Richland County Board Has A New Member

Thomas Perry and Larry Engle were both present at last night’s Richland County Board meeting to express their desire to represent District 6 which was an open seat following the resignation of Ken Rynes. Following ballot voting, Larry Engle was seated as the County Board Supervisor for District 6.

Richland County Administrator, Candace Pesch, reported on the status of the state grant funding following the closure of the campus. While Gov. Evers took out some red tape language from the application, which the legislature had intended to make the process simpler, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, which is in charge of the disbursement, has added its own requirements, which is making the process more tedious.

It was also reported last night that the Richland County Ambulance Association has voted to disband due to unfortunate circumstances with plans to re-establish a new association. Upon dissolution of the Ambulance Association the body, in accordance with their by-laws is donating all its remaining funds, $30,867, to Richland County EMS. Requirements of the donation is that it is to be used for equipment, including personal protective gear for the EMTs, but excluding vehicles. The board of supervisors approved the acceptance of the donation.

The Richland County Board of Supervisors also approved at last night’s meeting:

A change order to the contract with Edge Consulting Engineers Inc. Of Prairie Du Sac, in the amount of $26,200 for necessary changes for a new tower site in the Radio Tower Project. This brings the total to $353,850.

A resolution approving county wide training and development with the Lou Everett Group. It was noted that training and development of board members and staff is critical to operations and overall employee growth and satisfaction. Richland County is in a period of transformation and needs to define its Mission, Vision and Goals, and the Lou Everett Group has provided a yearlong curriculum providing quarterly training and engagement to promote the “We Are One” philosophy with Board members, Department Heads, and staff. The funds for this training will be provided out of ARPA monies not to exceed $26,650.

The purchase of new computers, laptops, and monitors for Health and Human Services Staff was approved. Health and Human Services aims to purchase new computers on a rotating basis. Prior to the end of 2024, 12 laptop computers, two desktop computers, 10 monitors, and accessories will need to be purchased. A quote of $22,000 was obtained. The cost will be covered by ARPA funds, Medication Assisted Treatment grant funds, and Aging and Disability Resource Centers carryover funds.

To award Opioid Settlement Fund Grants to the Richland County Treatment Court in the amount of $5,000 for prevention efforts, treatment and recovery efforts and to connect people to resources and expanding resources.

Codification of the Richland County rules of the board.

A new code of ordinances for Richland County.

The adoption of the Richland County Procurement Policy and Fee Schedule.

And to accept a Richland County Campus Foundation Grant in the amount of $3,000 to host a half-time AmeriCorps employee. The position will focus on educational outreach programs. Training and support will be provided by Wisconsin 4-H.

Appointments to the Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) Coordination Committee were approved by the board. They include: Laurie Couey; Kiah Holtzman; William Miles; and Megan Johnson.