Executive Committee - Regular Meeting — Agenda Packet

Chippewa County Executive Committee Regular Meeting July 7, 2026 Chippewa County Courthouse, Room 302 4:30 PM District 7, Chair Jason Bergeron District 9, Vice-Chair Joel Seidlitz District 21 Kari Ives District 13 Joseph Roshell District 11 Karen Lotts Page 1 of 26 Chippewa County Executive Committee Regular Meeting July 7, 2026 Chippewa County Courthouse, Room 302 4:30 PM 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Members of the Public Wishing to Be Heard (Comments will be limited to 5 minutes per speaker.) 4. Consent Agenda (Unless separation of an item is requested, all items will be adopted under one motion.) 1. Approve the Agenda 2. Approve the Minutes - June 16, 2026 3. Schedule Next Meeting Date - July 21, 2026 5. Reports 6. Business Items 1. Resolution to Approve a Public-Private Partnership Agreement Between Chippewa County and Ntera, LLC, in Support of a Proposed Broadband Expansion Project by Ntera, LLC in Chippewa County - Andy Albarado/Ryan Hartzell 2. Resolution to Approve a Public-Private Partnership Agreement Between Chippewa County and CTC Telcom, Inc., DBA Mosaic Technologies In Support of a Proposed Broadband Expansion Project by CTC Telcom, Inc., DBA Mosaic Technologies in Chippewa County - Andy Albarado/Chris Fitzgerald 3. Resolution to Authorize County Board Appointment to Fill the Vacancy of the Position of County Treasurer - Andy Albarado 4. County Clerk Proposed Fee Increase for 2027 Budget - Jackie Sadler 7. Updates, Announcements, and Correspondence 1. County Board Chair Report 2. County Administrator Operation Report 8. Agenda Items for Future Consideration 9. Adjourn Page 2 of 26 Chippewa County Executive Committee Regular Meeting July 7, 2026 Chippewa County Courthouse, Room 302 4:30 PM Chippewa County shall attempt to provide reasonable special accommodations to the public for access to its public meetings, provided reasonable notice of special need is given. If special accommodations for a meeting are desired, contact the County Clerk’s Office at 715-726- 7980. Members of the Chippewa County Board of Supervisors who are not members of this committee are entitled to attend this meeting. It is possible that the attendance of one or more such nonmember Supervisors may create a quorum of some other county board committee, board or commission. Such a quorum is unintended and the nonmember Supervisors are not meeting for the purpose of exercising the responsibility, authority, power, or duties of any other committee, board or commission. Published: July 2, 2026 Page 3 of 26 Chippewa County Executive Committee Regular Meeting June 16, 2026 Chippewa County Courthouse, Room 302 4:30 PM 1. Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 04:00 PM 2. Roll Call Members Present: Jason Bergeron, Joel Seidlitz, Joseph Roshell, Karen Lotts Members Absent: Kari Ives Others Present: Others Present: Andy Albarado, Traci Bremness, Leah Simington, Todd Pauls, Pam Guthman, Chuck Bomar, Andy Bauer, Erik Dickson, Angela Quick, Steve Little, Bob Krause, Micky Judkins, Elizabeth Johnson, Patty Schimmel, Jessica McDonald, Todd Pauls, Brad Viegut 3. Members of the Public Wishing to Be Heard (Comments will be limited to 5 minutes per speaker.) Dr. Erik Dickson, Angela Quick, Steve Little, Bob Kause, Elizabeth Johnson and Micky Judkins all spoke in favor of the Chippewa Valley Community Hospital and encouraged the committee and County Board to support their request for a $10 Million Loan from the Wisconsin Board of Commissioner of Public Lands. 4. Consent Agenda (Unless separation of an item is requested, all items will be adopted under one motion.) Motion: Approved Result: Passed (4 - 0) Mover: Karen Lotts Seconder: Joel Seidlitz Ayes: Jason Bergeron, Joel Seidlitz, Joseph Roshell, Karen Lotts Nayes: None Absent: Kari Ives 1. Approve the Agenda 2. Approve the Minutes - June 2, 2026 3. Schedule Next Meeting Date - July 7, 2026 5. Reports 6. Updates, Announcements, and Correspondence 1. County Board Chair Report a. District 6 County Board Supervisor Vacancy - Jason Bergeron Bergeron reported that Supervisor Goettl recently resigned from his position as District 6 Supervisor and sadly since Page 4 of 26 that time he has passed away. The County recruited for the vacancy and the deadline for applications is June 16th. We received three applications. His goal is to meet with the candidates and bring a recommendation to the July 14th County Board meeting for confirmation. b. County Treasurer Vacancy - Jason Bergeron Bergeron reported that Patty Schimmel has submitted her retirement notice effective October 9, 2026. His recommendation is to recruit and appoint someone to fill the remainder of the term through December 31, 2028. His goal is to bring a resolution to the Executive Committee and County Board in July to seek support for recruiting and appointing someone rather than hold a special election, which would not occur until April 2028. A second resolution would then come forward in September to appoint a new Treasurer. See the memo on file for more details. Patty Schimmel has worked for Chippewa County for 42 years. She expressed her support for the recruitment process as it will hopefully allow some cross-over time for her to help train the new person. Also, they are recruiting for a new Deputy Treasurer so there will be two new people in the office. 2. County Administrator Operation Report 7. Business Items 1. The Executive Committee will convene in Closed Session pursuant to Wisconsin State Statutes Sec. 19.85(1)(e)"Deliberating or negotiating the purchase of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session" (Discuss Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative Request for $10 Million Loan from the Wisconsin Board of Commissioner of Public Lands) Motion: Motion to recess to closed session at 5:02 p.m. Closed session to include the following: Andy Albarado, Traci Bremness, Todd Pauls, Leah Simington, all Executive Committee members and any other County Board Supervisors Result: (4 - 0) Mover: Karen Lotts Seconder: Joseph Roshell Ayes: Jason Bergeron, Joel Seidlitz, Joseph Roshell, Karen Lotts Nayes: None Absent: Kari Ives Motion to: Motion to allow Brad Viegut to attend closed session remotely. Result: Passed (4 - 0) Mover: Joel Seidlitz Seconder: Karen Lotts Ayes: Jason Bergeron, Joel Seidlitz, Joseph Roshell, Karen Lotts Nayes: None Absent: Kari Ives 2. The Executive Committee will reconvene to open session. Motion: Motion to reconvene to open session at 6:01 p.m. Result: Passed (4 - 0) Mover: Joel Seidlitz Seconder: Joseph Roshell Ayes: Jason Bergeron, Joel Seidlitz, Joseph Roshell, Karen Lotts Nayes: None Absent: Kari Ives 8. Agenda Items for Future Consideration Page 5 of 26 9. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at: 06:02 PM Result: Passed (4 - 0) Mover: Karen Lotts Seconder: Joseph Roshell Ayes: Jason Bergeron, Joel Seidlitz, Joseph Roshell, Karen Lotts Absent: Kari Ives Page 6 of 26 Statement of Explanation Resolution to Approve a Public-Private Partnership Agreement Between Chippewa County and Ntera, LLC, in Support of a Proposed Broadband Expansion Project by Ntera, LLC in Chippewa County - Andy Albarado/Ryan Hartzell 1 Passage of this resolution will approve a public-private partnership agreement between 2 Chippewa County and Ntera, LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company (“Ntera”), in support 3 of a proposed broadband expansion project by Ntera in Chippewa County that targets unserved 4 and underserved areas in eastern Chippewa County. 5 6 Chippewa County has long recognized that reliable, high-speed broadband is essential for 7 economic development, community connectivity, and overall quality of life. Ntera, operates 8 within the County and is proposing to expand fiber-based broadband infrastructure to residences 9 and businesses currently lacking adequate access. The County Board has demonstrated support 10 for past Ntera broadband expansion efforts in Chippewa County in Resolutions 21-21, 07-22 and 11 05-23. Passage of this resolution would demonstrate the County’s collaborative engagement 12 with Ntera to provide assistance in support of Ntera’s current broadband expansion project 13 efforts in Chippewa County. 14 15 The public-private partnership between Ntera and the County is intended to strengthen 16 Ntera’s grant application through the Wisconsin Public Service Commission’s Broadband 17 Expansion Grant Program for its proposed broadband expansion project in Chippewa County. 18 Passage of this resolution formalizes the County’s role and demonstrates local commitment 19 through the public-private partnership agreement - two factors that improve the competitiveness 20 of grant proposals. 21 22 Chippewa County’s contribution to the public-private partnership with Ntera will not 23 include any financial obligation. Rather, the County will assist Ntera with promotion of 24 community and stakeholder outreach efforts and education of community members of the 25 benefits of fiber-to-the-home, provide any needed meeting space subject to Chippewa County 26 policies, when available, and provide a streamlined process for obtaining any necessary permits 27 for the broadband expansion project from Chippewa County, when possible. 28 29 Through the public-private partnership with Ntera, the County aims to help eliminate 30 service disparities, support local economic growth, and ensure that interested households and 31 businesses within the project area can benefit from improved broadband access upon project 32 completion. Ntera has provided an anticipated project map, and the County supports that the 33 intended project area is unserved or underserved. 34 35 Passage of this Resolution affirms Chippewa County’s commitment to expanding 36 broadband capability and supporting Ntera’s efforts to secure state grant funding necessary to 37 bring much-needed connectivity improvements to the proposed project area in Chippewa 38 County. Page 7 of 26 Resolution No. Resolution to Approve a Public-Private Partnership Agreement Between Chippewa County and Ntera, LLC, in Support of a Proposed Broadband Expansion Project by Ntera, LLC in Chippewa County - Andy Albarado/Ryan Hartzell 39 WHEREAS, Chippewa County, Wisconsin, seeks to assist in providing access to resources and 40 the support structure necessary for economic development within its boundaries; and 41 42 WHEREAS, Ntera, LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company doing business in 43 Chippewa County (“Ntera”), proposes a public-private partnership with Chippewa County in 44 support of Ntera’s current efforts to expand fiber-based broadband capability to reach the 45 unserved and underserved residences and businesses in Chippewa County where such service is 46 currently unavailable or not readily available; and 47 48 WHEREAS, it is currently expected that the proposed broadband expansion would occur 49 in areas within Chippewa County, and that the enhanced broadband access and availability will 50 be utilized to position the area for desirable economic growth through addressing broadband 51 existing service disparities that now exist through drops to businesses and residential homes that 52 desire connection within the project area; and 53 54 WHEREAS, Ntera intends to submit an application for a Broadband Expansion Grant with 55 the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to expand access to broadband services in 56 Chippewa County, for which Ntera has requested the County’s support; and 57 58 WHEREAS, in support of Ntera’s application for a Broadband Expansion Grant, the 59 County and Ntera desire to engage in a public-private partnership in furtherance of which the 60 County would provide support for Ntera’s broadband expansion project by assisting Ntera with 61 promotion of community and stakeholder outreach efforts and education of community members 62 of the benefits of fiber-to-the-home, providing any needed meeting space subject to Chippewa 63 County policies, when available, and providing a streamlined process for obtaining any 64 necessary permits for the broadband expansion project from Chippewa County, when possible; 65 66 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the County Board does hereby approve the 67 public-private partnership agreement between Chippewa County and Ntera in support of Ntera’s 68 current proposed project to expand fiber-based broadband access and services to unserved and 69 underserved areas of eastern Chippewa County; and 70 71 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Board authorizes the County 72 Administrator to execute the public/private partnership agreement on behalf of Chippewa 73 County. 