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Notice Agenda 2023-05-11 AMENDED.doc
Bayfield County Administrator
117 E 5th Street, PO Box 878, Washburn, WI 54891
Ph: 715-373-6181 Fx: 715-373-6153
www.Bayfieldcounty.wi.gov
Mark Abeles-Allison, County Administrator
Kristine Kavajecz, Human Resource Director
Paige Terry, Clerk III
BAYFIELD COUNTY
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
Brett T. Rondeau, Chair Mary Dougherty
Fred Strand Dennis Pocernich
Jeff Silbert Jeremy Oswald, Vice-Chair
*** AMENDED AGENDA ***
AMENDED 05/09/2023
Dear Committee Members:
This letter is written to inform you of the Bayfield County Executive Committee
Meeting scheduled for 4:00pm Thursday, May 11, 2023 in the Bayfield County
Board Room. This meeting will be held in-person and remotely. Supervisors and
the public will be able to participate in the Meeting in person or via voice
either by using the internet link or phone number below.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
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Meeting ID: 246 540 523 201
Passcode: 9mYasE
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+1 715-318-2087,,569561330# United States, Eau Claire
Phone Conference ID: 569 561 330#
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K:\Executive Committee\2023 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE\05 May 11 2023\Exec Comm
Notice Agenda 2023-05-11 AMENDED.doc
Contact Bayfield County at 715-373-6181 if you have access questions or
email Mark.Abeles-Allison@bayfieldcounty.wi.gov if during the meeting.
Any person wishing to attend who, because of a disability, requires special accommodations, should
contact the County Clerk’s office at 715-373-6100, at least 24 hours before the scheduled meeting
time, so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Notice is hereby given that in the event the standing committee does not have a quorum the County
Board Chair or Vice Chair may act as an ex officio member (County ordinance, Chapter 3, section 2-
3-1 (c)). Notice is hereby given that a majority of the Bayfield County Board may be present at the
meeting to gather information about a subject over which they have decision-making responsibility.
This constitutes a meeting of the Bayfield County Board pursuant to State ex rel. Badke v.
Greendale Village Bd., 173 Wis. 2d 553, 494 N.W.2d 408(1993), and must be noticed as such,
although the County Board will not take any formal action at this meeting.
1) Call to Order
2) Approval of Minutes of April 13, 2023
3) Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Forestry and Parks Department Accepting the
NOAA Grant for the Sand River Acquisition Project and 2023 Budget Amendment
Resolution
4) Public Comment, 3 minutes per person, up to 15 minutes total
5) Discussion Regarding Youth Council Establishment
6) Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Tax Foreclosed Properties and Housing Needs in
Bayfield County
7) Discussion and Possible Action Regarding EV Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant
Resolution; Bill Bailey
8) Northern Lights Services Presentation: 4:30p.m.
9) Discussion and Possible Action, LATCF Funding for Highway Garages
10) Discussion and Possible WCA Resolution Topics
11) Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Pigeon Lake Camp Lease
12) Discussion Regarding Intergovernmental Agreement for Joint Dispatch
13) Discussion and Possible Action Regarding GASB 37 Lease Policy
14) Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Civilian C.E.R.T/Search and Rescue Team
15) Reports:
K:\Executive Committee\2023 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE\05 May 11 2023\Exec Comm
Notice Agenda 2023-05-11 AMENDED.doc
a) Financial Reports end of April 2023
b) Treasurer’s Report, end of April 2023
c) Revenue Sharing Letter from Wisconsin Legislature
d) Washburn Housing Development Update
e) Child Care Updates
f) Budget Planning 2024
g) LCO v. Evers Decision
16) Closed Session: The Committee may entertain a motion to move in and out of Closed
Session pursuant to §19.85(1) (e) Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public
properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business,
whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session.
a) Discussion and Possible Action, April 13, 2023 Minutes
b) Discussion and Possible Action, Business Park Lease Negotiation
c) Discussion and Possible Action, Corporation Counsel Agreement
d) Discussion and Possible Action, Pigeon Lake Field Station Lease
17) Adjourn
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE NARRATIVE
MAY 11, 2023
Item 3: In January of this year the County Board approved resolution 2023-13 accepting grant funds for
the acquisition of Sand River and Lost Creek projects, budgeted in 2022 but moved to 2023. Grant funds
have increased reducing county expenditures. This amended resolution reflects this.
Item 5: One of the youth scholar essays by Mardea LaPointe (in the packet) asked the County to
consider a youth council. Douglas and Ashland Counties have youth councils.
Item 6. At the last meeting the Executive Committee discussed how the county can help address the
housing shortage in Bayfield County. One opportunity was to incorporate housing into tax foreclosed
property sales.
One possible solution is Bayfield County can place a stipulation at the time of sale/auction on parcels
that have building potential. The stipulation could read, “upon transfer, the parcel must have a habitable
building on the parcel within 24 months or it would revert to Bayfield County”.
This would place a clear focus and intent on housing as opposed to open lands. This requirement,
however, could reduce the price of the land. At the same time the inventory of tax properties in Bayfield
County is very low and demand is very high. If we do see a reduction in the price of sale properties, the
Land Record Department revenue projections for 2023 may not be met. Bayfield County does have some
properties that could be good parcels for building. One possible downside with this policy is that
neighbors may like to purchase property next door to create a greater distance from the next house or to
create a bigger yard or parcel.
Item 7: The Federal Highway Administration has announced the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure
Discretionary Grant Program (CFI). It provides 80% funding for vehicle charging infrastructure. Bill Bailey
has worked extensively with County communities and Xcel Energy. He has proposed an 11 site, 13
charger plan with areas business and communities. Xcel Energy would pay the required 20%. Local
Government must be the applicant. If the grant was received the chargers would be transferred/leased
to local entities. Attached is the draft writeup. The grant is due May 30.
Item 8: Mark Ehlers and Ellen Avol from Northern Lights Services will be at the meeting. The purpose is
for them to make a general presentation on the state of the non-profit.
A one-page summary document will be put in the dropbox early this coming week.
Item 9: Bayfield County allocated its Federal LATCF funds ($1 million) towards two garages, the highway
garage in Cable and the Sheriff/Multi Department Storage facility in Grand View. Bids came in at over
our $500k estimate (see below). Bob and I made several modifications to bring the total cost (including
engineering) to $700k. The two garages are very similar so we can say we are approximately $400k over
budget.
There are several questions. One of the changes Bob and I made was a $50k deduct to go with an
asphalt roof. Shingles were considered for both price and ease of adding solar panels to. The Highway
committee expressed preference for metal due to longevity and landfill impact. We are continuing to
explore options.
The second question is funding. If we take all funds out of the LATCF funding allocation that would leave
just $300k for the Grand View Garage. We could take $200k from the highway fund balance for the
highway garage and $200k from the General Fund balance for the Grand View garage.
Current “unrestricted” funds in highway are $3.4 million as of end of 2022.
Item 10. Attached are five proposed WCA Resolution topics prepared by Fred Strand. These can be
forwarded to the full board. Deadline is mid-June so May 30 is the last time the board would be able to
approve: Topics include:
1. PFAS
2. Act 216 Tax Deed
3. Chronic Wasting Disease Regulations
4. Chronic Wasting Disease Research
5. Emergency Medical Services
6. Meat Processors
Item 11. The County Board has expressed interest in exploring the Pigeon Lake Camp property. The
topic was discussed at the last Tribal County meeting as Pigeon Lake is a Harvest Lake for Red Cliff. Red
Cliff leadership expressed interest in the project.
The Wisconsin Bureau of Commissioners of Public lands owns the site at present. They have contacted
us and noted that they have been directed to start selling buildings off the site.
There are options for the county if we want to keep all avenues open:
1. Lease the property for a year.
2. Contract for a feasibility study.
I hope to have some conceptual costs for a feasibility study by Thursday. I think there is some
negotiating potential.
Item 12. Attached is an initial draft of the Intergovernmental Agreement between Bayfield and Ashland
Counties. The two counties were able to submit the grant re-application on May 1. We are waiting to
hear back. The intergovernmental agreement includes details regarding a Board of Directors (six-
member Board, three from each county), Board functions and responsibilities, Lead Agency (Bayfield
County) responsibilities, Finances (50/50 to start), Data, Termination, Dissolution, Insurance, etc.
Item 13. A GASB 87 Lease policy is required for adoption by our auditor. Leases of any term but
especially long-term leases can have significant financial implications for the county. This policy as
prepared includes department, accountant, administrator and board approval for leases.
Item 14: Attached please find a draft set of bylaws for a group of first responders to form a search and
rescue group to respond in Bayfield and Ashland counties due to the increased number of searches and
the long response time for other search and rescue teams.
Both Sheriffs are in support and bylaws have been written. After executive Committee review and
approval, it would go onto the full board. The CERT title is an approved structure created by FEMA.
There is no funding expectations on behalf of the county other than insurance. We are still exploring
insurance as it relates to coverage outside of Bayfield County.
Item 15.
• The end of April Financial Report shows expenditures of 12.9 million in 2023 in comparison with
$9.6 last year. The $3.3 million difference comes from +$800k in 430 fund (CIP) expenses,
+$400k in ARPA expenses, $100k in Human Services Expenses and $2 million in general fund.
Most all general fund departments are up over last year, with the 00 accounting for nearly $1.5
million of this. $180k is for countywide EMS, $300k is for transfers to CIP and $1,000,000 is
additional to higher.
• The treasurer’s report shows the end of month balance at $29.25 million. This worksheet shows
the new NL Loan at $500k.
• The State Government is proposing a variety of revenue sharing options. Attached is one letter
from the Wisconsin Legislature with a proposal to provide Bayfield County $470k split between
General and Public Safety.
• Bayfield County was not funded for the housing project in the City of Washburn, below please
find a summary sheet of funded projects. There were 13 in total for $15.9 million.
• Attended several childcare facilitation meetings this week. Will share update at meeting.
• Details on the May 30 Budget Planning to be held at 4pm will be reviewed.
• We have prepared a general summary of the LCO v. Evers topic brief for review. This could be
used to help direct discussions with legislators.
1
Minutes of the
Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting
4:00pm, April 13, 2023
Meeting was held Remotely through Microsoft Teams and in person in the Bayfield County
Board Room, Washburn, WI
Members Present: Fred Strand, Dennis Pocernich, Brett Rondeau, Jeff Silbert, Jeremy Oswald,
Mary Dougherty
Members Excused:
Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison-County Administrator, Kristine Kavajecz-Human
Resources Director, Kim Mattson-Accountant, Meagan Quaderer-Emergency Management
Director, Liz Seefeldt-BRICK Director, Marty Milanowski (remote), Jason Bodine-Forestry &
Parks Administrator, Gail Reha-Bookkeeper, Charly Ray, Kelly
Called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Rondeau.
Motion Pocernich, Strand to approve minutes of the March 9, 2023 Executive Committee
Meeting. Motion Carried (6-0).
Public Comment: Meagan Quaderer reported on the current flooding situation in the county.
Most damage was to gravel roadways. Hwy 13 is open. Waters have rescinded.
BRICK Presentation, Liz Seefeldt, Director: Handouts were provided (Brochure and Quarterly
Newsletter). Four food pantries are operated, two in Bayfield County. In addition to food
assistance, there is also a benevolence program that can provide some assistance for rent, utilities
and homeless assistance. The benevolence program served 1000 persons in 2022. Serve an
average of 882 persons per month through the food pantry. Eligibility guidelines apply. 21% of
benevolence and 33% of food pantry services were provided to Bayfield County residents.
Landmark Conservancy / Brownstone Trail Property Memorandum of Understanding:
Proposal is for Bayfield County to take ownership of a 4 acre parcel with the understanding that
it would be leased to Landmark Conservancy, who will work with the county to secure funding
and coordinate improvements to the parcel for shoreland restoration. The parcel would allow for
access and development of the Brownstone Trail. The committee reviewed the proposed MOU
between the county and Landmark Conservancy and discussed various items in the MOU.
Draft Land Housing Policy Resolution: Committee had a discussion about ideas to help
municipalities enable housing development. A draft resolution was reviewed that would
authorize the county to transfer designated parcels to municipalities at no cost for the purpose of
housing development.
Grant Application Focus Topics: Additional topics suggested included: Nursing Home
support, EMT Training support, Childcare support services, Invasive Species Control, Sharps
2
Disposal, Urban Sidewalks/walking, Run-off protection, Obesity, Mental Health, Foster Family
Support. Housing, Highways, Technical assistance, Energy, Farm/Forestry
Financial Policies:
Lease Policy, GASB 87: In 2023, all technology based leases must be included as
assets/liabilities. Mattson explained the new requirements.
Capital Improvement Policy: Proposal to increase the threshold to $5,000.
Procurement Policy
Budget 2024 Planning: Committee members were asked for suggestions for the upcoming
budget planning session.
Personnel Budget Amendments: The Personnel Committee recently recommended additional
staffing authorization for dispatch, tourism and land records offices. A total of approximately
$80,000 of fund balance.
Motion Strand, Silbert to forward the Personnel Budget Amendment to the full county board with
a recommendation to include the modification of the Tourism position to 75% for 2023. Motion
Carried (6-0)
CORE Community Development Investment Grant for Food Pantry Addition, City of
Bayfield: Motion Silbert,
Question was asked what the ethical responsibility is for Dougherty regarding action on this
item. Dougherty indicated she will abstain from voting.
Oswald to approve the resolution and forward to the full county board for approval. Motion
Carried. (6-0)
Annex HVAC Project Budget Amendment: Abeles-Allison reviewed a list of change orders
related to this project. There may be a need to request some additional funding for the project.
Reports:
Pigeon Lake Camp:
Consolidated Dispatch Update
Financial Reports end of March 2023
Treasurer’s Report, end of March 2023
Motion Pocernich, Dougherty to move into Closed Session pursuant to §19.85(1) (e) Deliberating
or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting
other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed
session. Motion Carried (6-0)
3
Motion Oswald, Pocernich to return to open session. Motion Carried (6-0) Returned to open
session at 5:53 pm.
Meeting adjourned at 5:53p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Kristine Kavajecz.
