County Board Agenda 04-21-2026

Notice of Public Meeting COUNTY BOARD AGENDA Committee: County Board of Supervisors Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 Time: 9:00 A.M. Location: 3rd Floor County Board Room, 407 S. 2nd Street, Alma, WI 54610 Remote Access: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/26655525602451?p=q5VB437OP0r8C6ToSg This meeting is open to the public, but portions of the meeting may be closed if this notice indicates that the committee may convene in closed session. The following matters may be reviewed, discussed and acted upon by the County Board of Supervisors at this meeting. Please note that deviations from the order shown may occur. BUFFALO COUNTY BOARD MEETING 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call and Certification of Buffalo County Board of Supervisors 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. County Clerk Verification of Open Meetings Law Compliance 5. Swearing in of Buffalo County Board of Supervisors 6. Approve Agenda 7. Approve Minutes of Previous Meeting 8. Public Comment 9. Election of Chairperson 10. Election of Vice Chairperson 11. Resolution #26-04-01 A Resolution to Declare Primary Authorized Financial Institution 12. Resolution #26-04-02 A Resolution to Establish Petty Cash for the Register of Deeds 13. Annual Training 14. Committee Chair Reports 15. County Board Chair Report 16. County Administrator Report 17. Correspondence 18. Future Agenda Items 19. Next Meeting Date and Time: May 18, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. 20. Adjournment Date: April 9, 2026 Dennis Bork, Chair _______________________________ By: Lisa Schmitt, County Clerk Board Members: If unable to attend, please contact the Chair. If the Chair is unavailable, please contact the County Clerk’s Office at 608-685-6209. If the Chair and the County Clerk are not available, please call the Administrative Coordinator at 608-685-6234. Persons with Disabilities: Buffalo County shall attempt to provide reasonable accommodations to the public for access to its public meetings, provided reasonable notice of special need is given. If you require special accommodations to attend this meeting, please contact the County Clerk’s Office at 608- 685-6209. Public Access to the Courthouse: The South Entrance will be the only access to the building after 4:00 p.m. on Monday – Thursdays and after 12:00 p.m. on Fridays. Persons who are members of another governmental body, but who are not members of this committee, may attend this meeting. Their attendance could result in a quorum of another governmental body being present. Such a quorum is unintended, and they are not meeting to exercise the authority, duties, or responsibilities of any other governmental body. ~ BUFFALO ~ COUNTY,WI.("" BUFFALO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SPECIAL APRIL SESSION Monday, April 6, 2026, at 9:00 A.M. The Board met. Mr. Bork in the Chair. Meeting called to order at 9:00 a.m. Roll call was taken and all the members were present, except Mr. John Hadley. Present in person at the meeting: Mr. Lee Engfer, Ms. Lisa Schmitt, Mr. Cale Severson, Ms. Abigail Soderberg, Mr. Tim Holton, and others. Joining online were Mr. Steve Wall, Mr. Brad Schmidtknecht, and Mr. Christopher Murray. The Pledge of Allegiance was said. Public Comments Regarding Posted Agenda Items: Mr. Holton, CEO of Riverland Energy, spoke, stating that last week at the Land Management Committee meeting there was unanimous approval to bring these ordinances to the full County Board. He thanked the committee and the board for their work on these matters. Review/Discussion/Action Regarding Previous Meeting Minutes: Mr. Weiss made a motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting, seconded by Mr. Bruegger. Carried. Review/Discussion/Action Regarding Ordinance #26-04-01 An Ordinance to Amend the Official “Buffalo County Zoning District Map” – Town of Lincoln: Mr. Cale Severson, Land Management Director, explained that all three of these ordinances are to change the zoning for three parcels where industrial sub-station containers owned by Riverland Energy are located. Per zoning regulations, industrial use is not permitted in ANR-40 or ANR-20 zoning districts. These re-zones conform to the Buffalo County Zoning Ordinance, and the Zoning Department doesn’t have any issues with these re-zones. Mr. Lindstrom made a motion to approve the ordinance to amend the Buffalo County Zoning District Map for Town of Lincoln. Mr. Lindstrom then stated as follows: Information presented during meetings on this matter indicates that the application aligns with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, incorporates the Town Board’s neutral recommendation as provided through the Town Acknowledgement Form, and is consistent with the Buffalo County Land Use Plan. The proposed zoning classification is compatible with adjacent zoning districts and existing land uses. Public testimony was taken into consideration, along with input from Zoning Department staff, and the proposal was evaluated in terms of its impact on the community, general welfare, and economic considerations. The proposed use is identified as a permitted Industrial Land Use and therefore constitutes a conforming use under the Buffalo County Zoning Ordinance. A motion is made to approve the proposed rezoning in the Town of Lincoln. Mr. Bruegger seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Mr. Ruff – yes, Mr. Stanton – no, Mr. Bork – yes, Ms. McDonough – yes, Mr. Nathan Nelson – yes, Mr. Sendelbach – yes, Mr. Michaels – yes, Mr. Steve Nelson – yes, Mr. Weiss – yes, Mr. Bruegger – yes, Mr. Taylor – yes, Ms. McMillan Urell – yes, Mr. Lindstrom – yes. Carried. Review/Discussion/Action Regarding Ordinance #26-04-02 An Ordinance to Amend the Official “Buffalo County Zoning District Map” – Town of Mondovi: Mr. Michaels made a motion to approve the ordinance to amend the Buffalo County Zoning District Map for Town of Mondovi. Mr. Michaels then stated as follows: Based on the information presented, the application is consistent with the Town Comprehensive Plan, the Town Board’s supportive recommendation as submitted through the Town Acknowledgement Form, and the Buffalo County Land Use Plan. The proposed zoning is compatible with surrounding zoning districts and existing land uses. Relevant public input has been considered, along with input from Zoning Department staff, and the proposal was evaluated with respect to community interest, general welfare, and economic impacts. The proposed use is classified as a permitted Industrial Land Use and is therefore conforming under the Buffalo County Zoning Ordinance. I move to approve the proposed rezoning in the Town of Mondovi. Mr. Sendelbach seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Mr. Lindstrom – yes, Mr. Bruegger – yes, Ms. McDonough – yes, Mr. Michaels – yes, Ms. McMillan Urell – yes, Mr. Taylor – yes, Mr. Stanton – no, Mr. Steve Nelson – yes, Mr. Nathan Nelson – yes, Mr. Ruff – yes, Mr. Weiss – yes, Mr. Bork – yes, Mr. Sendelbach – yes. Carried. Review/Discussion/Action Regarding Ordinance #26-04-03 An Ordinance to Amend the Official “Buffalo County Zoning District Map” – Town of Nelson: Mr. Weiss made a motion to approve the ordinance to amend the Buffalo County Zoning District Map for Town of Nelson. Mr. Weiss then stated as follows: The proposed rezoning is consistent with the Farmland Preservation Plan, which is intended to safeguard prime agricultural soils. The proposal in the Town of Nelson does not affect any prime farmland soils. It will not restrict future agricultural activities, and the subject parcels have not historically been utilized for agricultural production. The proposal is not expected to result in unreasonable water pollution, air pollution, soil erosion, or negative impacts to rare or irreplaceable natural resources. Alternative sites were considered and determined to not be cost effective, and the proposal does not expand the existing footprint currently used for utility purposes. No productive agricultural land will be impacted or involved. The proposal is consistent with the goals and intent of the Buffalo County Comprehensive Land Use Plan. I make a motion to approve the proposed rezoning in the Town of Nelson. Mr. Ruff seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Mr. Bork – yes, Mr. Nathan Nelson – yes, Mr. Taylor – yes, Mr. Steve Nelson – yes, Mr. Weiss – yes, Mr. Stanton – no, Mr. Michaels – yes, Mr. Ruff – yes, Ms. McMillan Urell – yes, Mr. Lindstrom – yes, Mr. Bruegger – yes, Ms. McDonough – yes, Mr. Sendelbach – yes. Carried. Chairperson’s Report: None. Committee Chair Reports: Ms. McMillan Urell noted that the Health and Human Services – Veterans Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, April 8th. County Administrator Report: Mr. Engfer reported that the seasonal road restrictions will be lifted tomorrow. The next Highway Committee meeting will be on April 14th at the courthouse instead of the highway shop. There are no registered write-ins for the April 7th election for the vacant County Board District 14 position. Mr. Engfer was in Madison last week for a bill signing regarding utility tax. Both he and Chair Bork are part of a utility tax board and the signing of this bill is a positive for all involved. Ms. McMillan Urell and Mr. Hadley were again thanked for their service to the county as supervisors. Public Comments Unrelated to Agenda Items: None. Next Meeting Date and Time: The next meeting will be Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 9:00 A.M. Meeting adjourned at 9:12 a.m. Respectfully Submitted, Lisa Schmitt County Clerk Buffalo County Resolution _______________________________________________________________________ Drafted By: County Department: Lee Engfer Administration Presented Month/Year: Involved Committees: April 2026 Finance RESOLUTION #26-04-01 A Resolution Designating a Depository and Authorizing the Transfer of Buffalo County Funds WHEREAS, Wisconsin counties are authorized to designate one or more public depositories for the deposit, banking, and safekeeping of county funds in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes §§ 34.01, 34.05, and 59.61; and WHEREAS, the Buffalo County Board is responsible for the oversight of county finances and ensuring that public funds are maintained in secure, cost-effective, and efficient financial institutions; and WHEREAS, the Buffalo County Board has reviewed its current banking arrangements and has determined that it is in the best interest of the County to change its primary financial institution in order to improve financial services, reduce costs, enhance security, or better meet the operational needs of the County; and WHEREAS, Alliance Bank, located in Cochrane, WI, meets all Wisconsin statutory requirements to serve as a public depository for county funds in accordance with Wisconsin Chapter 34 and has agreed to provide banking and related financial services to the County; and WHEREAS, the Buffalo County Treasurer and other designated financial officers must be authorized to take the necessary actions to transition accounts and services to the newly designated financial institution. