Bayfield County Board Meeting, 6:00 PM, August 25, 2026

1 Bayfield County Clerk Lynn M. Divine, County Clerk Jeran Delaine Deputy Clerk Erin Tibbits Clerk II Ph: 715.373.6100 ● Fx: 715.373.6153 ● Email: Lynn.Divine@bayfieldcounty.wi.gov ● 117 E. Fifth Street, PO Box 878, Washburn, WI 54891 BAYFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Jan Lee, Chair, Fred Strand, Vice-Chair Steve Sandstrom, Jamie Tucker, Larry Fickbohm, Charly Ray, Jeffrey Olsen, Dennis Pocernich, Jeff Holte, Marty Milanowski, Jackie Roguski, James Crandall, Sue Rosa RE: August 25, 2026, Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Dear Supervisors: Please be advised that the monthly meeting of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. This meeting will be held in-person in the Bayfield County Board Room at 117 E 5th St Washburn, WI. Supervisors and the public will be able to participate in the meeting in-person or remotely via voice either by using the internet link or phone number below. ______________________________________________________________________________ Microsoft Teams meeting Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/272028777258043?p=t2FAdk4q1rpRxnZ 0SF Meeting ID: 272 028 777 258 043 Passcode: DG98DR2W Need help? | System reference Dial in by phone +1 715-318-2087,,173174155# United States, Eau Claire Find a local number Phone conference ID: 173 174 155# For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN Please contact Bayfield County at 715-373-6181 or 715-373-6100. If you have access questions prior to the meeting. During the meeting if you have connection issues, please email mark.abeles-allison@bayfieldcounty.wi.gov. 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Pledge of Allegiance 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. 2 4. Discussion and Possible Action, minutes July 28, 2026 5. Recognition Resolutions a. Bayfield County Resolution 2026-74 Appreciation of Town, City, Village, County Clerks, and Election Workers for a Smooth August 11, 2026 Primary Election b. Bayfield County Resolution 2026-75, 2026 Bayfield County Fair Recognition and Report c. Bayfield County Resolution 2026-76 Recognition of Badgerland Midways 6. 2025 Audit Report, Baker Tilly, Vanessa Kane, County Auditor 7. Discussion Countywide Emergency Medical Services Rollout Plans, Meagan Quaderer 8. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Ad Hoc Bayfield County EMS Planning Committee Appointments 9. Public Comment: Limited to 3 minutes per person, 15 minutes maximum. The County Board welcomes and encourages public comments but will not respond to questions or provide feedback during the public comment period. A topic raised during public comment may be added to a future Board or Committee agenda for additional discussion. 10. Discussion regarding Zoning Committee Recommendation for a Data Center Moratorium Ordinance 11. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Consent Agenda items: a. Bayfield County Resolution 2026-77 Condemnation Committee Compensation b. Bayfield County Resolution 2026-78 Dome Project/IT Capital Improvement Budget Amendment c. Bayfield County Resolution 2026-79 Establishing a Device Depreciation and Distribution Policy and Approving Donation of Digital Navigator Program Devices to the Northwest WI Workforce Invest Board d. Bayfield County Resolution 2026-80 Law Enforcement Mental Health Grant Support Resolution e. Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve f. Bayfield County Amendatory Ordinance 2026-10, Larry & Judith Hinz Property Rezoning from Residential-2 (R-2) to Residential-1 (R-1) 12. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Bayfield County Resolution 2026-81, EMS Sustainability and Statewide Funding Resolution, Advocating Statewide Investment, Modernization and Workforce Support for EMS 13. Reports a. Discussion regarding 2027 budget and plans for Short Term Borrowing. b. Housing Update c. Delta Dam on Scenic Drive Update d. Dept. of Energy Project Update, Grand View, Cable and Washburn Forestry Buildings. e. WCA Resolutions f. September Executive Committee Budget 2027 Meetings: o Thursday, September 10th at 4pm, Regular Exec Meeting and Budget Presentation o Monday September 14th at 4pm o Wednesday, September 16th at 4pm o Monday, September 28th at 4pm 3 14. Future County Board Meeting Dates: a. September 29, 2026 b. October 27, 2026 c. November 10, 2026 d. December: possible skip 15. Supervisors’ Reports: 16. The Board may entertain a motion to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(e), which permits a closed session for 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. The Board may reconvene in open session and take action as appropriate. a. Discussion Regarding Pigeon Lake Property Purchase/Sale 17. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Pigeon Lake Property Purchase/Sale. 18. Adjournment. Sincerely, LYNN M. DIVINE Bayfield County Clerk LMD/ejt County Board Narrative, August 25, 2027 Item 5: Recognitions a. August 11 Election went smoothly. This resolution recognizes the many who make this possible. b. The Bayfield County Fair is an event the county prepares for all year long. This year had great attendance and participation. This resolution recognizes those involved. c. The Fair Carnival is always a major attraction. This year’s carnival had more rides and activities and was big draw. This resolution recognizes Badgerland Midways Item 6: Vanessa Kane with Baker Tilly Auditors will be present for the 2025 Audit Report. Usually, we do not get this until after the budget is submitted. This year we get it in advance. Books will be available at the meeting. Item 7: EM has worked hard over the past month getting a project draft in place. Meagan and Bryan will share an outline of the countywide EMS funding plan for 2027. Attached please find an executive summary and a draft of the entire proposal document. Item 8. Meagan and Bryan have distributed sign-up sheets for those interested in being on the planning committee. Based on responses to date, they propose the following (note there are two municipal and one tribal vacancy as of Thursday, August 20). Ad Hoc Bayfield County EMS Planning Committee Purpose: The Ad Hoc EMS Advisory Committee will support ongoing system improvement, coordination, and strategic planning across Bayfield County’s EMS network. This structure is intended to strengthen communication, enhance service delivery, and ensure collaborative decision-making among EMS partners and county leadership. The following individuals are recommended for appointment to the Bayfield County Ad Hoc EMS Planning Advisory Committee: • Marty Milanowski – County Board • Jeff Holte – County Board • Lyn Cornelius – Bayfield EMS and Mayor, City of Bayfield • Joseph Lebouton – Washburn EMS • John Swanson – AFD • Dr. John White – Tamarack Health • Municipal Leadership – Vacant • Municipal Leadership – Vacant • Tribal Leadership – Vacant • PSAP Director – Vacant (Ryan Matthews presumed until the director position is filled) Advisory Members (Non-Voting) • James Small • Meagan Quaderer • Bryan Ziemann • Mark Abeles-Allison • Kelly Westlund Item 10: The Planning & Zoning Committee recommended review and discussion of a draft proposed ordinance for a data center moratorium, based in large part on policies from Manitowoc and Sawyer Counties. The moratorium is intended to provide adequate time for the development of a regulatory framework to be included in the zoning code rewrite. The draft has not been vetted by the Zoning Department or Corp Counsel but has been included for the purpose of discussion. The highlighted sections were points of discussion, not yet resolved, at the committee level. Intent is to refine this draft and bring back to the County Board in September. Item 11: Consent Agenda. Items can be voted on as a group. Any item may be pulled and voted on individually. a. The Executive Committee approved this updated condemnation committee resolution. b. The Exec Committee approved this budget amendment, lowering fund balance for the Dome project by a significant IT project savings. c. The Exec Committee approved this resolution; it allows devices from the digital navigator grant to go to Northwest Workforce Investment Board upon the end of PSC funding this coming October. d. The Sheriff Committee approved this resolution for a two-year mental health grant for law enforcement, jail and dispatch employees throughout Bayfield County. e. The Sheriff Committee supported this statement of support for the Guard and Reserves. f. The Planning and Zoning Committee recommended approval of this rezone request in the Town of Namakagon from R-2 to R-1 on Tax ID 23931. Item 12: This is an Emergency Resolution to WCA for their resolutions platform. It addresses / proposes an increased role for the state in Rural and Statewide EMS. The deadline has passed and the committee has already met, however, in extreme situations they may consider a proposal from the floor. Item 13: a. It is the plan of the county to issue short term bonding / promissory notes for projects in 2027 at the September County Board Meeting to be issued on or about October 22, before the annual budget is approved. b. Housing Update: i. Work continues on permitting for the Habitat/CheqBUILT development adjacent to Aurora Place. The WEDC Fellow is soliciting estimates for work to develop a site plan. ii. In Iron River, we’re exploring potential opportunities (tax credits and TIF) in two locations – County-owned property near the fairground, which would require infrastructure installation, and underutilized parcels owned by other entities near Bayfield Electric Co-op, which would need substantial title work. iii. The senior housing effort in Cornucopia is moving forward – the group has formed an LLC and has solicited A&E work on several parcels. iv. Testing for hazardous materials at the Ondossagon School is scheduled to begin in September, thanks to a WEDC grant. After, we’ll have a better sense of the full scope of work. c. The Delta Dam is in the Town of Delta on Scenic