Resolution
No. 2023-xx
Forestry and Parks Department
Accepting the NOAA Grant for the Sand River Acquisition
Project and 2023 Budget Amendment
WHEREAS, via Resolutions 2022-06, 2022-76, and 2023-13 the County Board provided the
Forestry and Parks Department (Department) with authorization to develop, budget, administer
and complete the roughly 2,001 acre Sand River land acquisition project (Sand River), in part, to
replace the roughly 1,439 acres of county forest lands that were previously sold to the Red Cliff
Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Red Cliff); and,
WHEREAS, proceeds from the sale of county forest lands are required to be re-invested in the
purchase of replacement lands, that will be enrolled in County Forest Law and managed as part
of the county forest; and,
WHEREAS, the Department has partnered with the Trust for Public Land (TPL) on the
development of the Sand River project, who are now holding said land until Bayfield County
(County) has secured full funding; and,
WHEREAS, the final value of the Sand River project is $2,605,759, which includes the value of
the land, all closing costs, a holding fee from TPL, and $40,000 in survey related expenses, with
closing to occur on May 11, 2023; and,
WHEREAS, the County was recently awarded a NOAA grant in the amount of $1,965,000, to
be applied towards the Sand River project, and administered by the Wisconsin Department of
Administration (DOA), Division of Intergovernmental Relations, through the Wisconsin Coastal
Management Program; and,
WHEREAS, previously, two additional grants were also awarded to the County for use on the
Sand River project, including $1.30 million from ARPA and $600,000 from the Community
Forests Program; and,
WHEREAS, the entire NOAA award will be applied towards the Sand River project, with the
remaining balance split equally between the Community Forests grant and County cash (as a
match to the Community Forests grant); and,
WHEREAS, as recommended by the DNR and DOA, the ARPA grant was cancelled and will
be re-packaged to the County for use towards another County land acquisition project of similar
conservation value (which will likely include 100% re-imbursement of the recently completed
$1.028 million County land purchase in the Town of Clover, known as the Bark River
Headwaters project); and,
WHEREAS, the 2023 budget amendment, as outlined below, will result in a savings of
$331,620 in County cash match that was previously approved via Resolution 2023-13; and,
WHEREAS, by re-packaging the previously awarded ARPA funds, approximately $1.028
million will be returned to the County non-lapsing Purchase of Land account, to be used towards
a future County land acquisition project, with the remaining ARPA balance also available to the
County for a future land purchase;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors,
assembled this 30th day of May, 2023 approves accepting the NOAA grant, re-packaging the
ARPA grant, and completing the roughly 2,001 acre Sand River land acquisition project with
TPL, and approves the following amendment to the 2023 Forestry and Parks Department budget:
2023 Budget Amendment
Increase 430-34-55205-50252 $1,965,000
Decrease 430-34-56132-50252 $279,620
Decrease 430-34-57100-50252 $331,620
Increase 430-34-43584-002 $1,965,000
Decrease 430-34-43260 $279,620
Decrease 430-70-49301 $331,620
By Action of the:
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
____________________________________________
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
STATE OF WISCONSIN )
) ss.
COUNTY OF BAYFIELD )
I, Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk,
hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of Resolution No. 2023-xx, Volume
29, adopted by the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors at their meeting held on the 30th day
of May 2023.
Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk
_________________________________________________
FHA Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant
Application Authorization
WHEREAS, the Federal Highway Administration has established the Charging and Fueling
Infrastructure to assist local units of government with strategically located publicly accessible
fueling infrastructure; and,
WHEREAS, Bayfield County has stated its interest in emission reductions; and,
WHEREAS, there is substantial local interest in Electric / Alternate Vehicle Fueling; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Executive Committee
assembled this 11th day of May, 2023, hereby authorizes Bayfield County to submit a CFI grant
application for fueling infrastructure.
By Action of the:
Bayfield County Executive Committee
___________________________________________
Brett T. Rondeau, Committee Chair
STATE OF WISCONSIN )
) ss.
COUNTY OF BAYFIELD )
I, Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk, hereby
certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of
Resolution No. EX-23-03 Volume 29, adopted by the
Bayfield County Executive Committee at their meeting
held on the 11th day of May 2023.
_________________________________________
Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk
Resolution
No. EX-23-03
1
DOT CFI Grant Project Narrative
1) DOT CFI Project Narrative
I. Bayfield County Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Implementation Project
(The Project) is located in Bayfield County, Wisconsin, the State’s second largest county by area
and the northern most county in Wisconsin. Lake Superior adjoins the northern county line and
is the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior
Chippewa Indians (Red Cliff) is located in the northern tier of the county on the shores of Lake
Superior and home to the only Tribal National Park in the nation. Because of the rural setting,
proximity to two National Parks, 100 miles of Lake Superior shoreline, 962 inland lakes,
hundreds of miles of recreational trails, and interior Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest,
Bayfield County is a destination and supports a tourist economy. In 2021, total visitor spending
in Bayfield County was $63M and 1.5M visitors are estimated to have visited the County. The
County receives frequent inquiries about electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Bayfield
County currently has only one DC fast charger (50kW), inadequate for the vast area and future
electrified transportation sector.
Appendix A shows a detailed road map of Bayfield County.
US Highway 2 runs east-west through the County connecting the states of Michigan and
Minnesota and is designated in the Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Infrastructure plan (WEVI) and
approved by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure plan (NEVI). There is no rail service in
Bayfield County. Bayfield County is a remote and rural setting that relies heavily on tourism
with the Chicago, Milwaukee and Minneapolis metro areas all within eight hours. Highway
safety issues occur during extreme weather. In the last six years major flooding washouts has
closed state highways for up to 90 days. Heavy snowfall impacts winter driving conditions. An
extensive system of well distributed highway garages, modern plow equipment, and dedicated
county employees mitigate these risks.
All electric vehicle charging sites associated with this project are located in small cities, towns or
on Tribal land. Most sites are in populated city center areas with 25-35 mph limits. While the
setting is rural, tourist and through traffic is significant. All sites proposed have existing safe
ingress and egress including turn lanes. Several sites are positioned a block or so away from the
primary routes to assist in removing traffic from faster lanes. Signage is proposed for the EVSE
sites in accordance with WisDOT standards including the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control
Devices, Electric Vehicle Charging Signs section D9-11b. Implementation costs are included in
the budget. Application and approval will be made if the CFI grant is awarded. The addition of
a 4-port EV Charging Station in these remote areas will not negatively impact non-electric
vehicles. Additional charging stations will reduce EV charging anxiety improving focused
driving.
The National Roadway Safety Strategy shows Bayfield County with few fatal crashes per square
mile in 2016-2020 but an elevated level of fatal crashes per person. These conflicting statistics
2
suggest there is always room for improvement as we strive to the long-term goal of zero
roadway fatalities.
Figure 1 NRSS Bayfield County Fatal Crashes 2016-2020
All charging sites in the proposed project would have full and complete public access, 24/7, and
the charging equipment would allow features such as contactless payment that would not
unjustly isolate or discriminate against individuals with disabilities. The siting, equipment
selection, and operational strategies conform with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990.
II. The WEVI plan identifies US Highway 2 as the only eligible corridor for NEVI funding and runs
east-west through the center of the County. The State plan does not address secondary routes,
such as the scenic-byway County Highway 13 and Highway 63. These routes provide a north-
south route through the County important for tourists and provide access to the National Parks
and National Forest, as well as the scenic shores of Lake Superior. This project fills a significant
gap in access to these important national landmarks as well as to the Red Cliff reservation. The
charging sites are geographically dispersed throughout the County and includes a variety of site
owners by sector type including a charging station on the Red Cliff reservation.
3
The Project is unique in that Bayfield County, the eligible applicant, is partnering with Xcel
Energy and multiple EVSE site owners. This private-public partnership will strengthen the
likelihood of success of The Project. Bayfield County, with its governmental experience and
expertise, will provide project oversite and enter into contractual arrangement with each site
owner. Bayfield County will transfer ownership of the EVSE to each respective site owner and
will require them to fulfill the NEVI Standards and Requirements such as income reporting,
operational consistency, maintenance, and financial solvency. If any of the contractual
requirements are not satisfactorily met, ownership of the EVSE will evert back to the County
until the deficiency is resolved or a new site owner is established. This arrangement will
guarantee the smooth and continued operation of the EVSE for the public benefit.
In addition, Bayfield County as the eligible applicant will be selecting a single vendor and EVSE.
This will ensure the equipment meets the Requirements and Standards such as contactless
payment, Energy Star ratings for level-2 chargers, minimum number of ports and charging
capacities, etc., and that the vendor has a qualified workforce and apprenticeship programs in
place. A common charging network throughout the County will create a more user-friendly
experience, reduce operations and maintenance contract costs, and ensure components are
stocked for rapid response time when repairs are needed.
Bayfield County’s project oversight will also ensure safety protocols are in place and will include
oversight by the Bayfield County Highway Commissioner with support from the Wisconsin
Department of Transportation.
4
Figure 2. Blue teardrops mark the 11 proposed charging sites
III. Bayfield County has worked closely with its local utility, Xcel Energy, many of the Town
governments where the charging stations will be located, Red Cliff Tribal planners, community
non-profits such as Cheq Bay Renewables (CBR) the University of Wisconsin Extension, and
community residents to develop this project. Community input was received through multiple
public Town meetings, County committee meetings, UW-Extension outreach programs, Red
Cliff public input, surveys, planning sessions, and Cheq Bay Renewables outreach initiatives.
5
Grant preparation costs noted above are not and will not be included in the grant application.
Costs included in the grant application are final design and engineering, Electric Vehicle Supply
Infrastructure (EVSI) which includes electrical service entrance upgrades, transformers, meters,
etc., Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), installation costs, safety equipment such as
lighting and signage, and administrative and educational outreach costs. The following table
summarizes the project.
Expense Category Amount Percentage
of Project
Eligible
Expense
(80%)
Cost Share (20%)
Entity
Finals
Design/Engineering
Yes Xcel
EVSI Yes Xcel
EVSE Yes Xcel
5-year O&M Contract Yes Xcel
Safety - Lighting,
signage
Yes Xcel
Administrative
Oversight
Yes Bayfield County
Educational Outreach Yes UW-
Extension/CBR
Total
Table 1
A Request for Qualifications and Cost Estimate (RFQ) was released by Bayfield County in April
2023 to solicit qualified vendors and EVSE that meet the NEVI Standards and Requirements.
Included in the RFQ were requirements that the equipment must include a 5-year product
warranty, 5-year technical support, 5-year cellular or other internet service plan, and 5-year
software license. In addition, a 5-year preventative maintenance service agreement was
required that includes at a minimum an annual equipment inspection, cleaning/testing, local
parts availability, and 24-hour infield response time. The first 5-years of operations,
maintenance, and associated fees are included in the EVSE costs listed in the Table 1. Table 2
summarizes the results from the RFQ and lists the qualified vendors and EVSE.
Description ZEF Energy Carbon Day Francis Energy
Level-3 Brand/Model
Level-2 Brand/Model
Level-3 Cost, 150kW 13 Units
Level-2 Cost, 31 Units
5-Year Maintenance Agreement Yes
5-Year Product Warranty Yes
5-Year Technical Support Yes
5-Year Cellular/internet Plan Yes
5-Year Software License Yes
6
24-Hour Response Time Yes
Touchless Contact (NFC) Yes
Table 2
IV. The FHWA focus areas that apply to this project are 1) Rural Area Charging and Fueling
Solutions and 2) Fleet Vehicles that Serve and Operate in Communities.
Rural Charging: Bayfield County, population 16,220, with 1478 square miles of land area has 11
people per square mile, but is visited by an estimated 1.5 million tourist annually. The remote
setting adds to the challenges for residents and visitors alike as distances to get anywhere are
vast, the cold climate reduces battery range, and conditions like lack of cell coverage in many
areas add risk to the electric vehicle transition. This project addresses those risks by
strategically placing charging stations along secondary routes travelled frequently to transverse
the County or enjoy scenic and recreational settings. Equipment will be selected so phones
with Near Field Communication (NFC) will be able to make payment to the EVSE without the
need of cell coverage. The EVSE, where cell coverage is limited, will be hard-wired through
fiber optic providers, or wireless internet providers, so NFC technology can be used. NFC
technology will ensure that contactless payment is accessible to diverse populations.
7
Figure 3 Visitors to Wisconsin from The Arrivalist
Each charging site will include at least one level-3 150kW DC fast charger so a variety of vehicles
can use the service. Each station will also have at least 2 level-2 chargers so vehicles with more
time or fewer miles to travel (local residents) can safely and efficiently charge their vehicles
without undue strain on vehicle equipment.
Fleet Vehicles: Hwy. 13 also is used by Bay Area Rural Transit (BART). BART has two electric
buses on order and would directly benefit from this added infrastructure. Red Cliff also has
electric buses on order. This project will assist both bus fleets as routes expand and might be
especially helpful in winter conditions when battery range is reduced. Bayfield County also is
developing its EV fleets. It has three Ford F150 Lightning pickup trucks on order for its Highway
Department Fleet with the first arriving the summer of 2023. Additional orders are anticipated
in 2024. Charging stations dispersed throughout the County will ensure adequate charging
opportunities exist for both county and other local and regional commercial fleets. Bayfield
County is also considering EV use in its Squad and courthouse fleets. More charging
infrastructure dispersed throughout the County will allow for this strategy to be implemented.
The project serves Red Cliff, a disadvantaged community as identified by census tract 9601.
Bayfield County is 10.4% Native American. Bayfield County’s per capita income, 2017-2021, is
$35,974, 2% below the state average, and has an overall poverty rate of 11.6% (U.S. Census).
8
The project will benefit everyone that lives in Bayfield County by ensuring that Bayfield County
is “open for business” in the new transportation transition.
Figure 3
Talk about the selected equipment from the RFQ and how the specs meet the requirements.
2) Budget Information
Waiting for more details from Xcel and Vendor Quotes. Fill out Table below when receive.
The implementation budget is presented in the following table. Budgetary costs are provided
by Xcel Energy for engineering and EVSI equipment and installation. Vendor quotes for EVSE
and the first 5-years of operations and maintenance costs were determined through the
County’s RFQ process. EV Charging Site Lighting was provided by a local electrical company.
Signage costs were provided by the Bayfield County Highway Commissioner. County
Administration costs and educational outreach were determined as a percentage of the total
project cost and include in-kind cost sharing.
Site
Description
Engineering EV Supply
Infrastructure
(EVSI)
EV Supply
Equipment
(EVSE)
Safety
Equipment
County
Administration
Educational
Outreach
Port Wing
Herbster
Cornucopia
Red Cliff
Bayfield
Washburn
9
Namakagon
Grand View
Cable
Drummond
Ashland
Subtotal
Contingency
(10%)
Total
% of Total 2% 1%
Table 3
In addition to project implementation budgetary estimates, ongoing operation and
maintenance budgetary costs, as well as electricity costs from Xcel Energy to the site owner
were analyzed and present here. Two time periods were analyzed, years 1-5, and years 6 and
following. The goal and strategy is for revenue from EV customers to adequately cover all
expenses during each of the two time periods analyzed.
In the first 5-years, it is anticipated that usage in this rural and remote area will be relatively
modest as EVs become more widespread. That is why the RFQ released by Bayfield County
required the EVSE vendor to include operations and maintenance expenses as well as cellular
plan fees in their five-year proposals. During this time frame the only expense to the site owner
will be the electric bill from Xcel Energy. Xcel Energy’s rate tariffs for EV charging include on-
peak demand charges, distribution demand charges, contains capacity thresholds in kW that
determine which tariff applies, and has a “100-hour rule” or demand limiter embedded in each
tariff to reduce demand charges during low volume charging.
To help the site owner determine what rate should be charged to cover Xcel’s electric bill, an EV
Charging Rate Analysis Tool was developed by CBR. The tool allows the user to input a few
variables, namely EVSE charging capacity for each port, and estimated amount of time in a
month that the chargers are utilized, and the automatically populated results show the rate
necessary to charge the EV customer per kWh to cover the bill. The Tool takes the variables of
Xcel’s rate structure into consideration and offers the “break-even” rate. As the EVSE gets
more use, the breakeven rate goes down. Limiting the billable demand to below 200kW was
also found to be a significant factor in determining the charging rates.
In concert, Xcel Energy has shown how the demand limiter in their existing tariffs will help EVSE
site owners manage their electric bills and charging rates. In a current rate case before the
Wisconsin Public Service Commission, adjustments have been proposed to increase the
demand limiter to further assist EVSE site owners, lowering electric rates per kWh for low
volume use. Appendix B shows an example of how electric rates could be reduced by
increasing the demand limiter from 100 hours to 150 hours.
Starting year-6, and assuming continuing increases to EV charging, the rates charged the EV
customer will cover operations and maintenance expenses as well as cell plan and credit card
10
fees. Using the Tool, the site owner can see what utilization rate will be required to cover these
additional expenses.