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Buffalo County Board of Supervisors, that Alliance Bank, a Wisconsin financial institution, is hereby ~ BUFFALO ~ COUNTY,W l 'f"' Buffalo County Resolution _______________________________________________________________________ designated as the primary authorized depository for County funds, effective May 1, 2026. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bank of Alma is hereby removed as the primary authorized depository effective upon the completion of the transfer of Buffalo County funds and the closure of applicable accounts, unless otherwise required for outstanding obligations. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Buffalo County Treasurer, Buffalo County Treasurer Deputies, Buffalo County Clerk, and Buffalo County Administrator are hereby authorized and directed to: • Open and close Buffalo County accounts as necessary; • Execute all documents and agreements required to establish banking services with Alliance Bank; • Transfer Buffalo County funds in a manner consistent with federal and state law and standard accounting practices; and • Take any other actions necessary to implement this resolution. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. _______________________ County Clerk ATTEST: _______________________ County Board Chairperson ~ BUFFALO ~ COUNTY,W l 'f"' Buffalo County Resolution _______________________________________________________________________ Respectfully Submitted: Finance Committee: Dennis Bork, Chair William Bruegger Brian Michaels Steven Nelson Max Weiss D ~ BUFFALO ~ COUNTY,W l 'f"' Buffalo County Resolution _______________________________________________________________________ Drafted By: County Department: Lee Engfer Administration Presented Month/Year: Involved Committees: April 2026 Finance RESOLUTION #26-04-02 A Resolution to Authorize the Establishment of a Petty Cash Fund for the Office of the Register of Deeds WHEREAS, the Office of the Register of Deeds is a constitutional county office charged with statutory duties under Wisconsin Statutes § 59.43, including recording real estate instruments and issuing certified copies and vital records; WHEREAS, the efficient operation of the Register of Deeds office occasionally requires the ability to make small, immediate cash disbursements or provide change in situations where standard purchasing or accounts-payable procedures are impractical; and WHEREAS, Wisconsin counties are authorized to control county finances and establish internal financial procedures, including petty cash funds, by action of the County Board pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 59.52 and long-standing county financial management practices; WHEREAS, county best practices require that petty cash funds be formally authorized by resolution, set at a fixed amount, used only for legitimate county purposes, and subject to internal controls and audit oversight, as reflected in policies adopted by numerous Wisconsin counties; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the County Board of Supervisors of Buffalo County, Wisconsin, that: 1. Authorization of Fund A petty cash fund for the Office of the Register of Deeds is hereby established in the amount of $200.00. 2. Purpose and Use The petty cash fund shall be used solely for: o Making change for public transactions, and/or ~ BUFFALO ~ COUNTY,W l 'f"' Buffalo County Resolution _______________________________________________________________________ o Reimbursement of minor, non-recurring county business expenses when payment through normal purchasing or accounts-payable procedures is not practical. All expenditures must serve a legitimate county purpose. 3. Custodianship The Register of Deeds, or a designee approved in accordance with county financial policy, shall be the custodian of the petty cash fund and shall be responsible for safeguarding and properly accounting for the fund. 4. Internal Controls and Limits o Petty cash shall not be used for payroll, travel advances, personal expenses, or purchases that should be processed through normal purchasing procedures. o Receipts shall be required for all disbursements, and the total cash on hand plus receipts shall at all times equal the authorized fund amount. 5. Replenishment and Oversight The petty cash fund shall be replenished through the County Clerk, Finance Department, or County Treasurer in accordance with county financial policies and shall be subject to audit and review as required by county and state law. 6. Effective Date This resolution shall take effect upon passage. _______________________ County Clerk ATTEST: _______________________ County Board Chairperson ~ BUFFALO ~ COUNTY,W l 'f"' Buffalo County Resolution _______________________________________________________________________ Respectfully Submitted: Finance Committee: Dennis Bork, Chair William Bruegger Brian Michaels Steven Nelson Max Weiss ~ BUFFALO ~ COUNTY,W l 'f"'