Drive Road. Repairs at the dam are needed as identified by the DNR, but there are no responsible parties / owners of record of the dam. The county does not believe this is a county dam. The Town states it is not a town dam. The property owners, the land on which the land sits have not said anything. The County has reached out to the Town to help schedule an informational meeting with residents, lake homeowners. The Town has said they do not want to be involved unless they are determined to be the owner of record. I would recommend that the county proceed with an informational meeting. My concern is that without an owner of record the condition of the dam will worsen. Options for dam owner: o Town o County o Lake Association o Other, DNR? d. Department of Energy projects at the Grand View, Cable and Washburn Forestry buildings will be moving ahead this coming month as approvals to proceed are in hand. The other projects are still waiting for final approvals through DOE. e. Bayfield County’s WCA platform resolutions are all recommended for adoption. This includes the following with ADOPT recommendation. • Resolution #1: Payments to Towns with County Forest: ADOPT • Resolution #6: Public Private Partnerships. ADOPT • Resolution #21: Local Fleet Efficiency. ADOPT • Resolution #22: Intercounty CJCC Collaboration. ADOPT • Resolution #24: Removal of State Sales Tax on Public Road Construction: ADOPT • Resolution #35: Support Knowles-Nelson: ADOPT f. Special Exec Committee meetings are planned in September for the 2027 budget. We have invited the three largest departments/funds, Sheriff, Highway and Human Services to the September 10 meeting. All county board members are invited to attend. Three additional sessions are scheduled. Item 14: The November County Board meeting will be on the second Tuesday of the month, following the general election. This date is November 10. Bayfield County Clerk Lynn M. Divine Jeran Delaine, Deputy Clerk Erin Tibbits, Clerk 11 Ph: 715.373.6100 ● Email: Lynn.Divine@bayfieldcounty.wi.gov ● 117 E. Fifth Street, PO Box 878, Washburn, WI 54891 MINUTES MONTHLY MEETING of the BAYFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS July 28, 2026 Meeting held in the Bayfield County Boardroom, Courthouse, Washburn WI Call to Order: The monthly meeting of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Jan Lee. Roll Call was taken by County Clerk Lynn Divine, as follows: Steve Sanstrom – present; Jamie Tucker – present; Larry Fickbohm – present; Charly Ray – present; Jan Lee – present; Jeff Olsen – present; Dennis Pocerncih – present; Fred Strand – present; Jeff Holte – present; Marty Milanowski – present; Jackie Roguski – present; Jim Crandall – present; Sue Rosa – present. Present-13; Absent-0. A quorum was present to conduct business. Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison, County Administrator; Kelly Westlund, Deputy Administrator (remote); Lynn M. Divine, County Clerk; Erin Tibbits, Clerk II; James Small, Wisconsin Office of Rural Health; Meagan Quaderer, EMS/PSAP Director; Brian Zieman, EMS Coordinator; Ryan Matthews, Dispatch Coordinator; Karl Green, UW-Extension, representatives from RFP service providers and other members of the public. Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. Approval of June 30, 2026, July 9, 2026, and July 15, 2026 Minutes: Pocernich made a motion to approve the June 30, 2026, July 9, 2026 and July 15, 2026 meeting Minutes, seconded by Milanowski. Motion carried. Yes-13: No-0; Absent-0. Public Comment: Rich Nemitz-Town of Iron River, concerned with EMS supplemental service. Rick Forsythe-Town of Iron River, concerned with EMS supplemental service. Micky Budge-Town of Port Wing, concerned with Essentia Health as a supplemental EMS service, in support of moratorium on data centers in Bayfield County, and in support of defunding flock cameras in Bayfield County. Christopher LaForge-City of Washburn, (remote) thanked county board for working to improve EMS issues and stated concerns regarding data centers coming into the area. Gayle Gonsior-Town of Port Wing, (remote) in support of a moratorium on data centers in the area and the defunding of flock cameras in the county. Jeff Silbert-City of Washburn, (remote) spoke in support of a moratorium on data centers in the area. Mike Garnich-Town of Bayview, in support of identifying a long-term EMS solution to serve the county 24/7 and the establishment of an ambulance district. Tygar Leveque-Town of Port Wing, spoke about the need to recruit younger generations in the local area to fill the EMS positions. Ray made a motion to extend public comment by 15 minutes, seconded by Holte. Motion carried. Yes-13; No-0; Absent-0. Kim Suske-Town of Bayview, in support of moratorium on data centers in the county. B.J. Havlik- City of Bayfield, in support of moratorium on data centers in the county. Lois Palmer-Town of Clover, opposed redesignation of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore to a National Park, suggested offering online EMT classes to junior and seniors in high school and the need for Bayfield County to have its own EMS service. Joe Schick-Village of Mason, in support of staying with existing EMS services with the county paying for full-time EMTs for local municipalities. Carl Broberg-City of Washburn, in support of blended BLS/ALS EMS service and spoke on the issue of not having enough local volunteers. Heath Johnson-Town of Port Wing, in support of more funding for EMS training/recruitment for county residents and against data centers coming into the area. Lois Palmer-Town of Clover, spoke about the influx of people in the summer and lack of EMS services to help everyone that may need assistance. Data Center Presentation by Karl Green from UWEX. Green stated that there has been no request for a data center in the area, and that he was asked to speak as a proactive measure. Green discussed why data centers are looking to come to Wisconsin, local government regulations, county zoning versus municipal zoning, development standards, moratoriums, tax benefits and risks, levy limits, and net new construction. Consent Agenda a. Bayfield County Resolution 2026-70, Defining the Purpose, Scope and Amount of the Human Service Risk Reserve b. Bayfield County Resolution 2026-71, Amending the 2026 Budget Authorizing Acceptance and Budget Allocation for the FY26 NG9-1-1 GIS Grant Program Track 2 Grant No. 2026- GR02 c. Bayfield County Resolution 2026-72, Budget Amendment for 111 E 7th Street Property Purchase d. Bayfield County Resolution 2026-73, 4-H CANSKI 2025-2026 Season Budget Amendment Milanowski made a motion to approve Consent Agenda items a-d, seconded by Sandstrom. Pocernich asked for confirmation that the $5,000 requested in item c for maintenance on property 111 E 7th Street will come out of the general fund. Abeles-Allison confirmed. Roll Call Vote to Approve Consent Agenda: Rosa – Yes; Roguski – Yes; Holte – Yes; Pocernich – Yes; Lee – Yes; Fickbohm – Yes; Sandstrom – Yes; Tucker – Yes; Ray – Yes; Olsen – Yes; Strand – Yes; Milanowski – Yes; Crandall – Yes. Motion carried. Yes-13; No-0; Absent-0. EMS Proposal, Public Input Sessions: EMS/PSAP Director Meagan Quaderer spoke on the two public input forums held on July 22nd and 23rd. She gave a summary of She said the next step is for the board to decide what direction to go. Board members asked questions and discussed EMS issues within the county and possible solutions. Some board members spoke in support of supporting local EMS providers by funding more recruitment, better reimbursement, more service coordination and more financial compensation for volunteers. Other board members spoke in support of a supplemental EMS service to help solve short-term problems with a need to work on a long-term solution. James Small spoke about EMS districts. Pocernich made a motion to move agenda item 10 to the next act of business before going into Closed Session, seconded by Ray. Motion carried. Yes-13; No-0; Absent-0. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding EMS Proposals and Feedback Received at Public Information Sessions. Strand made a motion to budget $1,000,000 in 2027 for financial assistance to the existing EMS service providers, seconded by Pocernich with an amendment to include helping the agencies with volunteer recruitment, training and retention; to provide and facilitate coordination and cooperation between the existing entities; to help facilitate RFPs and contracts for professional EMS and to financially include an increase in on-call pay and support for more hybrid services, along with other initiatives that improve a positive outcome in a timely fashion, and to include a professional evaluation system based on the specified conditions. Strand seconded the amended motion. Roll Call vote to approve amendment to the motion: Milanowski – Yes; Strand – Yes; Sandstrom – No; Tucker – Yes; Fickbohm – No; Lee – No; Roguski – Yes; Crandall – Yes; Rosa – No; Ray – Yes; Olsen – No; Pocernich – Yes; Holte – Yes. Motion carried. Yes-8; No-5; Absent-0. Roll Call vote to approve original motion with amendment.: Rosa – No; Lee – No; Sandstrom – No; Tucker – No; Holte – Yes; Ray – Yes; Fickbohm – Yes; Olsen – No; Pocernich – Yes; Milanowski – Yes; Roguski – Yes; Crandall – No; Strand – Yes. Motion carried. Yes-7; No-6; Absent-0. Reports: Abeles-Allison spoke on the courthouse dome repair project and stated that plans and contracts have been finalized with a start date of March 15, 2027. He provided an update on the 2027 budget process, stating that there will be a detailed budget review at the August Executive Committee meeting. The Personnel Committee meeting will be held at 2:30 p.m. that same day (August 13th). He added that the sign-up sheet for county fair volunteers is on the county website. Future County Board Meetings: a. August 25, 2026 b. September 29, 2026 c. October 27, 2026 Rosa asked, if by voting for the amended motion for item 10, if that precludes the possibility of accepting and voting on one of the EMS supplemental proposals. It was confirmed