The Village of Ridgeway will have its law enforcement needs met following action by the Iowa County Board of Supervisors Tuesday.
The board voted to add a deputy position who will provide 32 hours per week to patrol coverage for the Village. The Village will pay $75 per hour for the service. The Village will also contribute $4800 to the overtime/MTO costs. Their annual fee will be $129,600. Salaries for the Sheriff, Clerk of Courts and Coroner were established through 2030. The totals include one lift and a 2% bump each year.
During public comment Judge Matt Allen said he feels the Clerk of Courts should receive a higher pay amount. He reviewed area counties that have more help and higher pay.
When the vote was taken, three supervisors voted in opposition, feeling the amount should be higher than 2%.
For 2026 the Sheriff will receive $103,301, the Clerk of Courts $78,885 and the Coroner $10,000 plus $140 per call and use of a cell phone for county business only.
Cost to Iowa County estimated for the position is $122,448 annually.
The need for the position came with the retirement of Marshall Michael Gorham who has served Ridgeway for the past several years.
In preparation of the 200th year celebration of Iowa County in 2029 the board approved a “Celebration Task Force” plan and an oversight committee for a revitalization project proposed that would be completed by the time for the celebration.
The task force will have eight members and will function until December 31, 2029.
Approved were two land use changes.
Chad and Colleen Moore had a change from A1 Agricultural and Agricultural Residence to all A1 Agricultural Residence in the Town of Brigham.
Gary and Garrett Esser were granted a change from A1 Agricultural to AR-1 Ag Residential in the Town of Highland.
In another matter from the Zoning and Planning a waiver was granted for Eugene Oimoen who repaired damage to a shed from a wind storm and did not obtain a permit. He was issued a fine which is three times the fee which he appealed. The board granted the waiver on recommendation by the Zoning and Planning committee.
Also from Planning and Zoning a resolution was presented and passed for at least a 12 month moratorium of data center development. There are developers looking at areas in southwest Wisconsin counties to place centers. The moratorium affects unincorporated areas. The moratorium, according to the resolution, “maintains public health, safety, and general welfare.” The 12 month period can be extended.
The measure passed with an amendment to include battery/energy storage facilities. The amendment was offered by Supervisor Dave Gollon.
A resolution to rescind withdrawal from the Wisconsin River Rail Transit Commission was passed. Rescinding the previous resolution is due to timing and other agreement language. The committee will consider the matter and decide whether to continue membership or withdraw.
The board reviewed Policy 101 which establishes and sets responsibilities for committees, commissions and boards. Noted changes were adding Muscoda to the list of local library boards, adding a nutrition section to ADRC, updating mileage reimbursement, and establishing meeting frequency for the Board of Health and UW-Extension committees. Also the Tri-county Trail Commission was assigned to the Public Works committee.
The board approved the policy. Also approved was a policy for use of county vehicles. The policy applies to all non-represented county employees and elected officials except the Sheriff’s Department.
Other resolutions approved by the board an amended Capital Projects budget and a resolution for supplemental payment to Unified Community Services for extended inpatient placement of a resident of Iowa County.
A lengthy discussion by the Department of Military Affairs on Wis- Com 800 which deals with the radio communication for Iowa County took up a good portion of the meeting. No action was required.
The board heard a report from new County Administrator Clint Langreck and spent time discussing economic development expectations.
The board also recognized retiring members which includes Dan Nankee, Curt Peterson, Jr., Darrell Kreul, Justin O’Brien, Michael Peterson (Barneveld) and Doug Richter.