74 75 Forwarded to the County Board by the Executive Committee. 76 77 Financial Impact 78 By passage of this Resolution there is no fiscal impact to Chippewa County 79 80 Signatures 81 Approved as to Form: Page 8 of 26 Resolution No. Resolution to Approve a Public-Private Partnership Agreement Between Chippewa County and Ntera, LLC, in Support of a Proposed Broadband Expansion Project by Ntera, LLC in Chippewa County - Andy Albarado/Ryan Hartzell 82 County Administrator Finance Director Corporation Counsel 83 Page 9 of 26 Ntera Page 10 of 26 PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHIPPEWA COUNTY AND NTERA, LLC This Public-Private Partnership Agreement is made by and between Chippewa County, a Wisconsin body corporate and politic (“County”), and Ntera, LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company (“Ntera”). WHEREAS, Ntera is requesting Chippewa County’s support for its grant application to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission’s Broadband Expansion Grant Program (“Program”) for broadband infrastructure for unserved households and businesses within Chippewa County; and WHEREAS, Ntera proposes to support technology needs by expanding broadband capability to reach unserved residents and businesses within Chippewa County where such service is currently unavailable or prohibitively expensive; and WHEREAS, Ntera has made capital investments in Chippewa and surrounding counties, bringing state-of-the-art telecommunications and broadband infrastructure that provides access to affordable broadband for unserved communities; and WHEREAS, Ntera seeks to enter into a formal public-private partnership with the County to assist in the Program deeming as a Chippewa County partner in broadband construction and infrastructure; and WHEREAS, the Broadband Expansion Grant Program requires a formal public -private partnership to support Ntera’s grant application to provide broadband infrastructure access to Chippewa County areas deemed unserved; and WHEREAS, fiber broadband connectivity and reliability is critical infrastructure for the health, safety, and quality of life for community residents, including access to telemedicine, expansive economic development and growth, and opportunity for distance learning education assistance, which is critical to business expansion and education opportunities for all; and NOW, THEREFORE, in furtherance of this Agreement, the Parties agree that the County will provide support for Ntera’s Program grant application and broadband expansion project by assisting Ntera with promotion of community and stakeholder outreach efforts and education of community members of the benefits of fiber-to-the-home, providing any needed meeting space subject to Chippewa County policies, when available, and providing a streamlined process for obtaining any necessary permits for the broadband expansion project from Chippewa County, when possible. County of Chippewa: By:______________________________________ Dated: July ____________, 2026 Andy Albarado, County Administrator Ntera, LLC: By:______________________________________ Dated: July ____________, 2026 Ryan Hartzell, Vice President Page 11 of 26 Statement of Explanation Resolution to Approve a Public-Private Partnership Agreement Between Chippewa County and CTC Telcom, Inc., DBA Mosaic Technologies In Support of a Proposed Broadband Expansion Project by CTC Telcom, Inc., DBA Mosaic Technologies in Chippewa County - Andy Albarado/Chris Fitzgerald 1 Passage of this resolution will approve a public-private partnership agreement between 2 Chippewa County and CTC Telcom, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation, DBA Mosaic Technologies 3 (“Mosaic”), in support of a proposed broadband expansion project by Mosaic in Chippewa 4 County that targets unserved and underserved areas in eastern Chippewa County. 5 6 Chippewa County has long recognized that reliable, high-speed broadband is essential for 7 economic development, community connectivity, and overall quality of life. Mosaic, operates 8 within the County and is proposing to expand fiber-based broadband infrastructure to 9 residences and businesses currently lacking adequate access. The County Board has 10 demonstrated support for past Mosaic’s broadband expansion efforts in Chippewa County in 11 Resolutions 21-21, 07-22 and 05-23. Passage of this resolution would demonstrate the 12 County’s collaborative engagement with Mosaic to provide assistance in support of Mosaic’s 13 current broadband expansion project efforts in Chippewa County. 14 15 The public-private partnership between Mosaic and the County is intended to strengthen 16 Mosaic’s grant application through the Wisconsin Public Service Commission’s Broadband 17 Expansion Grant Program for its proposed broadband expansion project in Chippewa County. 18 Passage of this resolution formalizes the County’s role and demonstrates local commitment 19 through the public-private partnership agreement - two factors that improve the 20 competitiveness of grant proposals. 21 22 Chippewa County’s contribution to the public-private partnership with Mosaic will not 23 include any financial obligation. Rather, the County will assist Mosaic with promotion of 24 community and stakeholder outreach efforts and education of community members of the 25 benefits of fiber-to-the-home, provide any needed meeting space subject to Chippewa County 26 policies, when available, and provide a streamlined process for obtaining any necessary permits 27 for the broadband expansion project from Chippewa County, when possible. 28 29 Through the public-private partnership with Mosaic, the County aims to help eliminate 30 service disparities, support local economic growth, and ensure that interested households and 31 businesses within the project area can benefit from improved broadband access upon project 32 completion. Mosaic has provided an anticipated project map, and the County supports that the 33 intended project area is unserved or underserved. 