Public Meetings - Fond Du Lac County, Wisconsin

The Fond du Lac County Board of Supervisors met on February 20, 2026, at 15:30 UTC, according to the date supplied for this summary; the raw transcript repeatedly states the meeting date as Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Roll call showed 22 supervisors present, with Supervisors Fenric, Yachi, and Ryan excused. No written agenda or minutes were provided, so this summary is based entirely on the raw transcript. The board approved routine items, several grants and fee resolutions, and, after lengthy debate, approved the jail schematic design and justice-system study resolution. Routine Approvals and Reports - Approved a petition to cancel the January 20, 2026 county board meeting due to insufficient business: 22-0. - Approved the December 16, 2025 county board minutes: 21-0, with one supervisor reported as standing/not voting. - Approved the December 2025 mileage, premium, and expense report totaling $2,032.62 claimed and allowed: 22-0. - Approved the January 2026 mileage, premium, and expense report totaling $3,024.53 claimed and allowed: 22-0. Recognition Resolution - Adopted Resolution 69-25 recognizing Diane Wallman, Stephen Castle-Schmidt, Sarah Meetzel, Eric Mullenbach, and Dwayne Schneider for their county service, with service lengths ranging from 7.5 to 30 years: 22-0. Supervisors offered personal remarks thanking each retiree. Other Resolutions, Grants, and Contracts - Approved a resolution supporting 2025 Senate Bill 558 and Assembly Bill 580 to create and fund the Wisconsin State Emergency Riving Act, as transcribed: 22-0. One supervisor expressed appreciation for the educational value of the resolution. - Approved a resolution urging the governor and state legislature to enact a comprehensive, sustainable transportation funding solution: 22-0. - Approved a resolution increasing the fee assessed for signing a death record by the Medical Examiner's Office and increasing the cremation permit fee, effective February 17, 2026: 22-0. - Approved acceptance of a $28,519 Wisconsin Department of Health Services reproductive health and family planning grant and authorized the Health Department to implement program objectives beginning January 1, 2026, with a 2026 budget amendment requiring two-thirds approval: 22-0. - Approved acceptance of a $60,374 opioid settlement residential use disorder grant for January 1 through December 31, 2026. Staff explained the grant covers room and board for Medicaid-eligible clients with opioid use disorder who need residential level care: 22-0. - Approved acceptance of a $38,000 donation from the Roberts and Elaine Middleton Fund, held by the Fond du Lac Area Foundation, for continued maintenance and development of Hobbes Woods: 22-0. - Approved acceptance of a $90,000 donation from Elizabeth and Jan Rather for the Ledge Conservation Area. Staff said funds would be used over two years for a more permanent trail, additional prairie/savanna trails, interpretive signage, and benches: 22-0. One supervisor suggested creating framed appreciation letters for major donors. - Approved transitioning a full-time county attorney position, E7, from the county pay plan of $75,967–$102,773 to an assistant district attorney on the state pay plan in the Fond du Lac County District Attorney's Office, effective March 9, 2026: 22-0. The District Attorney said the state route helps with recruitment and retention and moves the county away from funding prosecutor positions. - Approved accepting Metro Elevator Milwaukee's bid of $316,879 for elevators one and two and $161,580 for elevator three, and amending the 2026–2030 capital improvement plan to include the elevator modernization project: 22-0. The county's share was stated as 66.05%. Facilities staff said the work will replace cabs, phones, controllers, call buttons, inside doors, and shaft fixtures, but not exterior doors or buried cylinders. Public Comments & Testimony - No separate public comment period appears in the transcript. Supervisors repeatedly relayed constituent concerns about the jail process feeling rushed, perceptions of a predetermined outcome, interest in local design alternatives such as Excel, questions about the relationship between Venture Architects and Samuels Group, and worries about taxpayer cost. Major Discussion: Jail Schematic Design and Comprehensive Study (Item 7H) - The resolution authorized accepting Venture Architects' proposal to complete Phase One jail schematic designs for both the Scott Road and Western Avenue sites, authorized an agreement with Jeff F Service Group LC for a jail planning comprehensive study covering jail population forecasting, justice system assessment, and alternatives to incarceration programs, and appropriated $211,250 from the contingency major projects account. The stated account balance was $342,386 before the appropriation and $131,136 