Public meeting gives state of the county, city and school district

At a recent public informational meeting representatives of the county, the city and the school district discussed the current state of affairs for each.

THE COUNTY

One of the biggest assignments County Administrator Larry Bierke has is to present the Iowa County Board with a budget.

Bierke is the first to admit that is not an easy task.  The 2025 budget faced rising costs in employee health insurance, staffing and inflation.

Bierke said the levy limit law forces the county to play what he calls “budget games.” He points out that the county actually has two budgets, capital and operating.

“If you want to increase the operating budget you have to do it by referendum,” Bierke said, adding that the board has discussed that option.

“We would need at least three new Walmarts each year to be where we need to be,” Bierke said.

He said the county shifts money between the two budgets and they borrow money.

“This is not smart budgeting,” Bierke said.  “We are faced with figuring out where to come up with a million dollars next year.”

He said the board has made cuts by attrition.  He added that six positions were cut from the UW-Extension.

“We are trying not to go to referendum,” Bierke continued.  

“We don’t want to compete with the school district or city.”

Bierke said the county board is looking into sharing equipment and services with other counties...

(See the rest of this story in the January 2, 2025 Chronicle issue)