34 35 Passage of this Resolution affirms Chippewa County’s commitment to expanding 36 broadband capability and supporting Mosaic’s efforts to secure state grant funding necessary to 37 bring much-needed connectivity improvements to the proposed project area in Chippewa 38 County. Page 12 of 26 Resolution No. Resolution to Approve a Public-Private Partnership Agreement Between Chippewa County and CTC Telcom, Inc., DBA Mosaic Technologies In Support of a Proposed Broadband Expansion Project by CTC Telcom, Inc., DBA Mosaic Technologies in Chippewa County - Andy Albarado/Chris Fitzgerald 39 WHEREAS, Chippewa County, Wisconsin, seeks to assist in providing access to resources 40 and the support structure necessary for economic development within its boundaries; and 41 42 WHEREAS, CTC Telcom, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation, DBA Mosaic Technologies in 43 Chippewa County (“Mosaic”), proposes a public-private partnership with Chippewa County in 44 support of Mosaic’s current efforts to expand fiber-based broadband capability to reach the 45 unserved and underserved residences and businesses in Chippewa County where such service is 46 currently unavailable or not readily available; and 47 48 WHEREAS, it is currently expected that the proposed broadband expansion would occur in 49 areas within Chippewa County, and that the enhanced broadband access and availability will be 50 utilized to position the area for desirable economic growth through addressing broadband 51 existing service disparities that now exist through drops to businesses and residential homes 52 that desire connection within the project area; and 53 54 WHEREAS, Mosaic intends to submit an application for a Broadband Expansion Grant with 55 the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to expand access to broadband services in 56 Chippewa County, for which Mosaic has requested the County’s support; and 57 58 WHEREAS, in support of Mosaic’s application for a Broadband Expansion Grant, the 59 County and Mosaic desire to engage in a public-private partnership in furtherance of which the 60 County would provide support for Mosaic’s broadband expansion project by assisting Mosaic 61 with promotion of community and stakeholder outreach efforts and education of community 62 members of the benefits of fiber-to-the-home, providing any needed meeting space subject to 63 Chippewa County policies, when available, and providing a streamlined process for obtaining 64 any necessary permits for the broadband expansion project from Chippewa County, when 65 possible; 66 67 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the County Board does hereby approve the 68 public-private partnership agreement between Chippewa County and Mosaic in support of 69 Mosaic’s current proposed project to expand fiber-based broadband access and services to 70 unserved and underserved areas of eastern Chippewa County; and 71 72 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Board authorizes the County Administrator to 73 execute the public/private partnership agreement on behalf of Chippewa County. 74 75 Forwarded to the County Board by the Executive Committee. 76 77 Financial Impact Page 13 of 26 Resolution No. Resolution to Approve a Public-Private Partnership Agreement Between Chippewa County and CTC Telcom, Inc., DBA Mosaic Technologies In Support of a Proposed Broadband Expansion Project by CTC Telcom, Inc., DBA Mosaic Technologies in Chippewa County - Andy Albarado/Chris Fitzgerald 78 By passage of this Resolution there is no fiscal impact to Chippewa County 79 80 Signatures 81 Approved as to Form: 82 County Administrator Finance Director Corporation Counsel 83 Page 14 of 26 06/30/2026 CTC Telcom, Inc. dba Mosaic Technologies We are applying for the eligible loca�ons in the Townships of Edson, Delmar, and Colburn, as well as the City of Stanley. Page 15 of 26 PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHIPPEWA COUNTY AND CTC TELCOM, INC., DBA MOSAIC TECHNOLOGIES This Public-Private Partnership Agreement is made by and between Chippewa County, a Wisconsin body corporate and politic (“County”), and CTC Telcom, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation, DBA Mosaic Technologies (“Mosaic”). WHEREAS, Mosaic is requesting Chippewa County’s support for its grant application to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission’s Broadband Expansion Grant Program (“Program”) for broadband infrastructure for unserved households and businesses within Chippewa County; and WHEREAS, Mosaic proposes to support technology needs by expanding broadband capability to reach unserved residents and businesses within Chippewa County where such service is currently unavailable or prohibitively expensive; and WHEREAS, Mosaic has made capital investments in Chippewa and surrounding counties, bringing state-of-the-art telecommunications and broadband infrastructure that provides access to affordable broadband for unserved communities; and WHEREAS, Mosaic seeks to enter into a formal public-private partnership with the County to assist in the Program deeming as a Chippewa County partner in broadband construction and infrastructure; and WHEREAS, the Broadband Expansion Grant Program requires a formal public -private partnership to support Mosaic’s grant application to provide broadband infrastructure access to Chippewa County areas deemed unserved; and WHEREAS, fiber broadband connectivity and reliability is critical infrastructure for the health, safety, and quality of life for community residents, including access to telemedicine, expansive economic development and growth, and opportunity for distance learning education assistance, which is critical to business expansion and education opportunities for all; and NOW, THEREFORE, in furtherance of this Agreement, the Parties agree that the County will provide support for Mosaic’s Program grant application and broadband expansion project by assisting Mosaic with promotion of community and stakeholder outreach efforts and education of community