Budget adjustments took up a good share of Tuesday’s monthly meeting of the Iowa County Board.
The board will present a balanced budget as required at the annual budget hearing next month. The budget development has taken considerable time at committee meetings and has been a constant with new administrator Clinton Langreck.
The board has been under criticism for their plan to cut the UW-Extension positions which will reduce the budget $75000. At the public comment at the start of the meeting several county residents spoke on why the ag related positions should not be cut and that land conservation not be reduced.
It was noted that with the cuts the public has to learn what they will have less of in services.
The board approved the budget for publication with a nay vote from supervisor Don Leix.
The board worked through a budget development sheet before taking the vote.
Several library proposals were presented and funded. Of the eight libraries, seven sent proposals.
Awards went to Barneveld, Blanchardville, Cobb, Dodgeville, Livingston, Mineral Point and Montfort
Other Business
The board approved an amended local operating contract road agreement with Badger Hollow Wind Farm. The amendment focused on payments to school districts.
Various speed limit ordinances were presented and approved. The ordinances affected roads throughout the county.
Approved was a resolution designating November 2-6 as Crash Responders Safety Week.
A Celebration Task Force resolution was approved. The resolution designated the make up of the task force which will serve until December 31, 2029. The task force will handle preparations for the county’s 200 year celebration.
Consideration to Policy 401 that would change the county handbook when it comes to payment for jury duty and EMS service. The motion to change was defeated but the item was returned to the floor and finally sent back to the General Government committee for further consideration.
The board reviewed the construction design and management agreements for the courthouse revitalization with Jewell and approved it.
Peoples Community Bank will provide funding for highway equipment and road construction projects as well as financing capital projects.
The board amended the 2026 capital project fund budget as recommended.
Land Use Changes
Several land use changes were approved. They included:
-Town of Arena, Al ag to Ag Residence for Harrington Farms Partnership
-Town of Brigham, A1 to AR1 and Ac-1 for Anne Larson and Marlene Reeson
-Town of Dodgeville, A1 to AR1 and AR1 to B2 Hwy Business for Eric Knueve and Ron Appert
-Town of Dodgeville, B2 Hwy Business to Al ag for Eric Knueve of Bethal Horizons
-Town of Pulaski, A1 ag to C1 conservancy for Draves Dairy, LLC -Town of Waldwick, Al ag to Ar 1 and A1 ag to C1 conservancy Appointments
The board approved two citizen appointments to county committees. Charles Rule will serve on the Airport Commission and Rita Loper to the Barneveld Library Board. Both are for three year terms.