afterward. - Supervisor Griffith offered an amendment to remove Venture Architects from the resolution and fund only the study. She said she needed assurance that the study would genuinely shape the design, creation of a criminal justice coordinating council, and regular supervisor participation in upcoming decisions. The amendment failed 9-13. - Supervisor Hayes said she could not support the resolution at that time, citing the compressed timeline, lack of a clearly defined transparent process, cost concerns, court security, maintenance of the current facility, and distrust from the public. - County Executive Kaufman said that if the resolution failed, he would treat the new jail project as over and shift to renovation of the existing jail. He also expressed support for a criminal justice coordinating council if recommended, and said his urgency reflected support for Sheriff Walschmidt and the jail's staff. - Sheriff Walschmidt and a consultant from Samuels Group explained that supervisor input can occur during the schematic design process and that a committee structure would need to be created by the county board. - Several supervisors argued in favor of the resolution, saying the $211,250 would provide needed information, prevent further delays, and allow the public to see options and costs. Others said the process had been unfair, the decisions were being rushed, and the board should first hold broader discussions. Key Outcomes - Petition to cancel the January 20, 2026 meeting: approved 22-0. - December 16, 2025 minutes: approved 21-0. - December 2025 and January 2026 expense reports: each approved 22-0. - Resolution 69-25 recognizing retiring employees: approved 22-0. - All routine resolutions, grants, fee changes, and contract approvals listed above: approved 22-0. - Amendment to remove Venture Architects from the jail resolution: failed 9-13. - Jail schematic design and comprehensive study resolution, including the $211,250 appropriation: approved 17-0 as read by the chair, with some supervisors not voting/abstentions reported. - The chair announced the next county board meeting for March 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

The Fond du Lac County Board of Supervisors met on December 16, 2025, at approximately 6:00 PM to conduct routine business, recognize retiring employees, and debate a resolution to move forward with the planning of a new jail facility. Key actions included approval of multiple resolutions, appointments, and a contested vote to authorize an RFP for schematic design of a new jail at both the Scott Road and downtown sites. Recognitions and Resolutions - Retirement Recognitions: The Board adopted Resolution 57-25 recognizing Nancy Cardos (26 years, Human Services) and Timothy Hickon (18 years, Highway Department) and Resolution 58-25 congratulating Louise Goodex on her retirement as Executive Director of the Fond du Lac County Housing Authority after 46 years of service. Both resolutions passed unanimously (24-0). Supervisor Griffith praised Goodex's work, noting she managed 358 units and a voucher program, and that currently each county-owned unit has 13-18 households on the waiting list. Goodex thanked the Board for $200,000 in ARPA funds used for bathroom remodeling at Heather Meadows. - Appointments: Michael Benson was appointed to the Elderly Nutrition Program Committee, Nicole Drehr to the Transportation Coordinating Committee, and 28 other appointments (under Wis. Stat. 59.17(2)(c)) were approved, all unanimously (24-0). - Reports & Routine Approvals: The Board approved mileage and per diem reports for October 2025 ($1,140 per diem, $1,174.80 mileage, $0 expenses, total $2,314.80) and November 2025 ($1,620 per diem, $812.86 mileage, $13 expenses, total $2,445.86), both unanimously (24-0). Discussion Items - Public Safety Training Center Fee Schedule: Resolution creating fees effective January 1, 2026, for the Public Safety Training Center. Dave Tackett explained that in-county public safety agencies use the facility for free; out-of-county entities will be charged. Fees were set lower than a competitor 35 miles north to attract users. Supervisor Hayes expressed concern that the fees would not cover costs, unlike the Prairie Event Center, and voted no. Supervisor Brault inquired about interest; Tackett noted the Sheriff's Department and State Jail Academy have used it, and Dodge County is interested. The resolution passed 22-2, with Brault and Hayes opposed. - PSAP Communications Grant Adoption: The Board accepted a Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) award of $1,598,471 for communications infrastructure. Captain Hallbach explained the grant must be accepted by December 19 to save $50,000 in vendor discounts. The county's share of the project (approx. $1.4 million) will be bonded. The resolution required two-thirds approval and passed 24-0 after discussion about the need for an 800 MHz