members of the benefits of fiber-to-the-home, providing any needed meeting space subject to Chippewa County policies, when available, and providing a streamlined process for obtaining any necessary permits for the broadband expansion project from Chippewa County, when possible. County of Chippewa: By:______________________________________ Dated: July ____________, 2026 Andy Albarado, County Administrator CTC Telcom, Inc., DBA Mosaic Technologies: By:______________________________________ Dated: July ____________, 2026 Chris Fitzgerald, Director of Public Relations Page 16 of 26 Statement of Explanation Resolution to Authorize County Board Appointment to Fill the Vacancy of the Position of County Treasurer - Andy Albarado 1 Passage of this resolution will authorize filling the future vacancy in the County 2 Treasurer position through appointment by the County Board. This resolution will authorize 3 the Executive Committee to be the committee responsible for the County Treasurer 4 recruitment process, including the interviewing of candidates for the position. 5 6 Due to the retirement of County Treasurer Patty Schimmel, effective October 9, 2026, 7 Chippewa County will need to fill the County Treasurer position for the remainder of Ms. 8 Schimmel’s unexpired term of office. Ms. Schimmel’s current term of office will end on 9 December 31, 2028. Pursuant to § 17.21(3), Wis. Stats., the vacancy in the County Treasurer 10 position may be filled by either County Board appointment or special election. Due to the 11 timing of the County Treasurer’s resignation, the soonest that a special election could be held is 12 April 6, 2027, which would result in the County Treasurer position remaining open for almost 7 13 months. However, by choosing to fill the County Treasurer position through appointment, the 14 County Board could potentially take action on the appointment as early as the September 8, 15 2026 regular meeting of the Board. 16 17 In 2011 and in 2017, the Chippewa County Executive Committee was responsible for 18 recruiting and recommending the person to fill the vacancies in the County Clerk position 19 created by the resignations of former County Clerks Kathy Bernier and Sandi Frion. As the 20 designated policy committee for the Offices of the County Clerk and County Treasurer, it is 21 appropriate that the Executive Committee again be authorized to conduct the recruitment of 22 the successor County Treasurer for eventual appointment by the County Board. The proposed 23 recruitment process timeline and job description are attached to this resolution. Page 17 of 26 Resolution No. Resolution to Authorize County Board Appointment to Fill the Vacancy of the Position of County Treasurer - Andy Albarado 24 WHEREAS, Patty Schimmel has announced her resignation as County Treasurer, effective 25 October 9, 2026; and 26 27 WHEREAS, pursuant to § 17.21(3), Wis. Stats., the future vacancy in the County Treasurer 28 position due to Ms. Schimmel’s resignation, effective October 9, 2026, may be filled either by 29 County Board appointment or special election, to serve the remainder of Ms. Schimmel’s 30 current term of office, which is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2028; and 31 32 WHEREAS, due to the timing of the County Treasurer’s resignation, the soonest that a 33 special election to fill the future vacancy in the County Treasurer position could be held is April 34 6, 2027, which would result in the Treasurer position remaining open for almost 7 months; and 35 36 WHEREAS, if the County Board chooses to fill the future vacancy through appointment, 37 the Board could potentially take action on the appointment as early as the September 8, 2026 38 meeting of the Board; and 39 40 WHEREAS, in 2011 and in 2017 the Executive Committee was responsible for recruiting 41 and recommending the persons to fill the vacancies in the County Clerk position created by the 42 resignations of former Clerk Kathy Bernier and Sandi Frion; and 43 44 WHEREAS, it is appropriate that the Executive Committee again be authorized to conduct 45 the recruitment for the successor County Treasurer for eventual appointment by the County 46 Board, as the Executive Committee is the policy committee for the Offices of the County Clerk 47 and County Treasurer; and 48 49 WHEREAS, the proposed job description and timeline for completing the recruitment for 50 the appointment of the successor County Treasurer are attached to this resolution; 51 52 NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to Sec. 17.21(3) of the Wisconsin 53 Statutes, the Chippewa County Board of Supervisors does hereby authorize filling the vacancy 54 in the County Treasurer position created by the resignation of County Treasurer Patty Schimmel 55 by County Board appointment; and 56 57 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Executive Committee is authorized to conduct the 58 recruitment of the successor County Treasurer and shall take all steps necessary to effectuate 59 that recruitment; and 60 61 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon completion of the recruitment process, the 62 Executive Committee shall present a resolution to the County Board with its recommendation 63 for appointment of a successor County Treasurer, to serve the remainder of Ms. Schimmel’s 64 unexpired term of office. 65 Page 18 of 26 Resolution No. Resolution to Authorize County Board Appointment to Fill the Vacancy of the Position of County Treasurer - Andy Albarado 66 Forwarded to the County Board by the Executive Committee. 67 68 Financial Impact 69 There is no fiscal impact to Chippewa County by passage of this resolution, aside from 70 normal recruitment expenses. 