Each site owner will track revenue generated from EV charging and expenses incurred. In years
4-5 as EV adoption gains, an escrow account, or “float” will be established to create a smooth
transition to year 6 and beyond when O&M expenses are first incurred. Documenting and
reporting revenue and expenses in the first 5-years are required by the NEVI Standards and
Requirements and will be contractually required by each site owner.
E.1.iv. Project Merit Criteria
a. Criterion #1 Safety
Bayfield County has taken steps to ensure the Project will:
1) Provide positive safety benefits for all users by:
• Installing EVSE installations in lower speed and traffic areas with existing safe ingress
and egress.
• Siting EVSE installations where amenities are readily available with easy walking access.
• Including signage to easily locate charging stations, providing advanced notice for safe
site access.
2) Not negatively impact the overall safety of the public by:
• Direct involvement of the Bayfield County Highway Commissioner in overseeing the
planning of the sites, including site location, lighting recommendations and signage.
• Requesting input from the WisDOT
• Involving public input through Bayfield County Municipal Planning Commissions, Harbor
Commissions and where applicable, and municipal boards as required.
• Incorporating Red Cliff’s comprehensive Highway Corridor examination and planning
process
3) Promote safety through design by:
• Include lighting for all EVSE installations
• Locate EVSE installations in non-congested area
• Installation work to be completed by the local utility and certified workers
• All work will be compliant with the applicable National Electric Code, and State and local
permits
b. Criterion #2 Climate Change, Resilience, and Sustainability
The Project will:
1) Significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. Bayfield County
completed a Fleet Fuel Analysis in 2022 and found that emissions would be reduced by 66%
11
when comparing unleaded gasoline consumption versus electricity from the utility. These
calculations were based on emission data from the EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies
Calculator. This data can be extrapolated to public charging where greenhouse gas emissions
will be reduced in similar percentages.
2) Bayfield County experienced severe flooding in 2016 and again in 2018. The 2016 500-year
flood washed out sections in all major highways in Bayfield County including US Highway 2, 13,
and 63, as well as numerous smaller County and Town roads. The 2018 flood caused $1.1M in
damages to state and county roads. Subsequent mitigation efforts included replacing and
increasing culvert sizes under Highways 13 and 63 and replacing the South Fish Creek bridge on
Highway 2 ($428,000) to accommodate more intense rains and higher water levels.
All EVSE sites in Bayfield County are clear of floodplains as presented in the Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources Floodplain Mapping Application and all sites are placed on
roads that have expanded climate resilience because of mitigations performed over the last
decade in response to extreme weather events.
3) Once EV charging infrastructure is adequately dispersed throughout the County, EV adoption
will be eminent. This adoption will reduce carbon emissions and become a component in the
larger national carbon reduction efforts. In 2023 Xcel Energy will complete a three year $30
million Second Circuit Transmission Line project which added resilience to the local electric grid,
now designed to withstand 200 mph winds. This design, based on climate resilience measures,
will be capable of supplying reliable and adequate power to the northern tier of Bayfield County
including the Cities of Washburn and Bayfield as well as Red Cliff. Additional work by Xcel
Energy is underway to complete the Bayfield Peninsula Loop which will upgrade power lines
feeding Port Wing, Herbster and Cornucopia. The design of this grid upgrade considered the
effects of climate change with resilience as a priority including improvements at Red Cliff, a
disadvantaged community.
4) The Project will not adversely impact air or water quality. Transitioning to EVs will improve
air quality with reduced emissions and will ultimately improve water quality with reduced
gasoline and oil leakage on roadways and subsequent drainage into area creeks, streams, Lake
Superior and ground waters. All sites where EV charging equipment will be located are in pre-
disturbed areas, (i.e., parking lots), where endangered species are not present. The Project will
have a positive effect on Red Cliff as well as Bayfield County as a whole. Bayfield County,
because of its cooler northern temperatures and adequate rainfall is a low-risk environment for
wildfires, but is addressing other natural disaster potential from increased storm severity and
flooding with culvert and bridge replacements, as well as hardening the electric grid for
excessive winds.
c. Criterion #3 Equity, Community Engagement, and Justice40
1) The Project’s first planning component was to identify well-dispersed geographical locations
throughout the County for the charging stations. Since the WEVI plan identified US Highway 2
12
as a designated corridor, secondary routes like State Highways 13 and 63 were considered top
priority. By dispersing the locations throughout the County, a proportional impact will be
achieved and all populations will be served equitably. By including Red Cliff, the only
disadvantaged community per the DOT’s Transportation Disadvantaged Census Tract, is served.
2) Each Town, City, or Tribe was involved in the site selection. The initial selection of a
geographic area was refined with input from the governing local municipality, which included
public input from Town/City/Tribal meetings. Public meetings are listed in “iv. Project
Readiness and Environmental Risk”. In two cases where proximity to Lake Superior was
involved, the process included input from the Harbor Commission having jurisdiction in that
area. Town Planning Commissions were also involved in several communities. In each of these
layers, public comment was available and included. The Project is also supported by Bayfield
County’s current 2023 revision of their Comprehensive Plan which is scheduled for completion
in the summer/fall of 2023.
The University of Wisconsin Extension Ashland County, in coordination with Bayfield County
local nonprofit Cheq Bay Renewables, has initiated a community outreach program to advance
the EV transition called “Ashland County Charges Ahead”. Ashland County is adjacent to
Bayfield County and shares common demographics so a regional approach is forged. The
diverse group of 34 individuals representing local government, Federal agencies, area
nonprofits, educational institutions, tribal government, private businesses including two car
dealerships and Kwik Trip, and concerned citizens make up the workgroup and will meet for 10
consecutive months to discuss EV infrastructure implementation strategies. The first
workgroup session was in April 2023. Among the objectives are to seek public input to map
proposed EVSE sites, and capacities; to develop associated EV technical vocabulary; to explore
financial strategies and ownership models; and to engage directly with local utilities, learn their
language and both utility and state policy surrounding EV charging. This level of community
engagement will ensure a wide-population representation and also brings in the second
Ojibway tribe into the conversation, the Bad River Bad of Lake Superior Chippewa. Both Bad
River and Red Cliff work with Cheq Bay Renewables on renewables energy projects as well as EV
charging infrastructure and are represented in this project.
3) It was documented in the 2022 Bayfield County Fleet Fuel Analysis that significant economic
savings could be realized from the electrification of the transportation sector. With EVs
approaching prices comparable to ICE vehicles, savings will be realized by the EV driver in
reduced fueling and maintenance costs, increasing affordable transportation options. Carbon
fiber construction, a component of most electric vehicles offers advantages in high rigidity and
therefor enhanced safety. Electric cars on average are safer to drive then gasoline powered
cars as reported in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “This is due to their high
collision test safety test scores, better torque vectoring, less maintenance requirements, and
less flammability”. Are Electric Cars Safer Than Gas Cars? - MyCarVoice. Each charging site will
include a 5-year maintenance contract with a EVSE vendor who will have a certified workforce,
13
enabling good-paying jobs. Xcel Energy’s professional staff will design and construct the
facilities ensuring good union jobs.
4) The various charging capacities at each charging site will provide a variety of charging
options to support multimodal transportation. The appropriate capacity can be selected based
not only on time allotted, but vehicle preferences. As more vehicle types come to market,
lower charging rates might be more appropriate for electric motorcycles or even electric boats
that will someday cruise the shores of Lake Superior or other inland lakes. Charging sites will
also be available for the area bus fleets, including the Bay Area Rural Transit (BART) and Red
Cliff’s future electric busses and well as County fleet vehicles.
5) Bayfield County’s rural setting is uniquely challenged to make the EV transition because of
its large size (second largest county in WI) and low population density (11 people per square
mile). Range anxiety, especially when winter conditions reduce battery range, can only be
addresses by adequate EVSE infrastructure density. Isolation because of a low EV battery on a
rural winter road could be life-threatening and is exacerbated by poor cell coverage in a large
portion of the County. Bayfield County’s solution: an EVSE in every community.
EVSE will also provide economic development opportunities for area businesses and bring in
much needed tax dollars for the County. Because of the natural beauty in its National Parks,
National, State, & County Forests, Lake Superior and interior lakes, Bayfield County is a tourist
destination, but the current gap in EV charging infrastructure reduces the economic
development of the communities that support the tourist industry and reduces County tax
income. Second home owners who summer up north will also be able to utilize EVs in their
travels to Bayfield County.
6) This Project blends Federal dollars with private investment to initiate economic
development in each local community. Each site will have a captive audience during charging
to shop in the area, eat at the local restaurant, visit the local beach or walk a local trail in a
natural setting. Because of the large expanse of the County, many visitors will spend the night
in area accommodations if adequate and safe EV access to the County is offered. By offering
adequate charging facilities, downtowns will be revitalized while offering pleasant rural and
uncrowded settings to enjoy.
d. Criterion #4 Workforce Development, Job Quality, and Wealth Creation
1) The final design, engineering, and construction of the charging stations will be completed by
Xcel Energy, a private company. After commissioning, the EVSE will be operated and
maintained by the selected pre-qualified vendor who meets the requirements of the NEVI
Standards and Requirements and has been chosen by Bayfield County through their Request for
Qualifications process, which was issued on April 25, 2023 and proposals received on May 10,
2023. The selected vendor will have a certified workforce guaranteeing good-paying jobs and
qualified workmanship. A criterion for selecting the successful vendor will be local partnerships
14
that might include using local electricians or other qualified individuals to troubleshoot any
simple issues and guarantee a short infield response time.
2) Xcel Energy invests in high-quality workforce (Xcel elaborate on existing programs to get
quality employees and training. Also talk about unions)
Northwoods Technical College is part of the Ashland County Charges Ahead community
initiative mentioned in Criterion 3 (2). They have an Electrician Construction program in place
which includes a state-certified apprenticeship training program. Completion of the program
achieves journey-level status and offers on-the-job training combined with classroom
instruction. When selecting the EVSE vendor and their 5-year maintenance program, priority
will be given to a contractor that includes an apprenticeship program. A partnership between
the selected vendor and Northwoods Technical College will be encouraged.
3) Xcel (and EVSE vendor?) explain hiring policies that promote underrepresented populations
4) Bayfield County will give priority when selecting the EVSE provider and operator to a
Disadvantages Business Enterprises, a Minority-owned Business, or a Women-owned Business if
a proposal is submitted and qualifications are met.
e. Criterion #5 CFI Program Vision
The Project will equitably expand EV charging infrastructure throughout the County in a variety
of site-ownership types giving opportunity to small rural Towns, Cities and Tribal communities.
The sites were selected through community engagement and represent a diverse set of
locations including a Tribal business, privately-owned businesses like a car dealership, grocery
store, a resort, and convenience stores, and small Town and City governments sites near the
lakeshore of Lake Superior. The sites offer users the opportunity to explore small-town
Northern Wisconsin, go for a walk on the beach, shop for groceries, visit museums or libraries,
or enjoy local cuisine in a safe and non-threatening environment.
In addition, the Project supports the focus area in Section D.2.i (3) & (4) by supporting multi-
purpose use charging in a rural community including a variety of vehicle types and uses that
include local residential vehicles, business fleets, tourist vehicles, rural public transportation,
and future County Highway, Squad, and Health Department fleets. BART has two electric
busses on order, Red Cliff has two busses on order, Bayfield County has three F150-Lightning
pickup trucks on order, and is considering more vehicles for it squad and courthouse fleets once
EV charging infrastructure is put into place.
4) Project Readiness and Environmental Risk:
Bayfield County has worked extensively with Xcel Energy, Towns and Cities within Bayfield
County, community members and nonprofits, and site owners to ensure project readiness.
15
Xcel Energy has completed preliminary site analysis, site maps and preliminary design including
cost estimates for the 11 sites. Xcel’s in-house engineering team will complete final design and
engineering once the project is awarded, guaranteeing for the County a safe and professionally
designed project. Xcel Energy will also be responsible for turnkey installation with hand-off to
the selected EVSE pre-qualified company once construction is complete. Included with the
EVSE is 5-years of fee-free service and preventative operations and maintenance.
Having Xcel Energy provide design, engineering, and installation services guarantees adequate
power supply and safety.
Of the 11 sites, seven are privately owned, three are owned by local units of government, and
one is owned by the tribe of Red Cliff. No ROW acquisition is necessary.
The project sites were selected on power availability, safety concerns, and space requirements.
Many of the rural locations had limited options to satisfy these requirements. Once tentative
sites were selected local units of government were involved to seek public input through public
meetings. Planning commissions and harbor commissions were involved in decision making
with final decisions by Town Boards. Public agendas and minutes are available for public
viewing. Red Cliff’s process included their planning commission. Local nonprofits, like Cheq
Bay Renewables, attended many public meetings as well as solicited support from private
businesses. The project’s goals are consistent with Bayfield County’s Comprehensive Plan
which is currently under revision and will be finalized in the summer/fall of 2023.
The project has been discussed and public input sought by:
• Bayfield County Executive Committee, May 10, 2023
• Town of Bell, May 9, 2023
• Town of Clover, April 25, 2023
• Town of Port Wing, April 28, 2023
• Town of Grandview, May XX, 2023 request sent to Paul, alternate site County Garage
• Town of Drummond, May XX, 2023 will be on agenda in May (Andy Tuttle)
• City of Bayfield, May 17, 2023
• Red Cliff Planning, various dates and initiatives listed below
• Town of Cable, request sent
Public records are available for these decisions/discussions in the minutes of the various
meetings.
Project risks include inflationary pressures when planning a year in advance. A 10%
contingency fund is included in the budget to mitigate these pressures.
Community engagement was extensive and is ongoing. Firm commitments for site owners will
not be required until the grant is awarded and final design commences. Alternate sites will be
16
considered as presented to the County, Towns, Cities, or Red Cliff. Ongoing public engagement
continues through the UW-Extension and Cheq Bay Renewables’ Ashland Charges Forward
initiative. That initiative has an established workgroup of 43 local units of government,
businesses, utilities, State resource groups, and interested citizens who have joined to meet
monthly for 10 months. Each month has a guest speaker and focuses on an aspect of the EV
transition. Two of the 10 meetings have been completed.
In 2019 Red Cliff was awarded Economic Development Administration funding through the U.S.
Department of Commerce to complete master planning of their commercial corridor (Hwy. 13)
and shovel-ready business park site, including and adjacent to the Legendary Waters Resort and
Casino and Buffalo Bay Store convenience and gas station. This included several community
engagement activities in 2021 with over 100 individual community members providing input: 1)
focus groups with youth, elders, business owners, tribal leaders; 2) online survey; 3) online
social pinpoint interactive mapping tool; 4) open house for public input; and 5) administrative
evaluation of existing community input data. Some of the key priorities supporting the electric
vehicle services expansion were improving traffic safety, sidewalks and accessibility, and
preserving the natural beauty and Lake Superior. Other tribal plans recently completed that
include tribal input and data collection are the 2023 Red Cliff Comprehensive Plan, 2021
Economic Diversification Strategy, 2020 Treaty-Natural Resources Comprehensive Plan, and
2019 Tourism Plan; all these plans support further economic development of the commercial
corridor (including Legendary Waters) and protecting natural resources by reducing the Tribe’s
carbon footprint.
Red Cliff is a disadvantaged community as per Census Track 9601.
The project is equitable in that it is dispersed throughout the County and offers services to all
residents as well as visitors. Each charging station will have contactless payment methods
included and special attention is being paid to areas with limited cell coverage. Solutions have
been established to provide NFC technology for charging customers and hardwire or wireless
internet for the EVSE will be utilized where needed.