that it did. Supervisor’s Reports: Lee stated that Mike Amman was appointed by Governor Tony Evers to serve on the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board. Mike works for the Bayfield County Forestry Department. Closed Session: Motion made by Pocernich at 8:56 p.m. to enter into Closed Session, seconded by Crandall. Roll call vote: Sandstrom – Yes; Rosa – Yes; Tucker – Yes; Crandall – Yes; Fickbohm – Yes; Roguski – Yes; Ray – Yes; Milanowski – Yes; Lee – Yes; Holte – Yes; Olsen – Yes; Strand – Yes; Pocernich – Yes. Motion carried. Yes-13; No-0; Absent-0. At 9:08 p.m. Milanowski made a motion to return to Open Session, seconded by Pocernich. Motion Carried. Yes-13; No-0; Absent-0. Adjournment: Tucker made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Milanowski. Motion carried. Yes-13; No-0; Absent-0. There being no further business to discuss, Lee adjourned the meeting at 9:08 p.m. Respectfully submitted Lynn M. Divine Bayfield County Clerk lmd/ejt Copies of Bayfield County Resolutions may be obtained by contacting the Bayfield County Clerk’s Office at (715) 373-6100 The Bayfield County Code of Ordinances can be found at https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/752/County-Ordinances Rosa asked if by voting for the amended motion for item 10, if that precludes the possibility of accepting and voting on one of the EMS supplemental proposals. It was confirmed that it did. Supervisor’s Reports: Lee stated that Mike Ammen was appointed by Gov. Tony Evers to serve on the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board. Mike works for Bayfield County Foresty Department. Appreciation of Town, City, Village, County Clerks and Election Workers For a Smooth August 11, 2026 Primary Election WHEREAS, the right to vote is one of the most important Constitutional Rights of the American People; and, WHEREAS, the election process and its safeguards are equally as important to voters of the United States; and, WHEREAS, County Clerks, Municipal Clerks and Election Workers carry out these safeguards to maintain the integrity of our election process; and, WHEREAS, the ever-increasing complexities and challenges made for a long day and night for both Clerks and Election Workers; and, WHEREAS, despite these challenges, clerks and election workers made the Constitutional Right of Voting a smooth and seamless process; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 25th day of August 2026, shares its sincere appreciation for the planning, effort and time all municipal clerks and election workers spent to ensure a successful primary election day on August 11, 2026. By Action of the: Bayfield County Board of Supervisors ____________________________________________ Jan Lee, 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. 2026-74, Volume 30, adopted by the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors at their meeting held on the 25th day of August 2026. _________________________________________ Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk Resolution No. 2026-74 Resolution No. 2026-75 2026 Bayfield County Fair Recognition WHEREAS, the County Fair celebrates Bayfield County, its people, culture and community; and, WHEREAS, people of all ages participate in the Fair, from the very young exhibiting their projects, to the superintendents with years of experience; and, WHEREAS, any resident of the State of Wisconsin can enter items for judging at the Bayfield County Fair; and, WHEREAS, the Fair involves a diverse group of participants ranging from the members of the County Departments, Bayfield County youth organizations and leaders, Tuff Truck volunteers and racers, Dirt Dash and Mini Dirt Dash volunteers and drivers, youth pedal tractor pull volunteers and contestants, ticket gate volunteers, barn/project superintendents, clerks, judges, exhibit hall volunteers, and sponsors; and, WHEREAS, holding a County Fair is a major event requiring a substantial amount of planning, coordinating, organizing and promoting; and, WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Fair has a significant impact on the Town of Iron River and the Fair’s success would be impossible without the help of the Town, area Fire Departments, Emergency Medical Services, Grandstand Event organizers Angie & Scott Shober and Katie & Bill Tuura, Jeff Koval for the wagon rides, and the whole community for participating; and, WHEREAS, the Tourism and Fair staff worked a tremendous number of hours before and during the Fair in order to ensure that the event ran smoothly, from training ticket gate workers to cleaning bathrooms and everything in between; and, WHEREAS, the 2026 Bayfield County Fair was a Landmark event with record attendance; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 25th day August 2026, do hereby recognize the Bayfield County Fair Committee Members Chair Larry Fickbohm, Jim Crandall, Dennis Pocernich, Marty Milanowski, Jeff Holte AND the Bayfield County Fair Staff, Mary Motiff, David Eades, Becky Shafstall, Chalee Luzzato, Krista Gunderman, Julie Thormodsgard, McKenzie Tuura, and dozens of volunteers; and, NOW THEREFOR BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in anticipation of the 2027 Bayfield County Fair, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, do hereby Proclaim the month of June 2027 as Fair Engagement Month in Bayfield County. By Action of the: Bayfield County Board of Supervisors ____________________________________________ Jan Lee, 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. 2026-75, Volume 30, adopted by the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors at their meeting held on the 25th day of August 2026. _________________________________________________ Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk Resolution No. 2026-76 Recognition of Badgerland Midways WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Fair, held August 6–9, 2026, brought together residents and visitors to celebrate community traditions; and WHEREAS, the 2026 Bayfield County Fair achieved record attendance and revenue numbers, demonstrating strong public participation and community support; and WHEREAS, carnival rides, games, and vendors contribute significantly to the overall fair experience for attendees; and WHEREAS, operating a traveling carnival requires substantial investment, planning, and logistical coordination; and WHEREAS, Badgerland Midways has continued to provide carnival services to the Bayfield County Fair and has made ongoing improvements including maintaining and upgrading equipment for safety and appearance, adding new rides, upholding high standards of cleanliness in food booths, and providing appropriate working and living conditions for employees; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, assembled this 25th day of August 2026, hereby recognizes Badgerland Midways for their role in supporting a safe, well-maintained, and high-quality carnival during the 2026 Bayfield County Fair. By Action of the: Bayfield County Board of Supervisors ____________________________________________ Jan Lee, 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. 2026-76, Volume 30, adopted by the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors at their meeting held on the 25th day of August 2026. _________________________________________________ Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk 2025 Nonspendable 1,622,989$ Restricted consists of fund balances with constraints placed on their use either by 1) external groups such as creditors, grantors contributors, or laws or regulations or other governments or 2) law through constitutional provisions or enabling legislation. 562,671 Committed - , Assigned 6,717,751 Unassigned 5,528,793 Total Fund Balance (page 3) 14,432,204$ Unassigned General Fund Balance 5,528,793$ General Fund Expenditures (page 5) 21,287,582$ Unassigned General Fund - Fund Balance as % of above Expenditures 25.97% GFOA recommended minumum for % of expenditures 16.67% 2025 Amended 2024 Actual Budget Actual Revenues and other financing sources 21,218,689 $ 21,179,743 $ 20,871,325 $ Expenditures and other financing uses (21,934,520) (23,724,509) (21,512,527) Change in fund balance (page 41) (715,831)$ (2,544,766)$ (641,202) $ 2025 2024 2023 Unrestricted 27,153,544$ 24,169,470 $ 24,736,514 $ Fiduciary Funds 843,519 916,824 918,959 Total Cash and Investments (page 24) 27,997,063$ 25,086,294 $ 25,655,473 $ 2025 2024 2023 870,000$ 1,295,000$ 1,710,000 $ 247,074,705 213,562,885 187,675,110 Percent of Debt Limit 0.35% 0.61% 0.91% Total G.O. Debt Limit (page 29) Outstanding General Obligation (G.O.) Debt BAYFIELD COUNTY 2025 FINANCIAL STATEMENT HIGHLIGHTS GENERAL FUND - FUND BALANCE includes fund balance amounts that cannot be spent either because they are not in spendable form or because legal or contractual requirements require them to be maintained intact. includes fund balance amounts that are constrained for specific purposes that are internally imposed by government through formal action (resolution) of the Board of Supervisors. includes spendable fund balance amounts that are intended to be used for specific purposes that are not considered restricted or committed. includes residual positive fund balance within the general fund which has not been classified within the other above mentioned categories. GENERAL FUND - FUND BALANCE ADEQUACY GENERAL FUND SUMMARIZED INCOME STATEMENT CASH AND INVESTMENTS - ALL FUNDS GENERAL LONG-TERM DEBT - ALL FUNDS $ $5,000,000 $10,000,000 $15,000,000 $20,000,000 $25,000,000 $30,000,000 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 Total Cash and Investments Fiduciary Funds Unrestricted 1 2025 2024 2023 Fund Balances (Deficit) Human Services Fund 414,493 $ 773,675 $ 885,703 $ Carbon Offset Reserve 6,460,450 7,686,062 7,296,388 PSAP (Joint Dispatch) (228,398) (1,687,553) (22,086) Housing Rehab Grant 529 24,762 41,086 Jail Assessment 32,563 42,678 26,812 Veterans' Relief 24,761 6,754 8,329 Educational Programs 54,093 19,956 61,654 Dog License 14,572 12,280 2,361 Opioid Settlement 169,672 