71 72 Signatures 73 Approved as to Form: 74 County Administrator Finance Director Corporation Counsel 75 Page 19 of 26 711 N. Bridge Street Traci Bremness Ph: (715) 726-4597 Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 Assistant to the County Administrator Fx: (715) 726-4599 Chippewa County Board Jason Bergeron, County Board Chair jbergeron@chippewacountywi.gov June 9, 2026 TO: County Board Supervisors FR: Jason Bergeron, County Board Chair RE: County Treasurer Vacancy Dear Fellow County Board Supervisors, This letter is to notify you that on June 3, 2026, Patty Schimmel submitted her notice to retire as County Treasurer effective October 9, 2026, after serving 42 years with Chippewa County. Patty is currently elected to fill the 2025-2028 term of office. As indicated in Wisconsin State Statute, the County Board could fill the vacancy by appointment, or we could hold a special election to fill the vacancy, since it is occurring in the middle of the term (before June 1 in the year preceding expiration). The statue is included below for your reference. 17.21 Vacancies in elective county offices; how filled; term. Vacancies in elective county offices shall be filled in the manner and for terms as follows: (1) Sheriff, coroner, register of deeds. In the office of sheriff, coroner or register of deeds, by appointment by the governor for the residue of the unexpired term. (3) County clerk, treasurer, and surveyor. In the office of county clerk, treasurer, or surveyor, by appointment by the county board for the residue of the unexpired term unless a special election is ordered by the county board, in which case the person appointed shall serve until his or her successor is elected and qualified. The county board may, if a vacancy occurs before June 1 in the year preceding expiration of the term of office, order a special election to fill the vacancy. If the county board orders a special election during the period beginning on June 1 and ending on November 30 of any year, the special election shall be held concurrently with the succeeding spring election. If the county board orders a special election during the period beginning on December 1 and ending on May 31 of the succeeding year, the special election shall be held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November following the date of the order. A person so elected shall serve for the residue of the unexpired term. Recommendation to Fill Vacancy by Appointment Chippewa County has addressed similar vacancies twice over the last 15 years; both situations were to fill the County Clerk vacancy due to resignations. My recommendation is that we follow a similar process for this vacancy as well. I encourage the County Board to fill the position by appointment, rather than incurring the time and expense of a special election. Also, the special election wouldn’t happen until April 2027, which creates a significant issue in performing statutory duties until the election would happen. In addition, I encourage this recruitment process to occur promptly so whomever would be appointed Treasurer could start employment as an LTE prior to Patty Schimmel’s last day. This would allow some overlap for the new person to train with Patty. This is critical as there are only four employees in that office and our Deputy Treasurer has already given her retirement notice effective at the end of July, so we will have a new person in that position and a new Treasurer. If the new Treasurer is approved for appointment by the County Board, then the newly appointed individual would transition on October 10, 2026, from the LTE position to the County Treasurer position. The appointed individual will serve the remainder of the term through November 2028. Page 20 of 26 711 N. Bridge Street Traci Bremness Ph: (715) 726-4597 Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 Assistant to the County Administrator Fx: (715) 726-4599 Page 2 Recruitment/Appointment Timeline I’ve included a draft timeline below that could be used for the recruitment/appointment process This involves bringing a resolution to the County Board twice. The first resolution would be to seek support for the recruitment process and the second would be to appoint a new County Treasurer. 06/02/26 Resignation notice submitted effective 10/09/26 07/07/26 Executive Committee – Present resolution supporting recruitment process 07/14/26 County Board – Present resolution supporting recruitment process 07/15/26 HR – Public Recruitment Starts 07/29/26 HR – Public Recruitment Closes 08/04/26 Executive Committee – Closed Session to review applications and select finalists for interviews 08/10/26 Executive Committee – Closed Sessions to Conduct Interviews in the evening 08/11 – 08/14/26 HR – Conduct reference checks on behalf of Executive Committee following interviews 08/18/26 Executive Committee – Closed Session to discuss reference checks and finalize selection 08/19/26 HR – Make offer of employment on behalf of Executive Committee 09/01/26 Executive Committee – Present resolution to appoint new Treasurer 09/08/26 County Board – Present resolution to appoint new Treasurer Possible start dates for the new Treasurer, depending on need for notice: • 09/28/26 start as an LTE and have 2 weeks with Patty before she leaves • 10/12/26 official start date as County Treasurer If the County were to hold a special election, that would occur on April 6, 2027. In addition, the County would need to hire someone to temporarily perform the statutory duties of the Treasurer at one of the busiest times of the year for that office, and that would be an additional unbudgeted cost to the County. A brief timeline for election process is included below. • October 10, 2026 Vacancy effective • April 6, 2027 Spring election • December 31, 2028 End of current 2025-2028 term • January 1, 2029 New 2029-2032 term of office starts – ends on January 2, 2033 I want to thank Patty Schimmel for her extraordinary service and dedication to the citizens of Chippewa County and wish her all the best in her much deserved retirement. If you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Jason Bergeron County Board Chair Page 21 of 26 DRAFT COUNTY TREASURER Chippewa County has a temporary full time appointment available for the position of County Treasurer. This appointment will be from October 2026 to January 1, 2029. As the County Treasurer is an elected position, to continue as County Treasurer after January 1, 2029, the successful candidate will need to enter the 2028 primary and general elections for County Treasurer and prevail in those elections. Minimum Qualifications: Must be at least 18 years of age and eligible to vote in Chippewa County. Preferred, not Required Qualifications: Associate’s degree in Accounting or related field with a minimum of three years recent accounting and supervisory experience. Knowledge of property tax cycle, work experience in electronic banking, and knowledge of property legal descriptions preferred. Strong computer skills and customer service skills is also preferred. Working knowledge of the duties of the County Treasurer as defined by Wisconsin State Statute § 59.25 preferred. A full job description is located on the Chippewa County website. Interviews for this position are scheduled for August 10, 2026 in the evening. Annual Salary: The compensation for the Treasurer is indicated below as approved by the County Board via Resolution 08-24, plus excellent fringe benefit package. 