Once awarded, final site selection will be confirmed through contractual obligation between
Bayfield County and the site owners. Final design and engineering will take place in the
winter/spring of 2023-2024 with installation in the summer of 2024. Installation should be
complete by the fall of 2024 and the 5-year service agreements will begin.
Bayfield County issued a Request for Qualification and Cost Estimate on April 25, 2023 to solicit
qualified EVSE and companies that could operate and maintain them. Proposals were
submitted by May 10, 2023 and 3 companies were accepted as qualified as well as their EVSE.
All EVSE needed to meet 23 CFR Part 680 requirements. Priority will be given to one of these 3
companies once construction is eminent, likely in the spring of 2024.
17
It is anticipated that NEPA approval will not be required for this project because the site work
will be completed by Xcel Energy, a private company. State, County, Town and City permits may
be required depending on the site locations, and will be applied for upon grant award.
Statement about availability to disabled and impaired
Appendix A Road Map of Bayfield County
Upload county road map
Appendix B Example of Xcel Energy’s Demand Limiter on Utility rates for Cg-9 Large General
Service
Resolution
No. 2023-xx
Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Testing for Biosolids
(Joint Douglas and Bayfield County Resolution)
WHEREAS, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) PFAS
Action plan 2020, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 5,000 human
made chemicals that were invented in the 1930’s; and,
WHEREAS, these chemicals have been used in products ranging anywhere from nonstick
cookware, waterproof clothing, and stain-resistant textiles to Aqueous Film Forming (AFFF)
firefighting foam and food packaging; and,
WHEREAS, these chemicals are exceptionally resistant to degradation and, when discharged
into the environment, linger for prolonged periods of time and may bioaccumulate in humans,
fish and wildlife; and,
WHEREAS, in recent years, it has been discovered that PFAS substances bioaccumulate in the
human body and studies have found that 98% of Americans have measurable levels of PFAS in
their blood; and,
WHEREAS, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), certain PFAS
substances pose a number of risks to human health, including developmental problems in fetuses
and infants, certain types of cancer, reduced antibody response, decreased immune response to
vaccinations, and kidney disease; and,
WHEREAS, the WDNR and Department of Health Services updated the recommended rainbow
smelt consumption advisory from an unrestricted amount to one meal per month for Lake
Superior due to the high levels of PFAS found in the samples; and,
WHEREAS, according to the WDNR “Annual Municipal Sludge Land Applied Report”
Sanitary Districts, both located in and outside of Wisconsin routinely and regularly spread
biosolids on land in Wisconsin; and,
WHEREAS, the biosolids spread on land in Wisconsin is not regularly tested for PFAS;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Douglas County Board of Supervisors
assembled this xxx day of xxx, 2023, and that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors,
assembled this 30th day of May, 2023 requests that WCA support legislative, policy and
regulatory action requiring:
• That all biosolids applied to land in Wisconsin be tested prior to application and meet all
standards for safe land application according to the Michigan Department of
Environment, Great Lakes and Energy “Biosolids and Sludge PFAS Sampling Guidance”
published April 2022, and
• That test results must be submitted to the County’s Land Conservation Department and
the property owner where the biosolids will be applied at least three days prior to the
biosolids application.
By Action of the:
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
____________________________________________
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
STATE OF WISCONSIN )
) ss.
COUNTY OF BAYFIELD )
I, Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk,
hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of Resolution No. 2023-xx, Volume
29, adopted by the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors at their meeting held on the 30th day
of May 2023.
Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk
_________________________________________________
Resolution
No. 2023-xx
Request the State of Wisconsin to Address Concerns of Act
216, Relating to Distributing the Proceeds from the Sale of
Tax Delinquent Property to the Former Owner
WHEREAS, under the previous State law addressing sale of tax delinquent property, counties
retained the net proceeds from the sale unless the property was the homestead of the former
owner(s) and the former owner(s) requested such payment; and,
WHEREAS, before a tax delinquent property is foreclosed upon, the property must be
delinquent for a minimum of three years; and,
WHEREAS, before a tax delinquent property is foreclosed upon, the owner receives notice of
the pending action and is given the opportunity to pay the back taxes, including the potential for
a payment plan; and,
WHEREAS, if the sale of the tax delinquent property does not cover the past due taxes, other
associated costs and costs of processing the foreclosure, the county taxpayers are ultimately
responsible to absorb the loss; and,
WHEREAS, Act 216 purportedly requires a county to pay the net proceeds of the sale of tax
delinquent property to any former owner, regardless of whether the former owner requests the
payment and regardless of whether the former owner used the property as his or her homestead,
and hold such proceeds for five years if the former owner does not request payment; and,
WHEREAS, the Act further attempts to require a county to pay off any lien placed on the
property at the time of the foreclosure sale, notwithstanding the fact that all liens are discharged
at the time of the foreclosure judgment, causing confusion for counties and courts; and,
WHEREAS, the Act is further imprudent for the following reasons:
1. most often in tax foreclosure cases, property owners are not responsive;
2. informs the County they will be forfeiting the property to the County.
3. it shifts the risk of loss onto the county causing the county to have an incentive to NOT
exercise its authority to foreclosure, leading to many blighted properties throughout the
county;
4. the Act purported to cause counties to act as realtors for private parties;
5. the Act requires treasurers to make complex ownership decisions between parties,
tenants-in-common; LLCs, corporations and decedents’ estates;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors,
assembled this 30th day of May, 2023 urges the Legislature to repeal the changes implemented
by Act 216, or, in the alternative, to modify the law to take away the risk to counties and
consider a provision to place any proceeds from the sale of tax delinquent properties in a
segregated account established by the county to be used for clean-up of blighted properties;
increase the value and create affordable housing opportunities; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to Governor Tony Evers,
Legislators representing Bayfield County, the Wisconsin Counties Association and all Wisconsin
Counties.
By Action of the:
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
____________________________________________
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
STATE OF WISCONSIN )
) ss.
COUNTY OF BAYFIELD )
I, Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk,
hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of Resolution No. 2023-xx, Volume
29, adopted by the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors at their meeting held on the 30th day
of May 2023.
Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk
_________________________________________________
Resolution
No. 2023-xx
Enact Stronger Regulations to Limit the Spread of Chronic
Wasting Disease
WHEREAS, Chronic Wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal neurological disease of cervids which
threatens to cause significant economic, cultural and ecological damage to Wisconsin’s deer and
elk populations; and,
WHEREAS, since its discovery in Wisconsin in a deer harvested in 2001 it has now spread to
wild deer in 41 counties and has been found in over 25 captive cervid farms; and,
WHEREAS, there are 60 counties that are ‘CWD affected’, either having CWD detected in the
county or are within 10 miles of CWD detection; and,
WHEREAS, in the most highly infected areas of Dane and Iowa counties the prevalence rate in
adult males is about 50 percent and in adult females is about 35 percent; and,
WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Department of Health, the Center for Disease Control, and the
World Health Organization all recommend that cervid meat only be eaten after the animal
harvested has tested negative for CWD; and,
WHEREAS, in 2022 nearly 800,000 gun and archery deer hunting licenses were sold in
Wisconsin; and,
WHEREAS, according to a study, hunters in Wisconsin spent $2.5 billion in 2011. Eighty-eight
percent of the hunters in Wisconsin participated in deer hunting, making it the most popular form
of hunting in the state; and,
WHEREAS, with no known cure or preventative vaccine, the only option currently available to
manage CWD is to aggressively limit the transmission and spread of CWD; and,
WHEREAS, current regulations do not adequately limit the human assisted transmission of
CWD;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors,
assembled this 30th day of May, 2023 recommends that the Wisconsin Counties Association urge
the State Legislature to make the following changes to State Statutes and supporting
Administrative Rules:
• Change ATCP 10.56(1) to eliminate the exceptions that allow the transport of live cervids
without a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.
• Change NR 10.105(7) to prohibit the export of cervid carcasses which have any part of
the spinal column or head attached from CWD affected areas in which wild or captive
cervids have tested positive for CWD within the last 10 years.
• Enact new rules to require the disposal of harvested cervids carcasses in landfills,
rendering, or composting facilities capable of managing carcasses safely.
• Enact new rules to prohibit the export of live cervids from areas within 10 miles of a
known positive CWD detection within the last 5 years.
• Enact new rules to require all captive cervid operation to install either solid perimeter or
double fencing.
• Once a reliable live animal CWD test has been developed, enact rules to prohibit the
transport of live cervids unless the animal tests negative of CWD.
By Action of the:
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
____________________________________________
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
STATE OF WISCONSIN )
) ss.
COUNTY OF BAYFIELD )
I, Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk,
hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of Resolution No. 2023-xx, Volume
29, adopted by the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors at their meeting held on the 30th day
of May 2023.
Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk
_________________________________________________
Resolution
No. 2023-xx
Conduct Additional Research on Chronic Wasting Disease
to Improve Testing, Treatment, and Management Options
WHEREAS, Chronic Wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal neurological disease of cervids which
threatens to cause significant economic, cultural and ecological damage to Wisconsin’s deer and
elk populations; and,
WHEREAS, a better understanding of CWD is needed to develop better management tools; and,
WHEREAS, current funding and research levels are not commensurate to the threat posed by
CWD; and,
WHEREAS, since the discovery of CWD in Wisconsin in 2001 it is now found in wild deer in
41 counties and has been found in over 25 captive cervid farms; and,
WHEREAS, in the most highly infected areas of Dane and Iowa counties the prevalence rate in
adult males is about 50% and in adult females is about 35%; and,
WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Department of Health, the Center for Disease Control, and the
World Health Organization all recommend that cervid meat only be eaten after the animal
harvested has tested negative for CWD; and,
WHEREAS, in 2022 nearly 800,000 gun and archery deer hunting licenses were sold in
Wisconsin; and,
WHEREAS, according to a study, hunters in Wisconsin spent $2.5 billion in 2011. Eighty-eight
percent of the hunters in Wisconsin participated in deer hunting, making it the most popular form
of hunting in the state;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors,
assembled this 30th day of May, 2023 recommends that the Wisconsin Counties Association urge
the State Legislature to fund and direct state agencies to conduct the following research and in
order to better manage CWD:
• Develop a reliable, rapid, and easy to administer CWD test that can be conducted on live
cervids.
• Develop a reliable, rapid, and easy to administer CWD test that can be implemented in
the field on harvested cervids that will provide immediate test results.
• Develop a cervid vaccine for CWD.
• Develop a cure for CWD infected cervids.
• Breed inheritable resistance to CWD in captive cervids such that the cervids do not carry
or shed CWD prions.
• Determine CWD prion longevity and virulence in contaminated soil, feed, and crops
under a wide range of environmental conditions.
• Develop a better understanding of CWD prion movement in the environment once
outside of cervids
• Expand monitoring of wild cervids in CWD endemic zones to better understand the effect
of CWD on cervid populations.
• Conduct epidemiological assessment of CWD prions on human health including whether
humans are already carriers of CWD prions, the likelihood of CWD prions infecting
humans and causing disease, and the impact of eating CWD positive cervids.
• Conduct additional research to determine the viability and methodology for composting
CWD infected cervids.
By Action of the:
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
____________________________________________
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
STATE OF WISCONSIN )
) ss.
COUNTY OF BAYFIELD )
I, Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk,
hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of Resolution No. 2023-xx, Volume
29, adopted by the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors at their meeting held on the 30th day
of May 2023.
Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk
_________________________________________________
Resolution
No. 2023-xx
Support for Emergency Medical Services in Rural Areas
WHEREAS, many areas, especially rural areas, rely on volunteer EMS service providers; and,
WHEREAS, declining workforce and an aging population is creating crisis emergency response
situations across Wisconsin; and,
WHEREAS, only counties are allowed to exceed the levy for county wide EMS;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors,
assembled this 30th day of May, 2023 requests that WCA support legislative, policy and
regulatory action that creates stronger county emergency medical services even though many of
these services are traditionally municipal in nature.
By Action of the:
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
____________________________________________
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
STATE OF WISCONSIN )
) ss.
COUNTY OF BAYFIELD )
I, Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk,
hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of Resolution No. 2023-xx, Volume
29, adopted by the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors at their meeting held on the 30th day
of May 2023.
Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk
_________________________________________________
Resolution
No. 2023-xx
Fair Access to Meat Processing and Inspection for Wisconsin
Small to Medium Meat Producers
WHEREAS, Local agriculture is a primary economic activity in Wisconsin; and,
WHEREAS, the lack of meat processors and inspectors is stifling agriculture economic activity
in the region and state; and,
WHEREAS, there is a severe shortage of meat processors for small producers reducing
marketing options for Wisconsin meat products; and,
WHEREAS, long delays and distances significantly adds to the cost of production and reduces
already slim margins; and,
WHEREAS, many processors are retiring without younger skilled processors to replace them,
creating additional shortages; and,
WHEREAS, Wisconsin Counties are committed to creating sustainable and resilient
communities including local food supplies;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors,
assembled this 30th day of May, 2023 requests that the Wisconsin Counties Association work to
support efforts that strengthen local meat processing for counties, including but not limited to
more inspectors.
By Action of the:
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
____________________________________________
Dennis M. Pocernich, Chair
STATE OF WISCONSIN )
) ss.
COUNTY OF BAYFIELD )
I, Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk,
hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of Resolution No. 2023-xx, Volume
29, adopted by the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors at their meeting held on the 30th day
of May 2023.
Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk
_________________________________________________
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT PROVIDING FOR THE CONSOLIDATION OF THE ASHLAND AND BAYFIELD COUNTIES 9-1-1 SYSTEM CONSORTIUM
2023
Table of Contents SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................... 1 SECTION 2. CONSORTIUM CREATED .............................................................................................. 2
SECTION 3. CONSORTIUM MISSION ................................................................................................ 3
SECTION 4. BOARD OF DIRECTORS CREATED ............................................................................ 3
a) Membership. .............................................................................................................................. 3
b) Voting. ........................................................................................................................................ 3
c) Quorum. ..................................................................................................................................... 3 d) Unanimous Vote. ...................................................................................................................... 3
e) Representative’s Substitute .................................................................................................... 3
f) Regularity of Meetings ............................................................................................................. 4 SECTION 5. BOARD OF DIRECTORS FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ........................ 4
a) Mission/By-Laws/Committees................................................................................................. 4
b) Officers. ...................................................................................................................................... 4 c) General Responsibilities. ......................................................................................................... 4
d) Budget. ....................................................................................................................................... 4
e) Funding Formula. ...................................................................................................................... 4 f) Intergovernmental Agreement. ............................................................................................... 4
g) Purchases. ................................................................................................................................. 5
h) Gifts. ............................................................................................................................................ 5 i) Lead Agency. ............................................................................................................................ 5
j) Role of the Consortium Director. ............................................................................................ 5
k) Data Fee Policies...................................................................................................................... 5
SECTION 6. LEAD AGENCY DESIGNATED ...................................................................................... 5
SECTION 7. LEAD AGENCY DUTIES ................................................................................................. 5
SECTION 8. MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES ...................................................................................... 7
SECTION 9. FINANCES ......................................................................................................................... 8
a) Contributions. ............................................................................................................................ 8
b) Records. ..................................................................................................................................... 8
c) Invoices. ..................................................................................................................................... 8
d) Payment. .................................................................................................................................... 8 e) Audit. ........................................................................................................................................... 8
f) Fiscal Year ................................................................................................................................. 8
SECTION 10. CONSORTIUM DATA POLICIES................................................................................. 8
a) Policies and Procedure. ........................................................................................................... 8
b) Ownership. ................................................................................................................................. 8 c) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). ...................................................................................... 8
d) Other Disclosures to Non-Members. ..................................................................................... 8
SECTION 11. TERMINATION BY PARTIES ....................................................................................... 9
a) Withdrawal ................................................................................................................................. 9
b) Failure to Budget....................................................................................................................... 9
c) Default ........................................................................................................................................ 9
d) Data Developed Prior to Withdrawal. .................................................................................... 9
SECTION 12. DISSOLUTION ................................................................................................................ 9
SECTION 13. EQUIPMENT; USE AND OWNERSHIP; LOAN EQUIPMENT ................................ 9
SECTION 14. RIGHTS OF TERMINATING PARTY TO CONSORTIUM ASSETS .................... 10
SECTION 15. DISPOSITION OF CONSORTIUM ASSETS UPON DISSOLUTION ................... 11 SECTION 16. INSURANCE.................................................................................................................. 11
SECTION 17. LIMITATIONS OF PERSONNEL ................................................................................ 11
SECTION 18. AMENDMENTS ............................................................................................................. 12
SECTION 19. ADDITIONAL MEMBERS ............................................................................................ 12
SECTION 20. EFFECTIVE DATE ....................................................................................................... 12
SECTION 21. NOTICES ....................................................................................................................... 12 SECTION 22. COUNTERPARTS ........................................................................................................ 12
SECTION 23. ENTIRE AGREEMENT ................................................................................................ 12 APPENDIX A........................................................................................................................................... 13
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF THE
ASHLAND AND BAYFIELD COUNTIES 9-1-1 SYSTEM CONSORTIUM
THIS AGREEMENT is between Bayfield County and Ashland County (“Counties”) organized
under the provisions of Wisconsin State Statute § 59.01, referred to individually as the “Party” or
collectively, as the “Parties.”
