Administration Committee — Minutes

Minutes of the Meeting of the September 10, 2026 Sawyer County Administration Committee of the Sawyer County Board of Supervisors Board Room; Sawyer County Voting Committee Members (X) Present: Others Present: Chair: Ron Kinsley Mike Markgren Vice Chair: Ron Buckholtz Liz Klein Marshal Savitski Gary Elliott John Righeimer Rose Lillyroot Stacey Hessel Mike Coleson- Virtual Call to Order –Chair Kinsley called the meeting to order at 10:00 am. Certification of Compliance with the open meeting law was met. Roll Call taken; quorum was met. Meeting Agenda – Set Public Comments – Linda Zillmer Minutes from the previous meeting dated: August 13, 2026 Motion to approve by: Ms. Hessel Second by: Mr. Righeimer Motion carried without negative vote. District 15 Supervisor Resignation— Motion to accept the resignation of District 15 Supervisor John Minto by: Mr. Buckholtz Second by: Mr. Savitski Motion carried without negative vote. Appointments: Motion to appoint Ida Kinsley to the District 15 Supervisor position by: Mr. Savitski Second by: Ms. Hessel Motion carried without negative vote. Motion to appoint Ida Kinsley to the HHS and Economic Development/UW Extension committees by: Mr. Buckholtz Second by: Mr. Savitski Motion carried without negative vote. County Clerk Report- Ms. Klein provided a written department report on August activity: 54 late dog licenses and 10 marriage licenses were issued, 8 plat books sold. Discussion on reordering Plat Books every two years instead of three. Veterans Service Office Report - Mr. Elliott updated the committee on August department activity: 549 phone calls, 813 letters/emails/faxes sent and 197 office visits. 148 disability claims have been filed to date with $711,894.98 awarded in Veterans’ favor. The department is co-hosting counseling sessions at La Crosse Vet Center and Coffee & Conversation; the social media report was provided. There will be a Sawyer County-LCO Veterans Fair at SevenWinds Casino on October 22. The Wisconsin C/TVSO Fall Training Conference is October 12-16 in Waupaca County. The Perpetual Care of Veteran’s Graves reimbursement closed on 9/1/2026 with $7,044.00 awarded. Mr. Elliott requested an additional $1,000 in the 2027 Budget due to increased numbers in the Perpetual Care requests submitted. Veteran’s Tribute Update- The plumbing is complete, the concrete is scheduled for 9/21. County maintenance will install the walls and murals will be ordered. A bronze plaque will go on the fountain. The project is on schedule to be completed by Veterans Day. Information Technology Department Report - Mr. Coleson provided a written IT report on ongoing IT projects. Human Resources Report - A written report was provided on staffing and recruiting for open positions within the county. County Administrator Recruiting Update—Ms. Lillyroot discussed the responses to the ad posting; eight candidates have followed through with cover letters and references and respondents will be screened down to the final interview group. Interviews are scheduled for 9/28 and will be conducted by the Admin Committee, incoming Sheriff, and department heads. County Administrator’s Report— Mr. Markgren reported on working with the EDC Brian Priester on grants, the 2027 Budget process, upcoming WCA conference, courthouse office moves, public safety radio network updates (Draper is almost complete, Meadowbrook is starting), and CJCC updates. Board Appointed Committee Updates – Ms. Hessel noted there are two Walk for Tomorrow Suicide Prevention walks in Hayward and Winter on September 18 and 19. Correspondence, reports from conferences and meetings– None Future Agenda Items- Veterans Tribute Update, County Administrator recruitment update Adjournment – 10:38 am Next Meeting: October 8, 2026 Time: 10:00 am Location: Board Room Minutes recorded by Liz Klein, County Clerk