radio system upgrade by 2030 and the provision of a backup radio system to mitigate flood risk at the current dispatch center. - Jail Facility Planning (Major Discussion): The Board debated Resolution to designate vacant land on Scott Road (adjacent to the Highway Department) as the site for a future jail and authorize an RFP for phase one schematic design for a jail, sheriff's office, and/or justice center. Key points: - Positions in Opposition: Supervisors Griffith, Hayes, Brault, Leering, and others argued the process lacked public input, that the 450-bed capacity was not properly vetted, that a debt management policy should be established first, and that the cost estimate of up to $392 million (from Samuels Group chart) is too high. They called for more transparency, diversion programs, and consideration of the downtown site. - Positions in Support: Supervisors Conley, Dean Will, Gary Will, Dornbrook, and others argued the Board must move forward to satisfy Department of Corrections compliance, that the RFP is only for design proposals and not a commitment to build, and that a new jail is necessary due to overcrowding (currently housing 20-25 inmates out-of-county) and the current jail's structural issues (settling, contaminated soil). - Amendment: Supervisor Leering offered an amendment to keep both the Scott Road site and the downtown Western Avenue site under consideration, and to include potential for a justice center at Scott Road. The amendment passed 18-6. - Motion to Table: A subsequent motion to table the amended resolution failed (9 in favor, 15 opposed). - Final Vote: The amended resolution (authorizing RFP for both sites, including jail, law enforcement center, or justice center) passed 14-10. - Comprehensive Plan Amendment: The Board unanimously approved an amendment to the Fond du Lac County 2020-2040 Comprehensive Plan (24-0). Key Outcomes - All routine resolutions and appointments approved unanimously. - Public Safety Training Center fee schedule approved (22-2). - PSAP communications grant accepted (24-0). - Amended resolution for jail site RFP passed (14-10); the RFP will seek schematic design proposals for both Scott Road and downtown sites, considering a jail, law enforcement center, or justice center. - Next meeting scheduled for January 20, 2026.

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate this meeting originally took place on October 28, 2025, but the summary is presented under the requested date of November 4, 2025. The Fond du Lac County Board of Supervisors met on November 4, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the City-County Government Center. The meeting included a public hearing on the proposed 2026 county budget, approval of several resolutions, a proclamation, and a report. All 25 supervisors were present. Consent Calendar - Minutes of October 14, 2025 approved 24-0-1 (Supervisor Fenric abstained). - Resolution 49-25 congratulating Campbellsport Baseball Legion 19U for winning the 19U Wisconsin Class AA State Tournament. Approved 25-0. Coach Gary Gable and team members accepted the resolution; the program has only existed for four years. - Proclamation supporting the Fond du Lac County United Way and designating October 2025 as United Way Month. Approved 25-0. Amber Killoway (United Way) accepted and noted that approximately one in three county residents are served by United Way partners; the 2025 campaign focuses on ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families. - Report of Finance, Personnel and Economic Development Committee on September 2025 mileage, per diem, and expenses: Total $7,168.96 ($4,305 per diem, $2,666.96 mileage, $197 expenses). Approved 25-0. - Resolution 5A authorizing a lease agreement with the Office of U.S. Congressman Glenn Grothman for office space in the Fond du Lac County Campus effective January 1, 2026. Approved 24-0-1 (Supervisor Rodman abstained). Public Comments & Testimony (Budget Hearing) A public hearing on the proposed 2026 Fond du Lac County Budget was called to order at 6:15 p.m. Multiple speakers urged the Board to amend the budget to fund a full-time county extension health and well-being educator position (currently only 20% funded after federal FoodWise program cuts eliminated three extension positions). Speakers included: - Pat Hilt (volunteer at Broken Bread) requested the position to maintain connections for feeding the hungry. - Ellen Shatuk (Ripon Food Pantry coordinator, statement read) asked to add a full-time position to support volunteer-run food pantries and nutrition education. - Diana Hammer (former UW Extension employee, resident) emphasized the strength of Fond du Lac County Extension and the need for a full-time educator to maintain coordination; noted that having 100% time dedicated to the county would allow more targeted work. - Kay Latson (resident) urged funding, citing rising demand and loss of