WHEREAS, Wis. Stat. § 66.03015, and other applicable laws enables the Parties here to enter
into agreements among themselves and provide authority for intergovernmental cooperation;
and,
WHEREAS, the Parties find it to be in the best interest of Ashland and Bayfield Counties to
develop and operate a coordinated countywide 9-1-1 system as required in Wis. Stat. §256.35;
and,
WHEREAS, the Parties are committed to the principles of intergovernmental cooperation; and,
WHEREAS, the Parties desire to operate such a system in the most cost effective and efficient
manner; and,
WHEREAS, in order to develop and operate a coordinated countywide 9-1-1 system, it is
necessary to establish a 9-1-1 system consortium; and,
WHEREAS, the mission of such a consortium is to develop, provide, and operate a coordinated
countywide 9-1-1 system for the purpose of providing emergency call management at a
reasonable cost in the best interest of all the constituents and citizens of the respective entities;
and,
WHEREAS, it is necessary to provide for operations and joint funding of a 9-1-1 system
consortium; and,
WHEREAS, the Parties desire that the system be operated and managed with clear lines of
authority for implementing policies to achieve the mission and goals of a 9-1-1 consortium as set
forth and as articulated from time to time by the Parties; and,
WHEREAS, the Parties have recently supported, and continue to support, the fee authorized by
Wisconsin Legislature PSC 172.07(1)(a) in order to defray the cost of implementing and
maintaining a 9-1-1 system.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS
a) “Consortium” means the Ashland and Bayfield Counties 9-1-1 system Association,
consisting of the members, equipment, personnel, and data established by and operating
pursuant to this Agreement and created to perform the tasks necessary to establish and
maintain the countywide 9-1-1 system.
b) “Consortium Director” is appointed and supervised by the Board of Directors and serves
as an employee of Bayfield County with the responsibility of administering, supervising,
managing and directing the activities and employees assigned to the Consortium in order
to successfully operate the 9-1-1 system.
c) “Consortium Staff” means staff assigned work on Consortium activities under the direction
of the Consortium Director serving as employees of Bayfield County.
d) “Data” means information in a form suitable for storing and processing by a computer or
computer system.
e) “GIS” means geographic information system. A GIS is a system of hardware, software, and
data used for storage, retrieval, mapping, and analysis of geographic data.
f) “Good standing” means the member is not delinquent on any financial obligations to the
Consortium.
g) “Lead Agency” means the party designated by the members, pursuant to this Agreement
as the party having overall responsibility for Consortium operations on an ongoing basis in
accordance with the policies established by the Board of Directors and this Agreement.
h) “Members” mean County of Ashland; County of Bayfield; and such other members who
become signatories to the Agreement.
i) “Party (or Member) in Good Standing” means a member that has not delivered a notice of its
intent to withdraw from this Agreement or for which the Board of Directors has not issued a
notice of payment default.
j) “Board of Directors” means the body created by this Agreement to approve Consortium
Director and the budget for the Consortium, to develop efficient, cost effective and
cooperative approaches regarding countywide 9-1-1 and the concerns of each party, and to
perform such other functions as are set forth in this Agreement.
SECTION 2. CONSORTIUM CREATED
a) The Parties hereby create the Ashland and Bayfield Counties 9-1-1 system Consortium, an
undertaking to operate a countywide 9-1-1 system. Service from the Consortium and access
to Consortium services shall be in accordance with this Agreement.
b) The 9-1-1 Consortium shall be subject to Bayfield County’s employment policies and
procedures, except as otherwise specified in the Agreement. The Parties hereby authorize
and direct Bayfield County to operate pursuant to this Agreement, and Bayfield County
hereby agrees to operate pursuant to this Agreement.
SECTION 3. CONSORTIUM MISSION
The mission of the Consortium and its Members is to:
a) Provide efficient and effective 911 Dispatch Services.
b) Be responsive to emergency service responders who rely on the Consortium for essential
services.
c) Serve a lead role in overseeing 911 data including content, quality, and structure of
repository data and metadata.
d) Provide computer system administration and ongoing system support, training,
upgrades, and maintenance for Consortium-controlled assets.
e) Provide services in accord with a work plan approved by the Board of Directors.
f) Promote use of the GIS county wide by contributing data and utilizing the GIS.
g) Establish operational, administrative, and procedural policy as related to 9-1-1 system
operations, data standards, and data distribution.
SECTION 4. BOARD OF DIRECTORS CREATED
The Board of Directors is hereby created in accordance with the following provisions:
a) Membership. The Board of Directors shall be comprised of six (6) members:
Three (3) members from Ashland County, to include: one (1) county board member,
one (1) county administrator, and one (1) sheriff or designee; and
Three (3) members from Bayfield County, to include: one (1) county board member,
one (1) county administrator, and one (1) sheriff or designee. These shall be voting
representatives.
b) Voting. In those matters required by this Agreement to be decided by the Board of Directors,
unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, the proposition voted upon shall not be
considered approved unless it receives an affirmative vote from at least a majority or such
greater percentage vote specified of all representatives of the Board of Directors Members in
good standing. For votes approving the appointment or dismissal of the Consortium Director
or the Annual Budget, at least four (4) votes in the affirmative are required. For all other
votes a simple majority is acceptable provided a majority of the Board of Directors is present.
This would allow for a quorum of four (4) and a vote of 3 to 1 for a motion to be approved.
c) Quorum. A quorum shall consist of a majority of voting representatives of the Board of
Directors Members in good standing.
d) Unanimous Vote. In those matters required by this Agreement to be decided by a unanimous
vote of the Board of Directors, a proposition shall not be considered adopted unless it
receives an affirmative vote from the voting representative of each Member that is in good
standing at the time of the vote.
e) Representative’s Substitute. A Member’s designated representative to the Board of Directors
may select a designated voting representative approved by the Consortium to serve in the
designated representative’s absence.
f) Regularity of Meetings. The Board of Directors shall meet at least quarterly. Other meetings
may be called at the request of the Board of Directors Chair or any two (2) of the voting
Members’ representatives on the Board of Directors.
SECTION 5. BOARD OF DIRECTORS FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Board of Directors shall have the following functions and responsibilities:
a) Mission/By-Laws/Committees. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to adopt a
mission statement, to enact procedural by-laws governing or directing the activities of the
Consortium, provided such mission statement and by-laws do not conflict with the terms of
this Agreement, and to create such committees as it deems advisable.
b) Officers. The Board of Directors shall elect a Chair and vice chair, one (1) from each County
and any other officers as it deems advisable from among the voting representatives of the
Members, said election to occur every two (2) years in June, or whenever a vacancy in office
occurs.
c) General Responsibilities. The Board of Directors is responsible for appointing the
Consortium Director and approving policy, priorities, budget, work plan, and technical
standards.
d) Budget.
i. The Board of Directors shall, September 20 of each year, by a two thirds (2/3)
affirmative vote:
1) annually approve Consortium’s budget; and
2) approve amendments to said budget and expenditures from time to time or as
deemed necessary by the Parties.
ii. The tentative budget for each year shall be submitted by the Consortium Director to
the Board of Directors by July 20 of each year.
iii. The format of the budget shall conform to the format:
e) Funding Formula. The Board of Directors shall annually on or before July 1 of each year, by
a unanimous vote, approve the funding formula to determine the Parties’ share of expenses
for Consortium operations, provided, however, that the most recently approved cost sharing
formula shall continue unless amended by the unanimous vote of the Parties. The initial
funding formula will be approved by a two thirds (2/3) affirmative vote.
f) Intergovernmental Agreement. The Board of Directors may approve contracts with other
governmental entities to provide some or all of Consortium services on a contractual basis in
conformance with the Bayfield County financial policy and procedure practices.
g) Purchases. The Board of Directors may approve contracts for the purchase of goods or
services with units of federal, state and local units of government, private corporations, not-
for-profit organizations, partners and individuals. All such purchases shall be made in
accordance with the purchasing policies of Bayfield County.
h) Gifts. The Board of Directors may approve the receipt by the Consortium of grants, loans,
gifts, bequests, funding, in-kind services from federal, state and local units of government,
and from public and private sources.
i) Lead Agency. The Board of Directors may redesignate the Lead Agency by at least a two
thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of all Members, provided that no Members shall be designated
Lead Agency without its consent, and provided further that, unless the Parties agree
otherwise, no change in the Lead Agency shall take place without at least one hundred and
eighty (180) days’ prior notice prior to the beginning of the next fiscal year of the current
Lead Agency.
j) Role of the Consortium Director. The Consortium Director, with input from member agency
representatives is charged with developing all policies and procedures of the Consortium
including:
1) Hardware requirements;
2) Software requirements;
3) Networking standards
4) Data standards;
5) Development and Prioritization of employee Work Plans;
6) Employment rules
7) Dispatch policies and procedures
8) Other aspects of 9-1-1 as requested by the Board of Directors.
The Consortium Director and Board of Directors will regularly review and update these policies as
required.
k) Data Fee Policies. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to adopt data policies
referred to in Section 10 and a fee schedule by a unanimous vote.
SECTION 6. LEAD AGENCY DESIGNATED
The Lead Agency shall be Bayfield County.
SECTION 7. LEAD AGENCY DUTIES Bayfield County shall be responsible for, and is hereby empowered to take, all actions to support
the overall operation of Consortium and its affairs in accordance with this Agreement and the
mission, goals and objectives approved by the Board of Directors. The Consortium Director will
be the principal contact and lead in most of these. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
a) Employer of record: Employing and supervising all personnel assigned to the Consortium in
accordance with Bayfield County’s policies and procedures, including, but not limited to,
hiring, firing, disciplining, establishing incentives, benefits, negotiations with unions, and all
other employment decisions. All hiring and firing will be a coordinated effort between
Bayfield County HR and the Board of Directors.
b) Through the Consortium Manager, Direct the management and supervision of all
employees assigned to Consortium duties in accordance with the policies and
procedures of Bayfield County.
c) Incurring and paying, on behalf of the Members and in accordance with this Agreement and
Consortium’s approved budget, all Consortium expenses.
d) Entering into all contracts, lease and procurement agreements in accordance with this
Agreement, the approved budget, and the policies and procedures of Bayfield County.
e) Expending funds in accordance with the Consortium’s approved budget. Purchasing shall be
conducted in accordance with the Consortium approved budget and the purchasing policies
and procedures of Bayfield County.
f) Providing all personnel administration, financial support staff, insurance, legal advice
and management support and services in accordance with this Agreement and the
approved Consortium budget and the policies and procedures of Bayfield County.
g) Billing and collecting from each member its share of the cost of Consortium’s operations as
provided in this Agreement and the approved annual budget and work plan of Consortium.
h) Overseeing the establishment and implementation of policies and procedures at the
Consortium staff level to implement the mission, goals, and work plan of the Consortium.
i) Developing a proposed annual budget and work plan and administering the approved
budget, expenditures, and work plan in accordance with this Agreement.
j) Providing necessary office space, furnishings, equipment, hardware, software, and
technical support for the Consortium to operate.
k) Providing generally for the audit, accounting for, receipt, and custody of consortium funds.
Bayfield County shall be entitled to reimbursement for the costs it incurs in performing these
functions, which costs shall be included in the Consortium’s budget, as amended from time to
time in accordance with this Agreement. The formula for cost reimbursement shall be established
as part of the funding formula.
SECTION 8. MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
Each Member shall:
a) Utilize the Consortium 9-1-1 only in accordance with Consortium policies.
b) Designate three (3) people to serve as active voting representatives on the Board of
Directors.
c) Distribute Consortium data to non-members only in accordance with the adopted
Consortium data distribution policy.
d) Be responsible for contributing to the Consortium budget and expenses based on a cost
sharing formula on a quarterly basis as agreed with payment made on the first day of the
upcoming quarter.
SECTION 9. FINANCES
a) Contributions. Each party shall be responsible for contributing to the Consortium budget and
expenses based on a cost sharing formula established from time to time by the Members.
Any change in the formula may be made by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors. The
initial approved cost sharing formula is attached in Appendix A. The most recently approved
cost sharing formula shall continue unless amended by unanimous vote of the Parties.
b) Records. Bayfield County, with assistance from the Consortium Director, shall maintain
financial records regarding Consortium operations and finances in accordance with generally
accepted governmental accounting standards, which records shall be available at Bayfield
County’s finance offices for inspection by any of the Parties during regular business hours.
The Director may facilitate some expenditures of individual members, (e.g., radio equipment)
which may not be part of the Consortium’s budget.
c) Invoices. Bayfield County shall invoice each Member on the first day of each quarter for the
next quarter’s service for its share of Consortium costs based on the approved cost sharing
formula.
d) Payment. Members shall pay the said bills within thirty (30) days of receipt of an invoice for
the same.
e) Audit. Consortium financial records shall be audited on an annual basis by the outside
accountant used by Bayfield County for its other audits and the prorated cost of such audit
shall be considered an operating expense of Consortium.
f) Fiscal Year. Consortium’s fiscal year shall follow the fiscal year of Bayfield County.
SECTION 10. CONSORTIUM DATA POLICIES a) Policies and Procedure.
1. The Board of Directors shall develop and approve policies and procedures on the
following topics:
• Data distribution or disclosure to Consortium and nonmembers, including sales,
licensing, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request and data security.
• Operational efficiency
• Operation protocol
2. The policies and procedures shall be consistent with this Agreement.
b) Ownership.
1. Data supplied by individual Members shall continue to be owned by the individual
Member but may be utilized by the Consortium for Consortium purposes consistent
with this Agreement and the policies and procedures developed under the authority
of the Agreement.
