Administration Committee — Minutes

Minutes of the Meeting of the July 9, 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 Nicole Clapero John Righeimer Rose Lillyroot Stacey Hessel Mike Coleson 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: June 11, 2026 Motion to approve by: Mr. Buckoltz Second by: Mr. Savitski Motion carried without negative vote. County Clerk Report- Ms. Klein provided a written department report on June activity: the towns are doing a great job with entering their election data in WisVote. The Department is making progress toward Strategic Plan goals and the office remodeling has improved customer service for marriages. Public record requests are being handled smoothly without NextRequest. Veterans Service Office Report - Ms. Clapero presented a written report on June department activity: 532 phone calls, 883 letters/emails/faxes sent and 175 office visits. 107 disability claims have been filed to date with $499,892.13 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. Veteran’s Tribute Update- Mr. Markgren reported that he received incomplete schematics from the architect that need to include electrical conduit and address a ground water issue prior to placing two designs out for bids. Ms. Hessel and Mr. Markgren will work together as leads on the project to bring it to completion. Information Technology Department Report - Mr. Coleson provided a written IT report on ongoing IT projects. A new phone system to replace the existing system which has aged past supported service will be proposed as a 2027 budget CIP item request. Human Resources Report - A written report was provided on staffing and recruiting for open positions within the county. County Administrator’s Report— Mr. Markgren will meet with Brian Prieseter of the Economic Development Corporation regarding a July 31 application for Opportunity Zone tax status available to rural urban low income communities; a benefit of the designation is deferred capital gains tax on new businesses. Mr. Markgren will speak at the WTA District meeting on July 27. He reported that Ms. Barry of Justice Point submitted a $740,000 RCORPS grant that would replace lost funding for the Deflection program. Mr. Markgren announced that he will be retiring on December 31, 2026. County Administrator annual review— After discussion on establishing an annual process, a motion to have all County Board members submit a County Administrator evaluation form to Chairman Kinsley by Thursday, July 16 was made by: Ms. Hessel Second by: Mr. Buckholtz Motion carried without negative vote. Board Appointed Committee Updates – None Correspondence, reports from conferences and meetings– None Future Agenda Items- Review District 15 Supervisor position Adjournment – 10:53 am Next Meeting: August 13, 2026 Time: 10:00 am Location: Board Room Minutes recorded by Liz Klein, County Clerk