150,511 75,107 LATCF - 13,668 529,695 ARPA Funding - - - Total Fund Balances (Deficit) (pages 3, 51-53) 6,942,735$ 7,042,793 $ 8,905,049 $ 2025 2024 2023 Total Fund Balance (page 3) 7,209$ 3,145 $ 2,872 $ 2025 2024 2023 Total Fund Balance (page 3) 2,052,939$ 2,756,498 $ 2,440,091 $ 2025 2024 2023 Cash and Investments - Unrestricted 7,883,565 $ 6,555,534 $ 5,136,145 $ Working Capital (Current Assets - Current Liabilities) 11, 060,129$ 9,346,933 $ 7,577,091 $ Net Position Net Investment in Capital Assets 3,051,921 $ 3,628,023 $ 4,197,593 $ Restricted - bridge - 44,645 49,462 Unrestricted 9,212,953 7,371,669 5,773,032 Total Net Position (page 7) 12,264,874$ 11,044,337 $ 10,020,087 $ 2025 2024 2023 Cash and Investments - Unrestricted 184,368 $ 98,132 $ 205,633 $ Net Position Net Investment in Capital Assets 1,145,676 $ 1,212,096 $ 1,331,865 $ Unrestricted 171,882 19,165 (103,079) Total Net Position (page 7) 1,317,558$ 1,231,261 $ 1,228,786 $ 2025 2024 2023 Expenditures Total (page 5) 38,081,320 $ 34,298,475 $ 33,099,019 $ Less: Capitalized expenditures (4,712,037) (4,832,197) (6,699,816) Total Non-Capital Expenditures 33,369,283 29,466,278 26,399,203 Debt Service (principal and interest) (page 5) 452,023 462,120 442,643 Percentage of Debt Service to Non-Capital Expenditures 1.35% 1.57% 1.68% BAYFIELD COUNTY 2025 FINANCIAL STATEMENT HIGHLIGHTS (cont.) SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS DEBT SERVICE FUND CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND HIGHWAY - ENTERPRISE FUND INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS ANALYSIS OF DEBT SERVICE - GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS 1.68% 1.57% 1.35% 0.00% 5.00% 10.00% 15.00% 20.00% 25.00% 2023 2024 2025 Debt Service to Non-Capital Expenditures - Governmental Funds Bayfield County Bond Rating Agency Recommended Maximum 2 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Meagan Quaderer, Director Bryan Ziemann, EMS Coordinator Ryan Matthews, Assistant meagan.quaderer@bayfieldcounty.wi.gov Bryan.Ziemann@bayfieldcounty.wi.gov ryan.matthews@bayfieldcounty.wi.gov (715) 373-6113 • www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/139/Emergency-Management• 117 E. 6th STREET, PO BOX 423 WASHBURN, WI 54891 Executive Summary: FY2027 Bayfield County EMS Performance Allowance Program (NOFO) Bayfield County’s EMS Performance Allowance Program provides annual financial support to municipal and tribal governments to strengthen emergency medical response capabilities across the county. For FY2027, the County has allocated $1,00,000 to help local jurisdictions maintain reliable EMS staffing, improve compensation for licensed EMS providers, and enhance overall emergency response performance. The allowance prioritizes three core objectives: 1. Recruitment and retention of EMS personnel 2. Strengthened on-call and hourly compensation 3. Improved reliability of 9-1-1 EMS response coverage Eligible applicants include all municipalities and tribal governments within Bayfield County that maintain an Ambulance Service Provider Agreement. Awarded agencies must certify Maintenance of Effort, ensuring EMS funding and service levels are at least equal to those budgeted in the prior year. Costs reimbursed under the program must directly support EMS staffing and contracted EMS services. Allowable expenses include personnel wages, employer-paid benefits, and contractual EMS services; equipment, administrative fees, and non-EMS staff costs are prohibited. All expenses must be listed in the approved application and supported by detailed documentation. Each jurisdiction’s award consists of two components: • A supplemental allocation of $30 per resident based on 2020 census data. • A base allocation linked to countywide average 9-1-1 call volume from two years prior. Applications are due December 1, 2026, with the performance period running from January 1 to December 31, 2027. Required attachments include a 2027 staff roster, EMS budget, strategic and operational plans, and EMS provider contracts. Agencies must also participate in the countywide coverage schedule. The base award will be disbursed upon successful completion of an application, and the supplemental funds are prorated based on performance measures. Supplemental reimbursements are issued after submission of required fiscal and program closeout documentation, including payroll records, call-volume reports, and proof of payment for contracted services. Any unspent funds will be redistributed to agencies with eligible unfunded costs that meet all program requirements The EMS Performance Allowance Program reflects Bayfield County’s commitment to sustaining dependable emergency medical services, promoting workforce stability, and responding effectively to the growing operational needs of rural EMS agencies. 1 Bayfield County EMS Performance Assistance Program NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO) – FY2027 2 Contents Award Information ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 3 Eligible Applicants ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 4 Maintenance of Effort (MOE) ................................ ................................ .......................... 4 Allowable Costs ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 4 Award Formula ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 9 Timeline ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................... 9 Training Requirements ................................ ................................ ................................ . 10 Program Closeout ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 10 Redistribution ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 11 Appendix A: Estimated Award Distribution and Funding Formula ................................ .... 12 Appendix B: Training Requirements ................................ ................................ .............. 12 Appendix C: Post-Award Responsibilities and Considerations ................................ ........ 13 3 Program Description The Bayfield County Office of Emergency Management provides funding assistance to eligible tribal and municipal governments throughout the county. The project funds efforts to provide reliable, sustainable EMS staffing for 9-1-1 calls for service. Program priorities The EMS Performance Assistance Program was created by the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors with the following priority areas: 1. Staff Retention & Recruitment 2. Improve on-call and/or hourly compensation for licensed EMS providers 3. Improved EMS response reliability Each application will be graded based on its proposed solution to these priorities. For additional information or questions, please reach out to Bayfield County Office of Emergency Management: Email: EMS@bayfieldcounty.wi.gov Phone: (715)373-6113 Award Information 1. Funding source: The Bayfield County EMS Performance Assistance program (EMSPA) is funded by Bayfield County by utilizing a tax levy exemption. Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. § 66.0602(3)(e)6 which says "The limit otherwise applicable under this section does not apply to any of the following:" ... "The amount that a county levies in that year for a countywide emergency medical system. " 2. Total amount of funds available: $950,000 3. Anticipated number of awards: 29 4. Anticipated assistance award amount: See Appendix A Estimated Award Distribution and Funding Formula 5. Project performance period: January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2027 6. Type of Assistance: This is a continuing limited eligibility assistance opportunity for EMS sustainment projects. 7. Expectations: If Bayfield County Office of Emergency Management approves an application for award, the authorized EMS representative of your EMS agency will be required to sign an agreement with Bayfield County that sets forth your agency’s obligations to adhere to this NOFO, and all requirements set forth in Appendix C of this NOFO. Please review the entirety of this NOFO and each document linked in 4 Appendix C Please review carefully prior to applying for this program to ensure that your agency will be able to fulfill all obligations set forth. This program is meant to sustain local EMS emergency response programs at current capacity and capabilities and address capacity and capability gaps as practical. Eligible Applicants All applicants certify that they are willing and able to comply with all requirements stated in this NOFO, including all rules and regulations identified in Appendix C. Eligible applicants are cities, tribal governments, towns, and villages located within Bayfield County, Wisconsin and have designated an EMS service provider. Additional eligibility requirements: All applicants for this program must have a valid Ambulance Service Provider Agreement between Bayfield County and the contracted EMS service. Maintenance of Effort (MOE) EMS Agencies must maintain the current level of service and funding amount from the 2026 budget or increase local EMS funding from municipalities. Reductions are not allowed. Applicants are required to certify that they have maintained the funding level of service for emergency medical services (EMS) that is at least equivalent to that provided in the previous year. Allowable Costs Eligible costs and funding restrictions All expenses related to this program must be allowable as listed below and reasonable, allocable, and incurred within the program’s performance and budget period (January 1 – December 31, 2027. Duplication of benefits and supplanting local costs are prohibited. Additionally, all costs must be listed in an approved application. Any expense not listed in an approved application budget is ineligible for reimbursement without a project modification, regardless of whether it falls within the approved program period. Each expense category in the budget section requires a response to the question “Briefly describe the overall use of funds for this budget category. ” (Sample language would be, “Emergency Medical Services