ADA bathroom renovation project at the fairgrounds and agreed to display a livestock breeders award in the extension building. The committee also reviewed revenue from tower leases and rentals.
Most other Rock County committees met during the week of July 6–17, but their minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not available. The agendas show what each body planned to consider.
Human Services budget and SNAP funding
Several committees were scheduled to act on a resolution amending the 2026 Human Services Budget to accept Act 116 SNAP Quality Assurance funding and create four full-time equivalent positions. The County Board Staff Committee took up the item July 6, the Human Services Board on July 8, the Finance Committee on July 9, and the full Board of Supervisors on July 9. The Human Services Board was also scheduled to adopt a resolution recognizing Alyse Schoeberle and receive an overview of Shelter Care Services.
Board of Supervisors agenda
The Rock County Board of Supervisors met July 9 to consider finalizing the purchase of agricultural conservation easements for the McNall, Myre, Sayre, and Sayre properties. The agenda also included authorizing an application for Healthy Lakes & Rivers Grant Funds, awarding a contract for Security Badge Access System replacement software, and renewing the Fidlar Technologies Land Records Life-Cycle Agreement.
Shoreland zoning variances
The Board of Adjustment held a public hearing July 7 at Glen Oaks Conference Room 119, 3328 N US Hwy 51, Janesville. Jonathan Lack sought a variance for Lots 76 & 77 (parcels 6-1-522 & 6-1-523) to combine into a roughly 17,772 sq ft lot and reduce the front-yard setback from 50 ft to about 20 ft. Colin Koratko sought a variance for Lot 90 and half of Lot 89 (parcel 6-1-535) to create a sub-standard lot and reduce the side-yard setback from 40 ft. Both requests fall under Shoreland Overlay Zoning.
2027 budget previews
The Joint County Board Staff and Finance Committee held multiple sessions on preliminary 2027 budget projections. A July 7 meeting covered county finances and Rock Haven. A July 8 session focused on Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport, Facilities Management, Parks, and Public Works. A July 14 session addressed Human Services, and a July 15 meeting covered the Sheriff's Department.
Public safety and justice
The Public Safety & Justice Committee met July 14 to consider accepting the 2026 High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas grant and amending the Sheriff's Office 2026 budget. The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council met July 16 to review workgroup updates, including the Homeless Outreach Taskforce and the Executive, EBDM, Equity, Domestic Violence, and Eviction workgroups.
Rail transit finances
The Wisconsin River Rail Transit Commission met July 10. The agenda included a payment of $18,142.30 to SWWRPC for Tricor Insurance 2026-2027 General Liability Insurance Renewal and a $9,187.50 SWWRPC Q2 Administrative Fee. The commission also discussed a possible August public hearing for the 2027 draft budget.
Coming up
- **July 20** — Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport Board considers a resolution to amend its 2026 budget to use fund balances for equipment purchases.
- **July 21** — Local Emergency Planning Committee reviews spill reports and an anhydrous ammonia incident.
- **July 22** — Human Services Board meets to approve contracts and review a 2027 pre-budget overview.
- **July 23** — Planning & Development Committee discusses data-center-related resolutions and an update on the Riverside Development Affordable Housing Project in Beloit.
- **July 24** — Pecatonica Rail Transit Commission holds a public hearing and vote on its 2027 budget, plus a new lease for a building at 247 Wells St. in Darlington.