2. The Consortium shall own 9-1-1/GIS data which the Consortium develops through
processing or altering of the original configuration of the data by the Consortium
software.
3. Any Member has the right to refuse to provide 9-1-1 data if required by federal or
state statute, court order, or local ordinance or contract predating this Agreement,
and to the limited extent necessary to preserve or recognize any statutory or
common law privilege. c) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
In the event that the Consortium receives a FOIA request which seeks data owned by a
Member, the Consortium shall respond to the said FOIA in accordance with FOIA and
notify the appropriate Board of Directors representatives of FOIA request and response.
d) Other Disclosures to Non-Members.
1. Information protocols will allow disclosure of 9-1-1 data to third Parties required by
federal or state statute (such as the Freedom of Information Act), local ordinance or
contract predating the agreement, or court order (including a judicial subpoena). The
Consortium shall notify the appropriate Board of Directors representatives of the
disclosure.
2. Information protocols will allow disclosure of 9-1-1/GIS data to third Parties to the
extent necessary to maintain 9-1-1 and related systems, and to perform law
enforcement and investigatory functions, prosecution, and defense of criminal cases,
defense of civil claims, and coordination with other government agencies (such as
the Attorney General).
SECTION 11. TERMINATION BY PARTIES
a) Withdrawal. A party may terminate its participation in this Agreement as of January 1, of any
year by giving written notice to Parties at least eighteen (18) months prior to it taking effect
but in no case before June in an even year. This is to ensure adequate review by two (2)
county boards, with a new board elected in April of even years.
Failure to Budget. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, a Member may withdraw by giving prior written notice per the terms in 11a above indicating its intent to terminate its participation in this Agreement. In the event a member fails to authorize the full budget as approved by the Board of Directors, the difference shall be noted as a liability and incorporated into the settlement of assets upon termination.
c) Data Developed Prior to Withdrawal. A party terminating its participation in this Agreement
shall have the right to one (1) electronic copy of the data developed prior to the first
occurring of these dates: the date of Member termination or date of Member default.
SECTION 12. DISSOLUTION
It is the intent of the Parties to maintain Consortium as a continuing operation. However, should
any of the Parties elect to withdraw its participation in and support of Consortium, then
Consortium may continue in operation for the benefit of the remaining Parties if a minimum of two
(2) of the Parties elect to continue their participation.
SECTION 13. EQUIPMENT; USE AND OWNERSHIP; LOAN EQUIPMENT
All equipment purchased for Consortium shall be purchased, utilized and disposed of by Bayfield
County and held in trust for Consortium use. It shall be recorded and identified by Bayfield
County as Consortium Agreement property, separate from other Bayfield County property. Prior
to dissolution of Consortium, all proceeds from the sale of any Consortium Agreement property
or data shall be devoted solely to the operation of Consortium. In the case of a change in Lead
Agency, Consortium property shall be transferred with the Lead Agency function to the new Lead
Agency.
Any Member agency may, with approval of the Board of Directors, loan property or equipment to
Bayfield County for the use of Consortium. Such property shall continue to be owned by the
member agency, and Bayfield County shall keep written records of such loaned equipment. If the
party owning
the loaned equipment wishes to withdraw it from Consortium service, that party may do so
provided that, if in the opinion of the Consortium Director, the property is essential to Consortium
and requires replacement to ensure consistency and proper functioning of Consortium, then
such loaned equipment shall be withdrawn only after providing a reasonable notice of withdrawal
to the other Parties.
SECTION 14. RIGHTS OF TERMINATING PARTY TO CONSORTIUM ASSETS
A party terminating its participation in this Agreement shall continue to maintain its financial
interest in all equipment purchased for the Consortium operation prior to the date of that
member’s termination. Such equipment or proceeds derived from the disposition of the
equipment shall continue to be used for the continued operation of Consortium until Consortium
is dissolved.
SECTION 15. DISPOSITION OF CONSORTIUM ASSETS UPON DISSOLUTION
Upon dissolution of Consortium, all assets held in trust by Bayfield County on behalf of the
Parties of this Agreement will be appraised and sold and the proceeds, after deducting all costs
of sales and any unpaid liabilities and obligations relating to such assets or operating expenses
of Consortium, shall be divided among all Parties to this Agreement in accordance with the
proportion that the amount of funding of that party bears to the total during the period of time
from the date of membership until the date that Consortium is dissolved. Any one (1) or more of
the Parties shall have the right to purchase such assets at their fair market value prior to any
public sale. Such a fair market value shall be determined by unanimous vote of the Board of
Directors. If more than one (1) party wishes to purchase such assets or a particular asset for the
fair market value, the matter will be decided by lot. Any dissolution shall keep continued
emergency response as the top priority.
SECTION 16. INSURANCE
Bayfield County shall procure and maintain, during the term of this Agreement or any extension
thereof, sufficient property insurance to cover the replacement value of the Consortium
equipment and all equipment loaned to Consortium, against all direct loss or damage. The cost
of any such insurance shall be a cost of operating Consortium, to be borne by the Parties hereto
in the same manner as other costs in accordance with this Agreement. Bayfield County shall
procure and maintain liability, health, and worker’s compensation insurance for Consortium
operations in accordance with insurance purchase standards for its other operating departments.
The insurance shall name each member agency as additional insured under the liability policy
procured.
SECTION 17. LIMITATIONS OF PERSONNEL
No employee shall have authority to commit, obligate or bind any party hereto to any contract or
obligation unless specifically authorized by said party, except as provided for in this Agreement.
SECTION 18. AMENDMENTS
This Agreement may be amended in writing at any time by mutual agreement of all the Parties to
the Agreement. Amendments shall refer to this Agreement and to subsequent amendments, if
any, on the same subject and shall specify the language to be changed or to be added. The
execution of any amendment shall be authorized by passage of an appropriate ordinance or
other proper and lawful corporate action by the corporate authorities of each party.
SECTION 19. ADDITIONAL MEMBERS
New members may only be added to the Consortium by a unanimous vote of the Board of
Directors. New members shall pay an initial buy-in fee of one (1) year’s budget for that member
as an upfront payment. The new member shall be deemed nonrefundable.
New members shall agree in writing to all the terms of this Agreement before membership
becomes effective.
SECTION 20. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Agreement shall be effective as to each member on the commencement date executed in
the Agreement.
SECTION 21. NOTICES
Notices hereunder shall be provided personally or by first class mail to the [Agent/Administrative
Officer] of each party and to the attorney representing each party. The date of the notice shall be
the third day after the date of mailing of notice is provided by mail. If the notice is provided by
personal delivery, the date of personal delivery is the date of the notice.
SECTION 22. COUNTERPARTS
This Agreement may be signed in several counterparts, each of which shall be considered an
originally executed agreement for all purposes.
SECTION 23. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement (together with the other agreements and documents being delivered pursuant
to or in connection with this Agreement) constitute the entire agreement of the parties hereto
with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersede all prior agreements and
understandings of the parties, oral and written, with respect to the subject matter hereof.
This page intentionally left blank.
APPENDIX A
ASHLAND AND BAYFIELD COUNTIES 9-1-1 CONSORTIUM AGREEMENT PROPOSED ATTACHMENT A
Fiscal Year 2025 Fiscal Year 2025
January 1, 2025 –
December 31,
2025
01/01/26 -
12/31/26
Population Per Capita Per Capita
9-1-1 Consortium
Member 2022 Census Base Rate Per Capita Total Base Rate Per Capita Total
Ashland County
Bayfield County
The first two (2) years’ budget reflects the phased costs of bringing the system online. Future budgets are expected to remain near the [$XXX,000] level, plus annual inflation.
The parties have agreed to an equal (50/50) split of expenses. This may be adjusted after the first two (2) years based on call volumes after a standard call recording system is adopted for members.
Bayfield County
GASB 87 Lease Policy
Purpose: This policy establishes accounting treatment of lease agreements entered into by Bayfield
County, both as lessee and as a lessor. The Governmental Accounting Standards Board has issued
Statement No 87, Leases (GASB 87), which establishes a standard to better meet the informational
needs of financial statement users by improving accounting and financial reporting for leases by
governments. It establishes a single model for lease accounting based on the foundational principle that
leases are financings of the right to use an underlying asset.
Definition of a Lease
A lease is defined as a contract that conveys control of the right to use another entity’s nonfinancial asset
(the underlying asset) as specified in the contract for a period of time in an exchange or exchange-like
transaction.
Short-Term Leases
A short-term lease is defined as a lease that has a maximum term under 12 months, including any
options to extend, regardless of their probability of being exercised. If lease is cancelable by either lessee
or lessor, the maximum possible term is in the noncancelable period, including the notice period.
Leases Not Subject To GASB 87
Leases of intangible assets, biological assets, inventory, service concession arrangements (GASB 60),
leases in which the underlying asset is financed with outside conduit debt, supply contracts, short term
leases, and contracts that transfer ownership.
Lease Term
The lease term is defined as the period during which a lessee has a noncancelable right to use an
underlying asset, including extensions that the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise. Term begins on
date of delivery or has the ability to access/control.
Lease Approval
All new lease agreements or lease term extensions shall be reviewed by County Accountant. Leases
must be approved by the County Administrator and signed by the Department Head and County
Administrator before Board approval.
Lease Criteria
When possible, the applicable interest rate should be started in the lease contract.
The initial term, possible extensions, cancellation clauses and detailed terms and conditions shall be
clearly stated in the lease contract. When a service component is part of a lease contract, the vendor
shall provide the portion of lease payments that pertains to services.
Extensions
For leases with extension provisions, the decision to extend or terminate each lease will be brought to the
County Administrator, Department Head, County Accountant and county board.
Lessee Accounting
A lease liability and a lease asset will both be recognized at the commencement of the lease term. The
lease liability is be measured at the present value of payments expected to be made during the lease
term (less any lease incentives). The lease interest rate for the present value is the interest rate implicit
within the lease. If no interest rate is listed, it will be the County’s incremental borrowing rate (IBR).
The lease asset is be measured at the amount of the initial measurement of the lease liability, plus any
payments made to the lessor before the beginning of the lease term and certain direct cost, less lease
incentives received from lessor.
Amortization is straight line over the shorter of the lease term or the useful life of the underlying asset. .
Lessor Accounting
A lease receivable and a deferred inflow of resources will be recognized at the commencement of the
lease term. The lease receivable is measured at the present value of lease payments expected to be
received during the lease term. The deferred inflow of resources is measured at the value of the lease
receivable plus any payments received at or before the commencement of the lease term that relate to
future periods. The lease interest rate for the present value is the interest rate implicit within the lease. If
no interest rate is listed, it will be the County’s incremental borrowing rate (IBR).
Interest revenue on the lease receivable and an inflow of resources from the deferred inflows of
resources will be recognized in a systematic and rational manner over the term of the lease.
Capitalization Threshold
Leases which do not meet the capitalization thresholds are not subject to the policy, except as required
by state law or federal grant uniform guidance. The County Accountant has the authority to exercise
judgement on materiality of lease liabilities to the financial statements. The lease liability materiality
threshold will be 10% of total noncurrent liabilities. A $5000 threshold dollar amount shall be reevaluated
each year.
Effective Date
The requirements of this Statement are effective for fiscal years beginning after January 1, 2022 and all
reporting periods thereafter.
Implementation Of Existing Leases
Leases should be recognized and measured using the facts and circumstances that exist at the beginning
of the period of implementation (or, if applied to earlier periods, the beginning of the earliest period
restated). However, lessors should not restate the assets underlying their existing sales-type or direct
financing leases. Any residual assets for those leases become the carrying values of the underlying
assets.
Gitchee Gumee SAR Bylaws
1/2023
Article I, Name and Purpose
1.01 Name
The name of this organization shall be the Gitchee Gumee SAR.
1.02 Purpose
The Gitchee Gumee Search and Rescue group shall be comprised of adults and youth who respond to
emergencies at the request of the Ashland/Bayfield County Sheriff’s Offices or Tribal Governments.
The group shall consist of the following positions which are described in the following sections:
Members, Team Leaders, and a SAR Board.
Article II, Membership
2.01 Members shall consist of all who meet the qualifications and are in good standing. Membership may
be granted after the Board reviews the application and interviews are conducted. An ID Card will be
issued to each member.
2.02 Adult Membership
All adults who apply to become a member of a team will complete the application packet, certificate
of completion of IS Course 317, undergo a background check, be interviewed, and voted on by the
SAR Board. Upon acceptance, adult members will sign the Code of Conduct Agreement, agree to
complete a ASHI First Aid/CPR class if not already certified at that level or higher, agree to complete
IS Course 100, 200, 315, and 700 from the FEMA website, agree to complete the CERT Basic Training
(members affiliated with a current service are exempt from training) and agree to complete the
required trainings associated with the member’s team within the probation period of one year.
2.03 Youth Membership
All youth who apply to become a youth member of a team will complete the youth application
packet, undergo a background check, be interviewed, and voted on by the SAR Board. Upon
acceptance, youth members will sign the Youth Code of Conduct Agreement, agree to complete a
ASHI First Aid/CPR class if not already certified at that level or higher, agree to complete IS Course
100 and 315 from the FEMA website, agree to complete the CERT Basic Training (members affiliated
with a current service are exempt from training) and agree to complete the required trainings
associated with the member’s team within the probation period of one year.
NOTE: Youth members who reach their 18th birthday will also complete the above process.
2.04 Roles and Responsibilities
Members are expected to attend 75% of scheduled meetings to remain in good standing.
2.05 Disciplinary Procedures
Any member who fails to follow the rules of conduct shall be disciplined and or dismissed according
to the following procedures:
TLs or Liaisons can immediately suspend a member pending further investigation. The SAR
member in question will be allowed to bring forth facts and arguments supporting either a
reduced form of discipline, or no discipline at all. The decision shall be brought before the
Board who shall provide notice of the decision to the SAR member that may include continued
suspension, termination, or no further action.
Article III, Teams
3.01 Gitchee Gumee SAR will consist of the following teams: Ground; Aerial; Mounted Posse; Water;
K9, Communications. For more information, review each team annex.
3.02 Team Leaders (TL): The TL shall be a qualified adult who will be responsible for leading
members in the field during a mission. Each team will nominate a team leader from their
group. If the adult accepts the nomination, the board will review the nomination and make the
final decision.
Article IV, Leadership
4.01 SAR Board: The program shall develop a group of 5 voting board members and 2 non-voting
board members comprised of SAR stakeholders. The 2 non-voting board members will consist
of one Ashland County and one Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office Liaison appointed by their
Sheriff. The 5 voting board members will be elected from the SAR membership. The Board will
consist of a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Training Officer, and the two Sheriff’s Office
Liaison Officers. The Board has the responsibility to establish and periodically review the
vision, the mission, the strategy, and structure of the organization and update accordingly. The
Board has the responsibility to enforce and implement all rules, policies, and disciplinary
action. The Board has the responsibility to interview and vote on membership. The Board will
meet quarterly with the Team Leaders to evaluate past incidents, review and update training
standards and procedures, and to discuss any concerns.
4.02 Sheriff Liaison Officer(s) (SLO): The SLO will be appointed by the respective Sheriffs of Ashland
and Bayfield County. They will serve as a point of contact for LE agencies. The SLO will assist
with coordinating training and ensure policies and procedures are congruent with Sheriff’s
Offices. The Sheriffs shall appoint their SLO as they see fit and will notify the SAR Board of any
changes. The SLO will not be a voting member of the board though they are welcome to
contribute to the discussion.
4.03 Roles and Responsibilities:
Chair: The Board Chair is expected to provide leadership to and manage the SAR Board.