personnel costs/employer paid benefits, etc. ”) 5 It is the responsibility of the applicant to verify in the System for Award Management that no vendor/contractor is debarred. Allowable costs The following direct cost categories and related costs are allowable under this funding opportunity: Personnel Personnel costs represent wages and salaries for employees of the applicant’s contracted EMS agency. The application must include each employee for which costs may be covered by the project. If staff are hired after the application is approved, the service agency must notify the Office of Emergency Management before using program funds toward the new hire personnel costs. The employee’s position description must support the EMS requirements and time allocated. All costs submitted for reimbursement must be supported by a monthly timesheet or other supporting documentation reflecting that time was allocated for an eligible activity. Only the personnel listed in the approved budget will be eligible for reimbursement. Submission of position description(s) may be required to verify percentage of job duties eligible for reimbursement. Wage rate, percentage of job duties, and applicable hours that are listed in the description of computation must match what is being reported in submitted Position Description Information Form(s) (PDIF). Examples of Description of Computation are “$50,000 annual salary at 100%” or “$25/hour x 2080 hours x 100%. ” Employee Benefits Fringe or Employee Benefit costs represent the applicant agency’s cost for benefits and fringe costs associated with an employee’s wages. Consultant/Contractual Costs under this category may include consultant or contractual services through a third party. All costs must have a signed contractual agreement, and, if appropriate, must adhere to proper procurement standards. Each contract must be listed individually by contract position and/or entity showing the total cost of services by line item. Products and/or services should be entered in the products/services area in the consultants/contractual category. Examples of products/services would be “Paramedic EMS Service Provider. ” If claiming consultant/contractual expenses, applicants must provide a copy of the executed contract(s) to cover the performance period and to determine eligibility of the contract. This requirement may be waived if the contract/contractor is known to be eligible 6 for program funding, such as mass notification systems, DTN weather services, and credentialling systems. If a contract is not provided at the time of application, it must be provided prior to any payment and no later than at project close-out. Unallowable Costs The following costs are unallowable under this funding opportunity: • Capital expense purchases; • Any equipment purchases, including parts, repair, or upgrades; • Software or billing services; • Costs associated with staff that are not licensed at the EMR level or higher; • Administrative fees; and any other cost not directly related to wages, benefits, or contractual products/services that provide 9-1-1 EMS response. Application and Submission information E-signatures Electronic signatures are accepted on forms that require signatures if it is the policy of the municipality or tribe to allow electronic signatures. Adobe signatures boxes must show “Digitally signed by… ” along with the date/time of the signatures. A .jpeg format or a scan of a signature are also acceptable. Access application Applications must be submitted through the Bayfield County online application portal accessible at (insert link). All forms needed for this NOFO and can be found on the Bayfield County website under the following location: (insert link) Application components Provide Bayfield County Office of Emergency Management with detailed information about your project that will be used to make a funding decision. Information provided in this application may be cited in reports or press releases and will likely be used in reports to county board members or other stakeholders. An Application Checklist is provided on the (Bayfield co website link) in the location listed above. While not required, use of this checklist is encouraged. All Required Attachment forms must be for the 2027 program year. A portion of the project funds are based on performance measures identified in the EMS Strategic and Operational Plans. 7 Main Summary Agency All applicants must provide a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before applying and maintain an active SAM registration with current information throughout the program’s period of performance. Bayfield County cannot issue any program funds until the applicant has met all SAM requirements. Points of Contact Project Director (required)–responsible for execution, oversight, and administration of this program. This will most likely be the EMS Agency Director. The Project Director cannot also be the Financial Officer. Financial Officer (required)–responsible and accountable for the financial management of the awarded agency with the authority to certify expenditures. Municipal officials or Agency officials are eligible. Signing Official (required)– authorized to sign the legal agreement and obligate the municipality or tribe into a legal program agreement (for example, board chair, city administrator, tribal chair, etc.). The Project Director and Financial Officer cannot also act as the Signing Official. Each municipality and the EMS agency must sign off. Alternate Contact(optional)–a back-up contact in the event the Project Director is not available. This individual cannot sign or certify on behalf of the Financial Officer or Project Director. Performance Measures TBD • Participation in Auto-Aid Schedule • Zero uncovered calls • Improved average response time averages calculated from the previous year’s data Budget Detail Only eligible costs under the appropriate cost category as described for eligible costs should be included in the application. All costs must include the following: • A description; 8 • A justification that describes how the item will be used during the program period to meet the eligible activities and outcomes; • Detailed computations that support the amount requested. For personnel costs, description must include rate of pay, length of time, and percentage of duties. Detailed computations should be clear and reflect accurate calculations. Lump sums are not acceptable. • Personnel expense totals and description of computation must match the information being reported in the submitted Position Description Information Form(s). Program Application Required Attachments a. 2027 Staff Roster b. 2027 EMS Budget c. Applicable EMS Provider Contracts if available. If not available at application, the executed contract must be submitted at closeout and reviewed and approved by Bayfield County Office of Emergency Management before reimbursement. d. Assurance that the EMS provider will participate in a countywide Auto-Aid schedule e. 2027 Strategic Plan that includes Mission & Vision, Operational Assessment, Financial Sustainability, Workforce & Staffing, and Community Integration f. 2027 Operational Plan including Dispatch and Response, Staffing and Scheduling, Patient Care Protocols, Vehicle Safety, Medication and Equipment, Mass Casualty Management, and Quality Improvement Assurances TBD Submission dates & times Applications must be submitted to Bayfield County Emergency Management by January 1, 2027. This program requires full application submission on or before the application due date. No other submissions are needed for application. 9 Funding restrictions The following are prohibited, and any violation may result in a range of penalties, including suspension of current and future funds under this program, repayment of monies provided under the program, and civil and/or criminal penalties. Supplanting is prohibited. Supplanting is the substitution of existing local government funding with the Bayfield County EMS Assistance program. Pre-award costs are allowable as long as they were incurred during the performance period. Pre-award costs are any costs that have been incurred prior to notification from Bayfield County Emergency Management of either a fully executed award document or Project Adjustment Notification (PAN otherwise called Modification). A cost is incurred when an action or activity will result in an expense or obligation. This may be, but is not limited to signing a contract or hours worked, etc. The applicant is responsible for the preparation of the documentation required to fulfill compliance responsibilities. All costs must be approved by Bayfield County Office of Emergency Management. Award Formula The total award amount includes two components: a fixed supplemental allocation based on population and a base allocation determined by average call volume. The call-volume portion is weighted according to the total number of prior-year 911 EMS response calls, ensuring that funding reflects both essential operational needs and actual service demand. Each government agency will receive a supplemental allocation of $30 per resident, calculated using 2020 census population data. The base allocation is determined by the number of local government jurisdictions, and the average number of 9-1-1 calls county wide from the year prior to the NOFO. For example, the 2027 NOFO will use total 9-1-1 call volume from 2025 to calculate the base award. Timeline The following annual schedule will be used: FY2027 applications due December 1, 2026. • Application Deadline: December 1 of the calendar year prior to the performance year. 10 • Performance period: January 1 – December 31 of the performance year. • Closeout date: December 31 of the performance year. • Final reports (program + fiscal): Due 31 days after closeout → January 31 of the following year. Training Requirements Training Requirements: TBD. Will be published annually as Appendix B. Program Closeout Reimbursement requests 1. Requirements: Payments will be made on a reimbursement basis once all requirements, activities and expenses have been completed by the applicant and verified by Bayfield County Office of Emergency Management. 