critical support. - Carol Smith (resident) noted that 35% of the community are ALICE; three extension positions were lost; asked to amend the budget. - Sha (single mother, former food pantry client) gave a personal story of relying on food pantries to support her children’s success; noted connections to WIC and farmers market programs. - Preston Benton (Ripon College student) stressed that food pantries rely on extension for coordination, grants, and organization. - Ann Hounsel (Broken Bread director) reported serving 675–775 individuals weekly (52% children); last year served 35,700 individuals; need for full-time position to coordinate 20+ pantries and share resources. - Jan Roop (retired school psychologist) cited food insecurity’s impact on classroom behavior and achievement. - Soren Haug (Ripon College economics professor, statement read) argued that modest investment leverages volunteer efforts and improves public health; noted 150 people attended the recent Milwaukee Food Summit. - Ellen Simon (Fond du Lac Food Pantry executive director) reported serving 127 households on the day of the hearing vs. typical 75; coordination with other pantries critical. - Amber Killoway (United Way) noted a 20% increase in food-related 211 calls; 41% of city of Fond du Lac and 42% of Ripon residents are ALICE; urged funding to maintain coordination; warned of impending SNAP benefit cuts. - Yolanda Minecraft (board member, Traded Treasures & Community Food Pantry) listed benefits of extension position: food summits, networking, training on expiration dates, trauma-informed care, nutrition education materials. - Mandy (resident) works with homeless families; reported 838 households on coordinated entry list (up from 600 eight months ago); extension position provides updated resource lists in English and Spanish. - John Markle (candidate for 6th Congressional District) noted Winnebago County faced similar cuts and funded a position via a UW extension contract. All speakers supported funding a full-time health and well-being educator position. The public hearing was closed at 6:57 p.m. Discussion Items Resolution 5B: Authorizing transfer of representation of interest of the public in prosecution of all Children in Need of Protection or Services (CHIPS), Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), and juvenile guardianship matters from the Fond du Lac County District Attorney’s Office to the Corporation Counsel’s Office, effective January 10, 2026, and allowing Corporation Counsel to contract legal services. Joint resolution from Finance, Personnel and Economic Development and Public Safety Committees. - Supervisor Griffith expressed initial concerns but stated she would vote in favor. She raised several questions: - The county-funded CHIPS position ($110,000) will transfer to Corporation Counsel; additional costs (up to $70,000) may be needed. Corporation Counsel Tammy responded that they will evaluate at carryover time and use contingency if needed. - State reimbursement: 26% for CHIPS grant and 40% for TPR grant on eligible expenses. The budget estimates $110,000 expenses offset by $50,000 in grants and $60,000 from levy. - The position remains in the DA’s budget but unfunded. County Executive Kaufman noted the DA may use it to facilitate transfer of a state position. - These cases were included in the state workload analysis that justified four new assistant DAs for Fond du Lac. By transferring them, they will no longer count toward future state funding. District Attorney Eric confirmed that CHIPS/TPR cases were part of the analysis. - Caseload: CHIPS filings increased from 78 (1999) to 133 (recent); TPRs from 23 to 17-18; numbers vary yearly. - Supervisor Gary Will noted this function originally belonged to Corporation Counsel years ago before being transferred to the DA; returning it allows contracting with a specialized firm to provide multiple attorneys, improving efficiency for children. - District Attorney Tony explained difficulty in hiring attorneys for these cases; the contracted firm will provide better permanency for kids. - Supervisor Brallt thanked Supervisor Griffith for her research and expressed hope for better outcomes for vulnerable children. Key Outcomes - All consent items approved as noted (unanimous or near-unanimous). - Public hearing held on 2026 budget; no vote taken at hearing (budget adoption scheduled for November 4, 2025 meeting). - Resolution 5B approved 25-0 in favor. The transfer will take effect January 10, 2026. Outside legal counsel will be contracted to handle CHIPS, TPR, and juvenile guardianship cases. The County will fund up to $110,000 initially, with potential additional funds from contingency if needed. State grants will offset a portion of costs. - Next meeting: County Board meeting on November 4, 2025 (the same date as this summary, but note the discrepancy) at 6:00 p.m. for adoption of the 2026 budget.