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to: Convening and facilitating board
meetings; Facilitating communication and decision-making within the board; Ensuring the
election and orientation of new board members.
Vice Chair: The Board Vice Chair is expected to provide leadership support to the Chair and the
board. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to: Fulfilling the roles and
responsibilities of the Chair or the Secretary in the case of their inability or absence.
Secretary: The Board Secretary is expected to establish and oversee sound practices for
documentation and effective procedures for board communication. Specific responsibilities
include but are not limited to: Overseeing the recording and distribution of board meeting
minutes; keeping records of all official board communication and official and/or legal
documents such as bylaws; Ensuring bylaws, articles of incorporation and other key
documents are up-to-date, and that board resolutions are integrated; Receive and distribute
notifications; Assist with grants.
Treasurer: The Board Treasurer is expected to provide financial oversight and monitor the
financial health of the organization. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Oversee, in coordination with the board, the creation, presentation, and monitoring of the
annual budget; Create and distribute monthly financial reports to the Board; Ensure
compliance with financial policies and procedures, suggesting changes as needed; Keep
financial records as required by law; Assist with grants.
Training Officer: The Training Officer is expected to oversee the training protocols of the SAR
team. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to: Work with individual teams to
ensure team training standards are appropriate, adhered to, and properly documented for the
respective disciplines; Coordinate inter-agency and intra-agency training.
4.04 Board Member terms shall be for two years. There is no limit on serving consecutive or
maximum terms. No board member shall hold more than one position on the board.
4.05 Elections:
a. Board Member elections will occur at the annual meeting with the Chair and Treasurer
positions alternating years with Vice Chair, Secretary, and Training Officer positions.
b. Any members in good standing may be nominated and elected to the SAR Board at the
annual board meeting.
c. Procedure: The Chair shall call for nominees for each open board position. Any member may
nominate any other member or themselves. The nomination need not be seconded, but they
must be accepted by the candidate. The Chair will call for a vote for the nomination by
majority vote of yea or nay. In the case that a majority vote cannot be determined, a roll call
vote will commence. A board member-elect takes possession of his/her office immediately
after a majority vote.
4.06 Vacancies: A vacancy on the Board may exist at the occurrence of the following conditions:
a. The death, resignation, or removal of any board member.
b. An increase in the authorized number of board members.
c. The failure of the membership to elect the full number of board members at an annual
meeting.
4.07 Removal or Resignation
a. A board member may be removed with or without cause at any duly constituted meeting of
the board by an affirmative vote of 2/3 of the then serving board members.
b. Each board member shall have the right to resign upon written notice to the chair or
secretary of the board.
4.08 Vacancy Nomination: In the event of a vacancy as defined above, the board will hold a special
election meeting following the same election procedure as noted in 4.05c.
Article V, Meetings
5.01 Regular meetings will be held quarterly and open to any members in good standing. Members
shall notify the Board Secretary to add an item to the agenda. The Board Secretary shall notify
all members of the meeting date, time, and place not less than one week prior to the meeting.
Attendance by 60% of the voting board shall constitute a quorum.
5.02 Annual meetings shall be held prior to the first regular meeting of the year. The Board
Secretary shall notify all members of the meeting date, time, and place not less than two
weeks prior to the meeting. All members in good standing have voting rights at the annual
meeting.
5.03 Emergency Meetings may be called by any member of the Board. That member shall notify the
other board members of the meeting date, time, and place not less than 24 hours prior to the
meeting to address the emergency.
Article VI, Finances
6.01 Gitchee Gumee SAR will be financially independent of Ashland or Bayfield County and will be
sustained through grants, donations, and fundraising.
Adopted Budget Amended Current Month YTD YTD Budget - YTD % Used/
Organization Budget Amendments Budget Transactions Encumbrances Transactions Transactions Rec'd Prior Year YTD
Fund 100 - General
REVENUE
Department 00 - General Fund 11,565,134.00 82,828.00 11,647,962.00 141,806.25 .00 6,204,531.56 5,443,430.44 53 6,100,513.58
Department 02 - Clerk of Courts 303,945.00 .00 303,945.00 16,352.13 .00 79,469.60 224,475.40 26 88,549.60
Department 04 - Criminal Justice 193,181.00 .00 193,181.00 194.00 .00 9,829.00 183,352.00 5 11,901.50
Department 05 - Family Court Commissioner .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 06 - Coroner 8,100.00 .00 8,100.00 525.00 .00 3,727.50 4,372.50 46 2,070.50
Department 07 - Administrator 15,060.00 .00 15,060.00 .00 .00 15,000.00 60.00 100 15,000.00
Department 08 - District Attorney 32,603.00 .00 32,603.00 60.30 .00 20,653.92 11,949.08 63 341.30
Department 09 - Child Support 277,112.00 .00 277,112.00 52,506.20 .00 52,641.20 224,470.80 19 50,658.54
Department 10 - County Clerk 31,900.00 .00 31,900.00 6.00 .00 461.90 31,438.10 1 303.65
Department 12 - Treasurer 544,610.00 .00 544,610.00 49,954.39 .00 152,670.45 391,939.55 28 66,806.89
Department 13 - Land Records 308,500.00 .00 308,500.00 5,033.99 .00 70,862.22 237,637.78 23 68,682.02
Department 14 - Court House .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++200.00
Department 15 - Register of Deeds 226,000.00 .00 226,000.00 12,794.82 .00 39,622.86 186,377.14 18 47,038.65
Department 17 - Sheriff 406,483.00 29,132.00 435,615.00 52,943.49 .00 174,192.33 261,422.67 40 110,271.58
Department 18 - Emergency Management 137,505.00 .00 137,505.00 19,564.12 .00 57,988.82 79,516.18 42 101,990.08
Department 19 - Veteran's Services 26,453.00 .00 26,453.00 300.00 .00 23,918.00 2,535.00 90 9,658.20
Department 20 - Health 943,462.00 6,431.00 949,893.00 64,031.28 .00 137,853.48 812,039.52 15 175,651.85
Department 22 - Fair .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 23 - Tourism 165,350.00 .00 165,350.00 16,645.39 .00 46,514.89 118,835.11 28 46,125.10
Department 25 - UW Extension 3,660.00 .00 3,660.00 .00 .00 1,830.00 1,830.00 50 1,830.00
Department 26 - Zoning 307,500.00 .00 307,500.00 39,430.00 .00 70,013.50 237,486.50 23 74,328.00
Department 28 - Land Conservation 396,928.00 .00 396,928.00 5,000.00 .00 174,239.24 222,688.76 44 83,156.20
Department 31 - Information Services 78,620.00 .00 78,620.00 366.00 .00 24,856.49 53,763.51 32 36,324.72
Department 34 - Forestry 4,030,952.00 .00 4,030,952.00 245,276.64 .00 1,391,683.67 2,639,268.33 35 1,502,225.22
Department 77 - Agricultural Station 36,500.00 .00 36,500.00 .00 .00 .00 36,500.00 0 .00
REVENUE TOTALS $20,039,558.00 $118,391.00 $20,157,949.00 $722,790.00 $0.00 $8,752,560.63 $11,405,388.37 43%$8,593,627.18
EXPENSE
Department 00 - General Fund 4,512,585.00 .00 4,512,585.00 201,896.73 .00 3,997,805.67 514,779.33 89 2,544,978.05
Department 01 - County Board 89,506.00 .00 89,506.00 8,470.85 .00 26,080.05 63,425.95 29 22,112.08
Department 02 - Clerk of Courts 481,482.00 .00 481,482.00 42,868.97 .00 149,298.01 332,183.99 31 120,548.22
Department 04 - Criminal Justice 313,095.00 .00 313,095.00 20,064.22 .00 83,454.10 229,640.90 27 103,883.52
Department 05 - Family Court Commissioner .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 06 - Coroner 32,724.00 .00 32,724.00 2,273.10 .00 8,024.59 24,699.41 25 8,347.85
Department 07 - Administrator 360,797.00 .00 360,797.00 26,643.70 .00 118,631.15 242,165.85 33 105,935.09
Department 08 - District Attorney 212,755.00 .00 212,755.00 16,329.95 .00 60,429.40 152,325.60 28 52,836.31
Department 09 - Child Support 301,760.00 .00 301,760.00 19,169.64 .00 74,670.41 227,089.59 25 69,767.04
Department 10 - County Clerk 428,730.00 .00 428,730.00 42,331.45 .00 145,624.32 283,105.68 34 128,847.39
Department 12 - Treasurer 164,304.00 .00 164,304.00 11,066.80 .00 45,304.69 118,999.31 28 43,803.81
Department 13 - Land Records 687,432.00 .00 687,432.00 42,105.18 .00 189,634.77 497,797.23 28 176,436.23
Run by Paige Terry on 05/04/2023 11:01:07 AM Page 1 of 5
Financial Report Through 4/30/2023
Through 04/30/23
Prior Fiscal Year Activity Included
Summary Listing
Adopted Budget Amended Current Month YTD YTD Budget - YTD % Used/
Organization Budget Amendments Budget Transactions Encumbrances Transactions Transactions Rec'd Prior Year YTD
Fund 100 - General
EXPENSE
Department 14 - Court House 553,679.00 .00 553,679.00 52,555.29 .00 156,683.92 396,995.08 28 141,322.26
Department 15 - Register of Deeds 190,896.00 .00 190,896.00 13,415.66 .00 68,254.81 122,641.19 36 58,474.52
Department 17 - Sheriff 4,828,336.00 97,107.00 4,925,443.00 379,172.71 .00 1,466,018.90 3,459,424.10 30 1,305,417.17
Department 18 - Emergency Management 301,618.00 14,853.00 316,471.00 68,606.10 .00 165,296.97 151,174.03 52 142,556.53
Department 19 - Veteran's Services 172,424.00 .00 172,424.00 15,033.42 .00 55,372.18 117,051.82 32 34,866.11
Department 20 - Health 934,768.00 6,431.00 941,199.00 77,116.83 .00 282,346.08 658,852.92 30 288,332.67
Department 22 - Fair .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 23 - Tourism 427,419.00 .00 427,419.00 27,462.15 .00 102,437.59 324,981.41 24 90,515.82
Department 25 - UW Extension 357,558.00 .00 357,558.00 7,569.12 .00 32,190.04 325,367.96 9 27,629.23
Department 26 - Zoning 650,704.00 .00 650,704.00 49,455.99 .00 169,624.27 481,079.73 26 117,833.61
Department 28 - Land Conservation 610,843.00 .00 610,843.00 31,767.03 .00 130,275.98 480,567.02 21 115,901.51
Department 29 - Land Use Planning .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 31 - Information Services 735,720.00 .00 735,720.00 45,939.85 .00 239,987.03 495,732.97 33 165,931.64
Department 34 - Forestry 2,273,368.00 .00 2,273,368.00 100,509.26 .00 390,434.55 1,882,933.45 17 403,626.35
Department 77 - Agricultural Station 14,000.00 .00 14,000.00 .00 .00 .00 14,000.00 0 500.00
EXPENSE TOTALS $19,636,503.00 $118,391.00 $19,754,894.00 $1,301,824.00 $0.00 $8,157,879.48 $11,597,014.52 41%$6,270,403.01
Fund 100 - General Totals
REVENUE TOTALS 20,039,558.00 118,391.00 20,157,949.00 722,790.00 .00 8,752,560.63 11,405,388.37 43%8,593,627.18
EXPENSE TOTALS 19,636,503.00 118,391.00 19,754,894.00 1,301,824.00 .00 8,157,879.48 11,597,014.52 41%6,270,403.01
Fund 100 - General Totals $403,055.00 $0.00 $403,055.00 ($579,034.00)$0.00 $594,681.15 ($191,626.15)$2,323,224.17
Fund 235 - Human Services
REVENUE
Department 50 - Human Services 5,958,383.00 .00 5,958,383.00 229,138.94 .00 2,528,370.95 3,430,012.05 42 2,491,252.71
REVENUE TOTALS $5,958,383.00 $0.00 $5,958,383.00 $229,138.94 $0.00 $2,528,370.95 $3,430,012.05 42%$2,491,252.71
EXPENSE
Department 00 - General Fund .00 .00 .00 77.02 .00 77.02 (77.02)+++.00
Department 47 - Behavioral Health & Community 629,069.00 .00 629,069.00 46,053.30 .00 155,689.07 473,379.93 25 103,465.71
Department 48 - Community Support Program (CSP).00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++26,728.36
Department 51 - Regional Crisis Initiative .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++34,063.41
Department 52 - AMSO 725,596.00 .00 725,596.00 55,973.20 .00 209,112.03 516,483.97 29 168,738.27
Department 53 - Family Services 1,702,597.00 .00 1,702,597.00 97,783.67 .00 379,825.53 1,322,771.47 22 455,697.51
Department 54 - Economic Support 438,355.00 .00 438,355.00 31,950.99 .00 123,569.40 314,785.60 28 94,943.33
Department 55 - Aging and Disabilities 818,852.00 .00 818,852.00 39,703.40 .00 204,963.77 613,888.23 25 110,796.76
Department 56 - GWAAR 764,263.00 .00 764,263.00 44,598.57 .00 163,680.14 600,582.86 21 133,939.62
Department 58 - ADRC-Bayfield Co 133,429.00 .00 133,429.00 9,983.12 .00 32,051.06 101,377.94 24 29,092.57
Department 59 - ADRC-North 125,327.00 .00 125,327.00 9,647.58 .00 36,912.75 88,414.25 29 34,748.44
EXPENSE TOTALS $5,337,488.00 $0.00 $5,337,488.00 $335,770.85 $0.00 $1,305,880.77 $4,031,607.23 24%$1,192,213.98
Run by Paige Terry on 05/04/2023 11:01:07 AM Page 2 of 5
Financial Report Through 4/30/2023
Through 04/30/23
Prior Fiscal Year Activity Included
Summary Listing
Adopted Budget Amended Current Month YTD YTD Budget - YTD % Used/
Organization Budget Amendments Budget Transactions Encumbrances Transactions Transactions Rec'd Prior Year YTD
Fund 235 - Human Services Totals
REVENUE TOTALS 5,958,383.00 .00 5,958,383.00 229,138.94 .00 2,528,370.95 3,430,012.05 42%2,491,252.71
EXPENSE TOTALS 5,337,488.00 .00 5,337,488.00 335,770.85 .00 1,305,880.77 4,031,607.23 24%1,192,213.98
Fund 235 - Human Services Totals $620,895.00 $0.00 $620,895.00 ($106,631.91)$0.00 $1,222,490.18 ($601,595.18)$1,299,038.73
Fund 276 - American Rescue Plan 2021 Grant
REVENUE
Department 00 - General Fund 879,877.00 .00 879,877.00 5,624.49 .00 17,905.35 861,971.65 2 1,103,708.26
REVENUE TOTALS $879,877.00 $0.00 $879,877.00 $5,624.49 $0.00 $17,905.35 $861,971.65 2%$1,103,708.26
EXPENSE
Department 00 - General Fund 365,800.00 .00 365,800.00 3,536.50 .00 28,929.16 336,870.84 8 25,000.00
Department 14 - Court House 450,000.00 .00 450,000.00 142,059.69 .00 498,072.49 (48,072.49)111 9,704.50
Department 18 - Emergency Management .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++15,618.94
Department 20 - Health .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++2,671.87
Department 23 - Tourism .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 31 - Information Services .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++31,766.00
Department 34 - Forestry .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++540.00
Department 56 - GWAAR 64,077.00 .00 64,077.00 4,919.04 .00 18,624.24 45,452.76 29 17,081.05
EXPENSE TOTALS $879,877.00 $0.00 $879,877.00 $150,515.23 $0.00 $545,625.89 $334,251.11 62%$102,382.36
Fund 276 - American Rescue Plan 2021 Grant Totals
REVENUE TOTALS 879,877.00 .00 879,877.00 5,624.49 .00 17,905.35 861,971.65 2%1,103,708.26
EXPENSE TOTALS 879,877.00 .00 879,877.00 150,515.23 .00 545,625.89 334,251.11 62%102,382.36