2. Submission: Requests for reimbursement are made by submitting a fiscal report. The following documentation is required to be attached to and submitted with the Fiscal Report: g. A Reimbursement Request Form located in the program documents portal of the Bayfield County website, which must be signed by the EMS director, Financial Officer, and the local government chair; h. A completed annual Payroll Report and/or a local tribal or municipal government generated payroll report. This report cannot contain Personally Identifiable Information (PII), such as Social Security Numbers, banking information, etc. but must contain the name of the program-funded employee(s); If the municipal or tribal government contracts with a professional EMS provider, then the executed contract, invoice, and proof of payment for the EMS contract must be provided. i. Total call volume report that provides the total number of covered and uncovered calls j. 2027 Roster report showing number of on-call hours, and number of calls per licensed responder 11 Redistribution De-obligated funds will be redistributed equally to agencies with eligible expenses exceeding initial awards who have met 100% of the program requirements. Redistribution will be performed after all of the first assistance distributions have been made. 12 Appendix A: Estimated Award Distribution and Funding Formula Appendix B: Training Requirements 13 Appendix C: Post-Award Responsibilities and Considerations Supplemental Award metrics TBD Assistance recipients will receive a percentage of their total Supplemental Award based on whether or not the EMS agency and applicant satisfied the following criteria: 1. [x%, criteria: description] 2. [x%, criteria: description] 3. [x%, criteria: description] If a program recipient fails to qualify for 100% of the total Supplemental Award, the remaining funds will be de-obligated and disbursed evenly among all remaining program recipients with remaining program-allowable project expenses that are not yet fully funded. An EMS agency may not receive more than 100% of its annual program-allowable project costs from the EMS Performance Assistance Program for that year. For example, if an agency had received $45,000 of a $50,000 total possible Supplemental Award, it could only receive $5,000 more from the EMS Performance Assistance Program during that fiscal year. Any assistance funds left in the EMS Performance Assistance Program at the end of each fiscal year will be redistributed among agencies who have met 100% of the award metrics and program requirements. BAYFIELD COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. ______ ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON CERTAIN ZONING APPROV ALS FOR LARGE-SCALE DATA CENTERS The Bayfield County Board of Supervisors does hereby ordain as follows: WHEREAS, Bayfield County has authority under Wis. Stat. § 59.69 to regulate land use within those towns subject to Bayfield County zoning jurisdiction in order to promote public health, safety, convenience, and general welfare and to encourage planned and orderly land use development; and WHEREAS, rapid growth in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, digital communications, electronic commerce, and other data-intensive activities has increased development of large-scale data centers requiring substantial electrical, utility, transportation, and other infrastructure; and WHEREAS, large-scale data centers may differ substantially from conventional commercial or industrial development because their construction and operation may involve high electrical demand, electrical substations and transmission infrastructure, backup generation, battery energy storage systems, mechanical cooling equipment, significant structures and impervious surfaces, telecommunications infrastructure, water supply and wastewater systems, and other specialized improvements; and WHEREAS, Bayfield County's existing zoning regulations do not specifically define or establish comprehensive development standards for large-scale data centers and were not developed with the particular land-use and infrastructure characteristics of these facilities in mind; and WHEREAS, the County Board finds that additional study is appropriate to determine whether specific standards should be established regarding matters including: • appropriate zoning districts and siting criteria; • setbacks, buffering, screening, lighting, noise, and visual impacts; • compatibility with residential, agricultural, forestry, recreational, and other surrounding land uses; • electrical demand and associated utility infrastructure; • water supply, wastewater, stormwater, and groundwater impacts; • roads, construction traffic, and transportation infrastructure; • fire protection, emergency response, hazardous materials, and public-safety planning; • construction, operation, expansion, and maintenance requirements; • decommissioning, site restoration, and financial assurance; and • other land-use impacts appropriately regulated under County authority; and WHEREAS, Bayfield County contains extensive forests, agricultural lands, wetlands, surface waters, groundwater resources, recreational lands, rural communities, and areas dependent upon limited public infrastructure and volunteer rural emergency services, making careful consideration of the location and impacts of large-scale development particularly important; and WHEREAS, the County Board intends neither to prohibit data centers permanently nor to prejudge the appropriate standards for such facilities, but instead to provide sufficient time for the County to evaluate these uses, obtain input from affected towns, utilities, emergency DRAFT responders, property owners, technical experts, prospective developers, and the public, and consider reasonable and legally defensible permanent regulations; and WHEREAS, Wis. Stat. § 59.69(4) authorizes a county to enact a moratorium that does not constitute a "development moratorium" as defined by Wis. Stat. § 66.1002(1)(b); and WHEREAS, the County intends this ordinance to apply only to zoning approvals within the County's lawful jurisdiction and not to suspend consideration of rezoning petitions, subdivision plats, certified survey maps, or other land divisions; NOW, THEREFORE, THE BAYFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. PURPOSE The purpose of this ordinance is to temporarily preserve the status quo while Bayfield County researches and considers appropriate zoning regulations governing the siting, construction, operation, expansion, and decommissioning of large-scale data centers. The moratorium is intended to provide sufficient time for a deliberate public planning process and is not intended as a permanent prohibition of data centers. SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS Data Center means a building, facility, campus, or group of buildings for which the primary use is the storage, management, processing, retrieval, transmission, or distribution of digital data and applications through computer servers, networking equipment, or similar electronic equipment. For purposes of this ordinance, the moratorium applies only to a Data Center with a designed or maximum electrical demand of [___ MW] or greater, or containing [___ square feet] or greater of gross floor area principally devoted to data-center operations. Associated Infrastructure means equipment or improvements located on the same site as, or included as part of an application for, a Data Center and constructed primarily to support its operation, including cooling systems, backup generators, fuel storage, battery energy storage systems, electrical substations, water or wastewater facilities, security facilities, and similar accessory improvements. A Data Center does not include computer or telecommunications equipment that is secondary and incidental to another lawful principal use, including server rooms or computing equipment serving an office, governmental facility, educational institution, health care facility, manufacturing operation, telecommunications facility, or other otherwise permitted use. SECTION 3. TEMPORARY MORATORIUM Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 59.69(4), and notwithstanding any other provision of the Bayfield County Code, Bayfield County temporarily suspends the acceptance of new applications for, and issuance of, the following County zoning approvals when required specifically for the placement or construction of a Data Center subject to this ordinance: 1. land-use or zoning permits; 2. conditional use permits; and DRAFT 3. other County zoning permits specifically required to authorize construction or placement of the Data Center. This moratorium applies only within those areas subject to Bayfield County zoning jurisdiction. SECTION 4. EXCLUSIONS AND EXISTING APPLICATIONS This moratorium does not apply to: 1. rezoning petitions; 2. subdivision plats, certified survey maps, or other land divisions; 3. complete applications for County zoning approval submitted before the effective date of this ordinance; 4. routine maintenance, repair, or replacement of an existing lawful facility that does not materially expand a Data Center use; 5. computer or telecommunications equipment incidental to another lawful principal use; 6. governmental public-safety or emergency-communications facilities; or 7. utility facilities that are not constructed primarily to serve a proposed Data Center. Nothing in this ordinance authorizes Bayfield County to regulate facilities or activities preempted from County regulation by state or federal law. SECTION 5. WORK PROGRAM During the moratorium, the Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Department and Planning and Zoning Committee shall evaluate whether amendments to the County's comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, or other applicable land-use regulations are warranted. The review should consider, as applicable: • appropriate definitions