2026 - $83,713.67 (prorated) 2027 - $85,387.94 2028 - $87,095.70 Benefits: Health Insurance offered through AmeriBen (Anthem BluePreferred Network) is a high- deductible plan with low monthly premiums. Includes Near-Site Clinic at ReforMedicine with $0 cost office visits, physicals, labs, etc. and physical therapy services at Doctors of Physical Therapy with $0 cost for visits! Wisconsin Retirement System pension! Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, Dependent Care, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, and Disability Insurance offered. For more information on Chippewa County’s Benefits visit: https://www.chippewacountywi.gov/197/Employee- Benefits To Apply: A Chippewa County Application form is required. Applications will only be accepted through the online application process at www.chippewacountywi.gov under Career Opportunities. Applications must be submitted electronically by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Application materials received after that date and time will not be considered. EOE. Page 22 of 26 Chippewa County – Job Description Page 1 Rev. June 2026 CHIPPEWA COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: County Treasurer FLSA: Exempt Salary Range: by Resolution Reports To: Executive Committee Department: County Treasurer Date: June 2026 JOB SUMMARY The job duties of a County Treasurer are defined by county ordinances and state statutes and include but are not limited to receiving and disbursing all money belonging to the County, keep a true and accurate account of the receipt and expenditure of all money, organize, plan, implement, and direct the business office activities and operations of the Treasurer’s Office. Duties shall be performed with independent judgment and discretion in the performance of complex administrative management, operational, and financial functions. Duties include supervising personnel and providing responsive, courteous and efficient service to County departments, residents and the general public. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The duties described below are indicative of what the County Treasurer may perform. This job description is to incorporate any county ordinances created for the position of County Treasurer. This is not an exhaustive list of job responsibilities and therefore other duties may be added at a later date: • Receive and reconcile all money from all sources belonging to the County. • Disburse all money belonging to the County. • Keep a true and accurate account of the receipts and expenditures of all money belonging to the County. • Provide confidential administrative and management support services to the Treasurer’s Office. • Generate a positive image for the Treasurer’s Office by communicating detailed and accurate information with internal/external customers in a timely and efficient manner, conducting such business in a professional manner. • Administer and monitor all office operations and provide instruction to office personnel. Conduct performance reviews and recommend discipline. Interview and select new department employees. Approve work schedules, vacation and leave time for department personnel. • Supervise and manage new employee training. • Make recommendations regarding the analysis and review of policies, procedures, and workflow. • Make investment decisions as part of the Investment Panel, along with the Administrator and Finance Director. • Assist with policy research and analysis of County programs and services and other public policy issues. • Develop, prepare and monitor the budget for the Treasurer’s Office. • Respond to written and verbal inquiries concerning department functions or records. • Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual payments and reports to the State according to statutory requirements. • Produce tax rolls and tax bills for the municipalities . Provide direction to the municipal clerks/treasurers in regard to mill rates, tax collections and electronic data transfer of tax information. • Collect first installment of the current year taxes for the City of Eau Claire located in Chippewa County. • Balance municipality collections to the county totals after December & January tax collections. • Calculate January, February, Lottery Credit and A ugust tax settlements and disburse according to State statute. • Annually on September 1 st, issue a tax certificate for unpaid current year taxes. Page 23 of 26 Chippewa County – Job Description Page 2 Rev. June 2026 • Provide training and assistance to other county departments in cash receipting. • Reconcile department Springbrook cash receipt batches. • Receive and receipt real estate tax payments and general fund monies received by mail, over the counter, or by wire transfer and ACH. • Maintain daily receipt and expenditure records, reconcile cash, cancelled checks and bank deposits , and prepare monthly cash analysis. • Mail accounts payable checks. • Prepare the Tax Deed in Rem. • Sign plats and timber cutting permits. • Answer inquiries from the general public. • Review, interpret and comply with federal law, state statutes, supreme court rules, district and local court rules, county code and municipal code, contracts and policies; conduct legal research. • Coordinate with local media to inform the public of the department’s mission, policies and practices in a positive, consistent and credible manner. • Develop and implement office policies and procedures. • Regularly attend Executive Committee meetings. • Other duties as assigned by the County Board. Customers: • All members of the public that utilize services provided by the Treasurer’s Office.. • Any County and local municipal employees who need our services. Team Members: • Employees of the Treasurer’s office. • Employees of all County offices. WORK SCHEDULE The hours of work for the position are generally Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.. Early morning, late afternoon, evening hours, and occasional weekend hours may be required for meetings, tax bill calculating and printing and other duties assigned to the County Treasurer’s Office. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required at the time of hire. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE • An elected official must meet Wisconsin Statutory requirements for County elected officials and must be at least 18 years of age and eligible to vote in Chippewa County. • Associate’s degree in Accounting or a related field preferred. • Three (3) years recent accounting and supervisory experience preferred. • Working knowledge of the duties of the County Treasurer as defined by Wisconsin State Statute Chapter 59.25 preferred. • Knowledge of property tax collection process as defined in Wisconsin State Statute Chapter 74 preferred. • Work experience in electronic banking preferred. • Knowledge of property legal descriptions preferred. • Strong computer and customer service skills preferred. • Must be bondable. • Must successfully complete a criminal background check. Page 24 of 26 Chippewa County – Job Description Page 3 Rev. June 2026 SKILLS AND ABILITIES • Ability to maintain a professional demeanor when dealing with the public. • Ability to perform detailed work accurately in compliance with time limits. • Ability to manage multiple projects. • Ability to take control of situations in a responsible manner. • Ability to comprehend, retain and apply County, State, and Federal policies and legislation, i.e. local ordinances, procedure manuals, codes, etc. EQUIPMENT KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED • Ability to operate various types of equipment – standard office equipment, computer and intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office software. • Other equipment could be required. LANGUAGE SKILLS • Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the staff, supervisor, and the public. • Ability to communicate in both written and verbal form. • Ability to handle sensitive situations calmly and tactfully. • Ability to develop, interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations; MSDS sheets, safety manuals; and warning labels. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS • Ability to perform complex mathematical calculations. • Ability to prepare budget, including line item budgeting systems. REASONING ABILITY • Ability to respond to complaints and grievances posed by the public. • Ability to define problems and deal with a variety of situations. • Ability to think quickly, maintains self-control, and adapt to stressful situations. • Ability to use good judgement and effectively solve problems. PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical and work environments described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. Physical Environment: • The duties of this job include physical activities such as stooping, kneeling, sitting, standing, reaching, walking, lifting and/or move (up to 10 pounds), grasping, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, and repetitive motions. • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus. • Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing skilled movements such as rapid keyboarding. Ability to operate office equipment and machinery requiring simple but continuous adjustments, such as computer keyboard, calculator/adding machine, photocopier, telephone, fax machine, scanner, paper shredder. • Ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. • Ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration. Work Environment: • Works primarily in an office setting. Page 25 of 26 County Clerk Deputy Clerks Jaclyn J. Sadler 711 N. Bridge Street, Room 109 Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 Phone 715.726.7985 FAX 715.726.7987 To: Executive Committee Members Re: Proposal to Increase Marriage License Application Fee for 2027 Budget Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026 Proposal to Increase Marriage License Fee from $90 to $100 Background The current marriage license fee in Chippewa County is $90. The fee was last increased in 2021 from the previous rate and has been adjusted periodically over the years to help support the administrative costs associated with processing marriage license applications and maintaining related records. Historical marriage license fee increases include: • 2002: Increased to $60 • 2009: Increased to $70 • 2015: Increased to $75 • 2021: Increased to $90 Surrounding County Comparison Marriage license fees in neighboring counties are listed below. At $90, Chippewa County is below several surrounding counties and is tied with Barron County as one of the lower fees in the area. County Fee Eau Claire County $105 Dunn County $100 Rusk County $100 Barron County $90 St. Croix County $100 Clark County $75 Taylor County $100 Proposed Fee Increase It is proposed that Chippewa County increase the marriage license fee from $90 to $100. Based on 2025 issuance numbers, this increase would generate approximately an estimated additional $3,700 in annual revenue. For comparison, increasing the fee to $95 would generate approximately $1,850 in additional annual revenue. Recommendation Increasing the marriage license fee to $100 would bring Chippewa County in line with several neighboring counties, provide additional revenue to support the administration of marriage license services, and maintain a fee structure consistent with surrounding jurisdictions. Staff recommends approval of the proposed increase from $90 to $100, effective January 1, 2027. Amanda S. Richardson 715.726.7980 Lisa A. Merrell 715.726.7982 Page 26 of 26