Fund 276 - American Rescue Plan 2021 Grant Totals $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 ($144,890.74)$0.00 ($527,720.54)$527,720.54 $1,001,325.90
Fund 430 - Capital Projects Fund
REVENUE
Department 00 - General Fund .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 01 - County Board .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 10 - County Clerk .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 13 - Land Records .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 14 - Court House .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 19,273.37 (19,273.37)+++.00
Department 17 - Sheriff 2,095.00 .00 2,095.00 .00 .00 22,880.00 (20,785.00)1092 1,530.00
Department 18 - Emergency Management .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 22 - Fair .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 23 - Tourism .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 34 - Forestry .00 695,000.00 695,000.00 .00 .00 .00 695,000.00 0 520,323.00
Department 50 - Human Services .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 70 - Capital Projects 1,669,364.00 .00 1,669,364.00 .00 .00 1,669,364.00 .00 100 1,429,603.04
Department 71 - Highway Dept 225,000.00 .00 225,000.00 .00 .00 .00 225,000.00 0 .00
REVENUE TOTALS $1,896,459.00 $695,000.00 $2,591,459.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,711,517.37 $879,941.63 66%$1,951,456.04
EXPENSE
Department 00 - General Fund 700,000.00 .00 700,000.00 .00 .00 452.34 699,547.66 0 .00
Run by Paige Terry on 05/04/2023 11:01:07 AM Page 3 of 5
Financial Report Through 4/30/2023
Through 04/30/23
Prior Fiscal Year Activity Included
Summary Listing
Adopted Budget Amended Current Month YTD YTD Budget - YTD % Used/
Organization Budget Amendments Budget Transactions Encumbrances Transactions Transactions Rec'd Prior Year YTD
Fund 430 - Capital Projects Fund
EXPENSE
Department 01 - County Board .00 .00 .00 863.71 .00 863.71 (863.71)+++.00
Department 02 - Clerk of Courts .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 04 - Criminal Justice .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 05 - Family Court Commissioner .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 06 - Coroner 1,500.00 .00 1,500.00 .00 .00 .00 1,500.00 0 .00
Department 07 - Administrator .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++1,359.00
Department 08 - District Attorney .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 09 - Child Support .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 10 - County Clerk 800.00 .00 800.00 .00 .00 .00 800.00 0 208,505.00
Department 11 - Elections .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 12 - Treasurer .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 13 - Land Records 108,665.00 .00 108,665.00 .00 .00 .00 108,665.00 0 .00
Department 14 - Court House 54,235.00 .00 54,235.00 .00 .00 10,944.09 43,290.91 20 79,078.33
Department 15 - Register of Deeds .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++2,355.00
Department 17 - Sheriff 36,407.00 .00 36,407.00 .00 .00 20,553.43 15,853.57 56 14,940.94
Department 18 - Emergency Management .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 2,791.40 (2,791.40)+++11,495.00
Department 19 - Veteran's Services .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 20 - Health 15,350.00 .00 15,350.00 .00 .00 .00 15,350.00 0 .00
Department 22 - Fair .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 23 - Tourism 24,915.00 .00 24,915.00 .00 .00 .00 24,915.00 0 .00
Department 25 - UW Extension .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 26 - Zoning 2,650.00 .00 2,650.00 .00 .00 1,580.56 1,069.44 60 .00
Department 27 - Board of Adjustment .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 28 - Land Conservation .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 29 - Land Use Planning .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 30 - Wildlife Abatement .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 31 - Information Services 280,000.00 .00 280,000.00 18,048.64 .00 18,048.64 261,951.36 6 92,841.09
Department 34 - Forestry 384,000.00 695,000.00 1,079,000.00 1,449.80 .00 1,168,850.44 (89,850.44)108 21,602.00
Department 52 - AMSO .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 53 - Family Services .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 54 - Economic Support .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 55 - Aging and Disabilities .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 56 - GWAAR .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 70 - Capital Projects 62,937.00 .00 62,937.00 .00 .00 .00 62,937.00 0 15,162.50
Department 71 - Highway Dept .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
EXPENSE TOTALS $1,671,459.00 $695,000.00 $2,366,459.00 $20,362.15 $0.00 $1,224,084.61 $1,142,374.39 52%$447,338.86
Fund 430 - Capital Projects Fund Totals
REVENUE TOTALS 1,896,459.00 695,000.00 2,591,459.00 .00 .00 1,711,517.37 879,941.63 66%1,951,456.04
Run by Paige Terry on 05/04/2023 11:01:07 AM Page 4 of 5
Financial Report Through 4/30/2023
Through 04/30/23
Prior Fiscal Year Activity Included
Summary Listing
Adopted Budget Amended Current Month YTD YTD Budget - YTD % Used/
Organization Budget Amendments Budget Transactions Encumbrances Transactions Transactions Rec'd Prior Year YTD
EXPENSE TOTALS 1,671,459.00 695,000.00 2,366,459.00 20,362.15 .00 1,224,084.61 1,142,374.39 52%447,338.86
Fund 430 - Capital Projects Fund Totals $225,000.00 $0.00 $225,000.00 ($20,362.15)$0.00 $487,432.76 ($262,432.76)$1,504,117.18
Fund 710 - Highway
REVENUE
Department 71 - Highway Dept 10,218,352.00 .00 10,218,352.00 .00 .00 6,514,299.63 3,704,052.37 64 4,932,527.03
REVENUE TOTALS $10,218,352.00 $0.00 $10,218,352.00 $0.00 $0.00 $6,514,299.63 $3,704,052.37 64%$4,932,527.03
EXPENSE
Department 00 - General Fund .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 71 - Highway Dept 10,019,144.00 .00 10,019,144.00 550,000.32 .00 1,724,496.14 8,294,647.86 17 1,669,847.41
EXPENSE TOTALS $10,019,144.00 $0.00 $10,019,144.00 $550,000.32 $0.00 $1,724,496.14 $8,294,647.86 17%$1,669,847.41
Fund 710 - Highway Totals
REVENUE TOTALS 10,218,352.00 .00 10,218,352.00 .00 .00 6,514,299.63 3,704,052.37 64%4,932,527.03
EXPENSE TOTALS 10,019,144.00 .00 10,019,144.00 550,000.32 .00 1,724,496.14 8,294,647.86 17%1,669,847.41
Fund 710 - Highway Totals $199,208.00 $0.00 $199,208.00 ($550,000.32)$0.00 $4,789,803.49 ($4,590,595.49)$3,262,679.62
Grand Totals
REVENUE TOTALS 38,992,629.00 813,391.00 39,806,020.00 957,553.43 .00 19,524,653.93 20,281,366.07 49%19,072,571.22
EXPENSE TOTALS 37,544,471.00 813,391.00 38,357,862.00 2,358,472.55 .00 12,957,966.89 25,399,895.11 34%9,682,185.62
Grand Totals $1,448,158.00 $0.00 $1,448,158.00 ($1,400,919.12)$0.00 $6,566,687.04 ($5,118,529.04)$9,390,385.60
Run by Paige Terry on 05/04/2023 11:01:07 AM Page 5 of 5
Financial Report Through 4/30/2023
Through 04/30/23
Prior Fiscal Year Activity Included
Summary Listing
Beginning
Balance
Account 1/1/2023 January February March April May June July August September October November December
Office $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00
No. 2 Account $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00
Bremer Checking $1,255,868.18 $1,734,333.72 $1,868,460.98 $1,831,756.21 $998,750.25
Bremer Money Market $2,523,510.08 $1,575,047.86 $7,576,840.37 $4,580,050.01 $4,583,172.79
H.R.A. / Flex Benefits $880,612.59 $991,214.76 $959,421.23 $941,166.17 $867,026.49
Jail Assessment $44,766.65 $45,920.11 $26,852.33 $28,017.58 $29,531.11
# 85.21 $99,794.70 $132,948.37 $133,039.54 $133,141.60 $133,254.68
DHS CCOP Risk Reserve $6,072.82 $6,077.98 $6,083.14 $6,087.81 $6,092.98
Credit Card Acct. (clerk)$1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00
Credit Card Acct. (taxes)$642.04 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00
Co Rehab. Fund $138,321.62 $138,479.65 $138,797.26 $138,903.62 $139,021.59
L.G.I.P.$6,117,574.00 $3,633,186.59 $3,646,341.94 $7,659,046.34 $7,689,097.68
OTHER INVESTMENTS $13,000,000.00 $13,000,000.00 $12,000,000.00 $12,000,000.00 $12,000,000.00
N.L. Debt Service Fund 380 $3,896.36 $442,757.67 $443,037.52 $443,377.38 $443,753.94
N.L. Collateral Pledge (250K)$252,394.18 $252,608.55 $252,823.09 $253,017.04 $253,231.93
N.L. Collateral Pledge (75.032K)$75,751.52 $75,815.86 $75,880.25 $75,938.46 $76,002.95
American Recovery Act Funds $2,035,126.65 $1,903,837.29 $1,769,340.84 $1,552,064.61 $1,446,121.87
LATCF Program $521,995.97 $523,792.27 $525,688.86 $527,520.44 $529,590.24
Community Dev. Block Grant $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00
Opioid Funds $58,610.26 $58,807.65 $59,020.59 $59,226.23 $59,458.61
Ending Monthly Balance $27,016,138.62 $24,516,030.33 $29,482,829.94 $30,230,515.50 $29,255,309.11 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
2022 Balances $22,310,705.30 $28,659,659.41 $29,319,256.37 $28,447,678.79 $28,642,012.44 $31,186,512.57 $37,416,622.59 $27,172,569.77 $26,352,070.24 $29,469,935.19 $29,202,664.53 $27,016,138.62
2021 Balances $19,104,055.75 $23,981,112.94 $25,737,385.39 $25,376,587.35 $26,564,234.67 $26,751,199.48 $34,957,004.23 $25,798,555.65 $25,307,854.40 $26,107,310.73 $25,443,149.62 $23,315,364.37
2020 Balances $19,443,090.28 $22,440,538.97 $23,224,941.12 $23,271,363.35 $22,863,945.12 $22,550,175.73 $29,805,316.43 $20,462,753.76 $20,503,894.03 $22,285,170.65 $20,999,361.27 $19,955,568.72
2019 Balances $18,045,161.00 $21,832,798.83 $22,237,684.41 $21,925,528.67 $21,606,991.52 $22,128,650.41 $31,870,207.25 $21,522,039.97 $21,168,567.50 $21,412,514.44 $20,253,753.16 $19,452,296.18
2018 Balances $20,812,570.87 $23,499,888.91 $23,755,773.98 $23,519,738.72 $23,081,242.60 $22,900,248.27 $32,008,164.17 $22,203,243.28 $21,578,713.04 $21,324,769.20 $21,175,553.33 $16,874,631.86
2017 Balances $20,923,479.36 $24,882,039.31 $23,116,826.95 $22,990,456.96 $22,628,007.19 $23,528,937.74 $32,965,824.56 $23,697,897.80 $20,311,997.35 $19,979,973.63 $19,908,168.56 $19,187,234.41
$200,000.00 Invest. Agreement $200,000.00 $200,000.00 $200,000.00 $200,000.00 $200,000.00
(I.R. Incubator Bldg.-June 2003)
$240,019.64 World Class Loan $63,811.83 $63,172.39 $62,495.44 $61,807.24 $61,158.73
(Bayfield- Nov. 2009)
$500,000.00 Loan to NL $207,852.92 $199,407.05 $190,942.81 $182,460.16 $500,000.00(2019 eliminated - new Apr 2023)
Totals $471,664.75 $462,579.44 $453,438.25 $444,267.40 $761,158.73 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
County Loans
(Short Term Loans)-$2,500,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
TREASURER'S REPORT 2023
End Of Month Account Balances 2023
Notes / Agreements - (Principal Balance)
THE LCO V. EVERS DECISION; A STATE AND FEDERAL ISSUE
In August of 2022 the Federal Court of Appeals in LCO v Evers ruled that lands owned by tribal
members on reservation are not taxable, regardless of the chain of custody. This decision
settled a decades long claim that tribal members were not subject to property tax on
reservation lands.
This decision overturned a long-standing practice of tribal land taxation as established and
enforced by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. This has had significant tax implications for
the county in the years before the 2022 decision and going forward will create massive
challenges for local governments.
The LCO V. Evers Tribal Taxation decision is a town, school district or county issue, created by
state and federal governments.
The Court Decision:
The Court of Appeals held the 1854 treaty between the Chippewa Indians of Lake Superior and
the Federal Government guaranteed reservation lands to tribal members in exchange for
millions of acres of land in Northern Wisconsin. The court held that taxes conflicted with the
treaty as agreed.
As a result of the decision by the Court of Appeals, both the Federal and State Governments
wholly reversed their position on the taxability of tribal lands. The State and Federal
Government should now take ownership of the difficult position they have placed the counties,
towns, schools and technical colleges in.
County Level / Un-recoupable Settlements: Pre-Decision
By state law, counties guarantee annual taxes to taxing entities (towns, cities, schools, counties
and technical colleges) regardless of payment by property owners. This is known as the
settlement process. When taxes are not paid, counties make taxing entities whole. This ensures
sufficient operational funds for the coming year for these entities. These out-of-pocket county
payments are recouped after the tax delinquent property is sold by the County. The LCO v. Evers
decision prohibits the county from taking ownership, meaning no tax sale, leaving counties
unreimbursed for settlements. Of the five Wisconsin counties impacted by the decision, $3.6
million was paid to taxing entities by counties between 2015 and 2022. The counties of Ashland,
Bayfield, Iron, Sawyer and Vilas will not be reimbursed for payments to lower taxing entities.
The counties have been left holding the financial consequences of enforcing a tax policy created
by the state that was found to be illegal. Why shouldn’t the state be responsible for the policy it
created and required the towns and counties to follow?
Local Level / Future Taxes: Post-Decision
Tribal properties removed from the tax roll because of this decision substantially impacts the
local tax base. In Bayfield County this represents approximately 25% reduction in total
valuation in the Town of Russell, and in Ashland County the Town of Sanborn, an approximate
80% reduction. This means local government operational costs will be spread over a smaller tax
base and a reduced number of property owners. The impact will be increases in local mill rates.
Across the five counties the reduction in tax collections due to the court decision is anticipated
to be over $900,000 annually. This amount is expected to decrease as additional parcels are
removed from the tax roll.
Recommendations:
1. That the State of Wisconsin reimburse counties for un-recoupable settlement payments
made in accordance with state law prior to November 2022.
2. That the Federal Government makes future aid payments to the five counties in light of
the new taxation policy. Communities, schools, roads, and other infrastructure were
planned and built based on the financial viability and stability of the established tax
structure. The recent court decision has changed the situation dramatically for
communities with Indian reservations. The Federal Government currently pays local
governments payments in lieu of taxes for Federal Forest lands/parks. We request the
Federal Government do the same for properties no longer subject to tax but still in need
of tax funded assistance.