and applicability thresholds; • appropriate zoning districts and approval procedures; • setbacks and separation requirements; • noise, lighting, screening, buffering, and visual impacts; • water use, groundwater, wastewater, and stormwater; • electrical and other utility infrastructure; • transportation and construction impacts; • fire protection and emergency-response requirements; • environmental and natural-resource considerations; • compatibility with agriculture, forestry, recreation, residential uses, and community character; • decommissioning and site-restoration requirements; • financial assurance; • coordination with towns and other units of government; and • other matters within the County's lawful zoning authority. The County should consult, as appropriate, affected towns, utilities, emergency responders, technical experts, state agencies, property owners, prospective applicants, neighboring jurisdictions, and members of the public. DRAFT The Planning and Zoning Committee shall provide opportunities for public participation consistent with applicable law before recommending permanent regulations to the County Board. SECTION 6. DURATION This ordinance shall become effective upon passage and publication as required by law and shall remain in effect for 18 months, unless earlier: 1. repealed by the County Board; or 2. superseded by the effective date of permanent County zoning regulations governing Data Centers. Any extension of the moratorium shall require separate County Board action following updated findings regarding the need for additional time and any public process required by law. SECTION 7. RELATIONSHIP TO WISCONSIN DEVELOPMENT MORATORIUM LAW The moratorium established by this ordinance is intended to constitute a moratorium authorized under Wis. Stat. § 59.69(4) and is not intended to constitute a "development moratorium" as defined in Wis. Stat. § 66.1002(1)(b). Nothing in this ordinance shall be interpreted to suspend the County's consideration of rezoning petitions, subdivision plats, certified survey maps, or other land divisions. SECTION 8. SEVERABILITY If any provision of this ordinance or its application to any person, property, or circumstance is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the remaining provisions and applications shall not be affected and shall remain in effect to the fullest extent permitted by law. SECTION 9. EFFECTIVE DATE This ordinance shall take effect upon passage and publication as provided by law. Recommended for adoption by: Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Committee Adopted by the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors: ____________, 2026 Reviewed as to form by Corporation Counsel: ____________________ DRAFT Resolution No. 2026-77 Condemnation Committee Compensation WHEREAS, State Statutes 32.08 provide for the establishment of a Condemnation Committee consisting of six commissioners; and WHEREAS, The Committee shall be appointed by the circuit judge and act on applications as presented in accordance with 32.08, and WHEREAS, § 32.08(4) specifies that commissioners shall receive no salary, but shall be compensated at an hourly rate fixed by the county board, and shall also receive mileage for necessary and direct round-trip travel to condemnation hearings, at a mileage rate fixed by the county board; and WHEREAS, the Executive Committee has met and recommends that the Bayfield County Board adopt compensation terms consistent with § 32.08(4); and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 25th day of August 2026 hereby sets the compensation for Condemnation Commissioners as follows: 1. Hourly Compensation Commissioners shall receive $20.00 per hour for actual service performed in connection with condemnation hearings, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 32.08(4). 2. Mileage Reimbursement Commissioners shall receive mileage reimbursement for necessary and direct round-trip travel from their homes to condemnation hearing sites at the county mileage rate used by Bayfield County for official travel. 3. Chairperson Administrative Compensation The chairperson of the Condemnation Commission shall receive a reasonable sum, computed at the same hourly rate established above, as may be allowed by the circuit judge having jurisdiction over the hearing, for administrative work including selecting and notifying commissioners, and for necessary out-of-pocket expenses in compliance with county personnel policy for meals; and 4. Payment by Condemner All compensation and expenses established in this resolution shall be paid by the condemner, upon order approved by the circuit judge, pursuant to § 32.08(4). NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Commission shall be appointed and oriented by the Circuit Judge and Corporation Counsel in 2026, consistent with the process reflected in the prior resolution language. By Action of the: Bayfield County Board of Supervisors __________________________________________ Jan Lee, 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. 2026-77, Volume 30, adopted by the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors at their meeting held on the 25th day of August 2026. Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk _________________________________________________ Resolution No. 2026-78 Dome Project/IT Capital Improvement Budget Amendment WHEREAS, The Bayfield County board approved $221,075 out of Fund Balance for the Dome project with Resolution 2026-66, and, WHEREAS, an IT capital improvement project is under budget by $99,990, and, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 25th day of August 2026, approve the following budget amendments: and, Decrease 430-31-57100-50810 Capital Equipment $99,990 Decrease 430-70-49301 Fund Balance $99,990 By Action of the: Bayfield County Board of Supervisors ____________________________________________ Jan Lee, 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. 2026-78, Volume 30, adopted by the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors at their meeting held on the 25th day of August 2026. _________________________________________________ Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk Resolution No. 2026-79 ESTABLISHING A DEVICE DEPRECIATION AND DISTRIBUTION POLICY AND APPROVING DONATION OF DIGITAL NAVIGATOR PROGRAM DEVICES TO THE NORTHWEST WISCONSIN WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD WHEREAS, Bayfield County participated as a subrecipient of the Public Service Commission (PSC) Digital Navigator Grant, which provided digital devices for the purpose of supporting connectivity and digital access for Bayfield County residents; and WHEREAS, federal regulations at 2 CFR 200.436 require grant-funded equipment to be depreciated in accordance with an established depreciation plan, and regulations at 2 CFR 200.313(e) govern disposition of equipment at the conclusion of the grant performance period; and WHEREAS, the devices acquired under the PSC Digital Navigator Grant have a per-unit fair market value of less than $5,000, and federal regulation 2 CFR 200.313(e) provides that equipment with a current per-unit fair market value of $5,000 or less may be retained, sold, or otherwise disposed of without further responsibility to the Federal awarding agency; and WHEREAS, Bayfield County has established a straight -line five-year depreciation schedule for PSC-funded devices to ensure full depreciation consistent with federal requirements and the PSC’s five-year post-grant obligation; and WHEREAS, the County reviewed options for disposition of the devices following grant completion, including (1) donation to the Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board (WIB) for continued program use, or (2) distribution to Bayfield County residents through no-cost device events; and WHEREAS, donation to the Workforce Investment Board will ensure ongoing community benefit, continuity of digital access programming, and transfer of responsibility for PSC’s five-year post-grant requirements, thereby minimizing administrative overhead for Bayfield County; and WHEREAS, the Workforce Investment Board has expressed interest in receiving the devices and continuing digital equity programming within Northwest Wisconsin. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors hereby adopts the following Device Depreciation and Distribution Policy: 1. All digital devices acquired under the PSC Digital Navigator Grant shall be depreciated using a straight-line five-year depreciation schedule consistent with federal regulations. 2. The County shall maintain depreciation records and disposition documentation to meet PSC monitoring and closeout requirements. 3. Upon completion of grant activities, all PSC-funded devices with a fair market value of less than $5,000 shall be eligible for disposition without further federal obligation pursuant to 2 CFR 200.313(e). 4. All devices approved for disposition shall undergo proper IT sanitization, including data wiping, before removal from County inventory. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors hereby approves the donation of all PSC Digital Navigator Grant-funded devices to the Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board for continued community program use. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that County Administration and County IT are authorized to execute all necessary documentation to transfer ownership, remove the devices from County asset inventory, and ensure compliance with applicable federal and state requirements. Adopted this 25th day of August, 2026, by the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors. By Action of the: Bayfield County Board of Supervisors __________________________________________ Jan Lee, 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. 2026-79, Volume 30, adopted by the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors at their meeting held on the 25th day of August, 2026. Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk _________________________________________________ Resolution No. 2026-80 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Grant Application WHEREAS, the law enforcement mental health and wellness grant through the Department of Justice COPS program offers the opportunity for Bayfield County to provide for regular mental health wellness activities to deputies and police officers, jailers and communications officers; and WHEREAS, funding is focused on a wide spectrum of mental health wellness activities based on individual situations these employees are, have been or may be in, in the future; and WHEREAS, the ability to effectively deal with critical incident situations is important for employee retention and recruitment; and NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors approves applying for Law Enforcement Mental Health funds for Bayfield County law enforcement and countywide public safety employees. NOW THEREFORE, FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, funding will provide contracted counseling services, together with some staffing funds for mental health programs. NOW THEREFORE, FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors authorizes Bayfield County to apply for funding. By Action of the: Bayfield County Board of Supervisors ____________________________________________ Jan Lee, 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. 2026-80, Volume 30, adopted by the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors at their meeting held on the 25th day of August 2026. _________________________________________________ Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk k/zc/amendatoryordinance/2026/HinzRezone Prepared by: mdk(8/21/26) Proofed by: TMP Amendatory Ordinance No. 2026-10 The Bayfield County Board of Supervisors ordains as follows: That the Bayfield County Zoning Ordinance, adopted June 1, 1976, be and the same, is hereby amended as follows: WHEREAS, Wisconsin Statutes §59.69 (5) authorizes the County Board to adopt a zoning ordinance; and WHEREAS, Wisconsin Statutes §59.69(5)(e) authorizes the County Board to amend an ordinance; and WHEREAS, Section 13 -1-105 Code of Ordinances, Bayfield County, Wisconsin authorizes the County Board to make amendments pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes §59.69; and WHEREAS, it is deemed in the best interest of the County of Bayfield that the Code of Ordinances, Bayfield County, Wisconsin be further modified and amended in the manner hereinafter set forth; NOW, THEREFORE, the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors does hereby ordain as follows: The Zoning of Larry & Judith Hinz, owners: Property is a 2-acre parcel (ID# 23931) described as TRIANG PAR IN GOVT LOT 1 W SEC 6 & PAR IN GOVT LOT 2 IN DOC 2019R-576028; in Sections 6 & 7, Township 43 N, Range 5 W, Town of Namakagon, Bayfield County, WI, from Residential-2 (R-2) to Residential-1 (R-1). The Bayfield County Board of Supervisors decision is:  Be Approved  Be Approved with modification  Refer back to Planning and Zoning with directions as stated/noted and return for enactment or rejection  Be Disapproved By Action of the BAYFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Attested to by: _________________________________________ Jan Lee, Bayfield County Chair State of Wisconsin } § Bayfield County } I, Lynn M Divine, Bayfield County Clerk, hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct co py of Amendatory Ordinance No. 2026-10 of Volume 30, adopted by the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors at their meeting held on the 25th day of August, 2026. _____________________________________________ Lynn M Divine, Bayfield County Clerk P & Z Committee Report and Motion(s), Maps (aerial, rezone, zoning district, future land use, wetland), Certified Mailing Receipts, Publication/Affidavit, and Dept Narrative/Report Attached Date Published: ____________________ k/zc/report/2026/HinzReport Prepared by: mdk (8/21/2026) Proofed by: TMP REPORT No. 2026-10 REPORT OF THE BAYFIELD COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE TO: The County Board of Supervisors of Bayfield County on the hearing of petitions to amend the Bayfield County Zoning Ordinance. The Planning and Zoning Committee of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, having held a public hearing pursuant to Section 59.69(5)(e), Wisconsin Statutes; notice thereof having been given as provided by law; and having been duly informed of the facts pertinent to the following changes; hereby recommends the following action on said petition: The Zoning of Larry J. & Judith A. Hinz, owners. Property is a 2 -acre parcel (ID# 23931); described as the TRIANG PAR IN GOVT LOT 1 W SEC 6 & PAR IN GOVT LOT 2 IN DOC 2019R-576028, Sections 6 & 7, Township 43 North, Range 5 West, Town of Namakagon, Bayfield County, WI, from Residential-2 (R-2) to Residential-1 (R-1). The Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Committee recommendation is: X Be Approved  Be Approved with modification  Disapproved. Date: 8/20/2026 BAYFIELD COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE __________________________________ __________________________________ Charly Ray, Chair Jeff Holte, Vice Chair __________________________________ __________________________________ James Crandall Fred Strand ________________________________ __________________________________ Jamie Tucker Attached: Copy of Certified Mailing Receipts MINUTES BAYFIELD COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE PUBLIC HEARING AND PUBLIC MEETING August 20, 2026 Public Hearing: Larry & Judith Hinz, owners, (Namakagon), are petitioning for a zoning district map amendment in a shoreland with wetlands. Property is a 2-acre parcel (Tax ID# 23931) described as TRIANG PAR IN GOVT LOT 1 W SEC 6 & PAR IN GOVT LOT 2 IN DOC 2019R-576028, Sections 6 & 7, Township 43 North, Range 5 West, Town of Namakagon, Bayfield County, WI, from Residential- 2 (R-2) to Residential-1 (R-1). Ray asked three times if anyone wished to speak in support. No one spoke. Ray asked three times if anyone wished to speak in opposition. No one spoke. Discussion ended. New Business: Larry & Judith Hinz, owners, (Namakagon), are petitioning for a zoning district map amendment in a shoreland with wetlands. Property is a 2-acre parcel (Tax ID# 23931) described as TRIANG PAR IN GOVT LOT 1 W SEC 6 & PAR IN GOVT LOT 2 IN DOC 2019R-576028, Sections 6 & 7, Township 43 North, Range 5 West, Town of Namakagon, Bayfield County, WI, from Residential- 2 (R-2) to Residential-1 (R-1). File Report: Pooler informed the committee that no additional correspondence was received. Namakagon Town Board recommended approval of the request. Crandall motion to forward to the County Board with a recommendation for approval based on town board recommendation, that the rezone aligns with the Town of Namakagon Future Land Use Map, and the need for additional local housing. Seconded by Holte. Motion carried, 5-0. EMS Sustainability & Statewide Funding Advocating Statewide Investment, Modernization, and Workforce Support for EMS WHEREAS, rural Emergency Medical Services (EMS) across Wisconsin face increasing strain due to declining volunteerism, workforce shortages, rising operational costs, and increasing 9-1- 1 call volumes; and WHEREAS, local and regional analyses have documented gaps in coverage, including unanswered calls and limited availability of Advanced Life Support (ALS) resources in rural areas; and WHEREAS, towns are mandated by state law to provide or arrange EMS services, yet many rural municipalities lack stable funding and workforce pipelines to meet modern clinical standards; and WHEREAS, counties are increasingly contributing levy resources to stabilize EMS systems, coordinate multi-agency planning, and improve dispatch and system design; and WHEREAS, the sustainability of EMS requires statewide investment, shared service models, and workforce development strategies designed for rural and urban realities; and WHEREAS, many states define EMS as an “Essential Service” opening new funding streams and opportunities for sustainability. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Wisconsin Counties Association that the State of Wisconsin establish an EMS Sustainability Fund providing long-term, predictable annual funding to counties and municipalities; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the State of Wisconsin designates EMS as an “Essential Service”, eligible for state funding and assistance; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the State support EMS workforce development in underserved regions; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the State modernize EMS statutes and administrative rules to enable flexible staffing and regional/shared-service models while maintaining patient-safety standards and clinical quality; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the State fund countywide EMS coordination and regional planning functions, evidence-based system design, and data tools to monitor response times, clinical capability, and patient outcomes; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the State partner with technical colleges and universities to address EMS program quality, expand seats, and build rural career pathways aligned to local demand; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that WCA transmit this resolution to the Governor, legislative leadership, and the Departments of Health Services and Safety & Professional Services and work with counties to advance enabling legislation and appropriations. Adopted by the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors this 25th day of August, 2026. Resolution No. 2026-81 By Action of the: Bayfield County Board of Supervisors ____________________________________________ Jan Lee, 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. 2026-81, Volume 30, adopted by the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors at their meeting held on the 25th day of August 2026. _________________________________________ Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk