Executive

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Monday, October 20, 2025 County Board Room Members Present: Jim Metz, Scott Mildbrand, Chuck Zenner. Members Absent: none. Other Attendees: Nicole Hager , Adam Schnabel and Jodi Elliot -Taylor County Supportive Housing, Brian Wilson-Star News and Andria Farrand. Call Meeting to Order: Metz called the meeting to order at 2:04 p.m. Approve Agenda: Motion by Mildbrand, seconded by Zenner, to approve the agenda. Motion carried. Approve the minutes of August 29 , 2025, Executive Committee meeting: Motion by Zenner, seconded by Mildbrand, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. Request from Administrative Coordinator/Human Resource Manager to use sick leave : Hager requested approval to use a portion of her frozen sick leave for an upcoming surgery. She explained that the frozen sick leave may be used for an FMLA -qualified event, which her situation qualifies as. Hager is expected to be out beginning November 26th for approximately one week. Motion by Zenner, seconded by Mildbrand, to approve the use of frozen sick leave for Nicole’s upcoming surgery. Motion carried. Adam Schnabel-Taylor House: Adam, President of the Taylor House, and Jodi Elliot, Secretary, attended the meeting to provide an update on the current status of the Taylor House and to answer questions from the committee. Adam began by noting that a new Taylor County Supportive Housing Board has been established, with only a few exceptions to its membership. He emphasized the board’s commitment to transparency and open communication with the county. He also clarified a common misconception that the shelter must accept individuals from outside Taylor County. This requirement stems from the state and federal funding they receive. Currently, 65% of the individuals served are from Taylor County, with only 1% coming from out of state. The Taylor House currently employs one full -time and one part -time staff member, though efforts are underway to increase staffing levels. Both Adam and Elliot responded to questions from committee members and extended an invitation for the County Board to tour the facility. Following discussion, the committee invited the Taylor County Supportive Housing Board to attend the next County Board meeting on October 29th to share this information with the full board. No action was taken. Administrative Coordinator/HR Manager report: County Board & Committees • Attending committee meetings when available • RESET task force – one of 3 statewide counties as a pilot Renewable Energy Siting and Technical Engagement Program – solar, wind. Having communities and the public educated before it happens. • Reviewing Chapter 2 of County Code and have recommendations for changes. This usually occurs at the April County Board meeting. When asked if she should bring to this committee or directly to the meeting the stated they prefer she email it to this committee. Administrative Oversight • Goal to meet individually with department heads – this may not occur until January • A petition and public hearing is needed to have on file with the Federal and State government. Working with Pat, Becker Hoppe (Karl) and the state. Financial Planning & Reporting • Work with Finance on payroll procedures; updates, cross training, efficiencies • Been working with Finance Committee on carryover – need to get direction on next steps • Tyler Tech training, tutoring to utilize system Risk, Safety & Wellness • Met with EMC/M3 – Worker’s Compensation insurance. Our premium will increase due to a lost time claim in 2024. Suggestions from M3 regarding return to work/light duty; M3 also offers aviation insurance • Meeting next week with property & liability insurance company on premiums for 2026 Other items from the committee: None. Adjourn: Motion by Zenner, seconded by Mildbrand, to adjourn at 3:17 p.m. Motion carried. Andria Farrand Taylor County Clerk EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Friday, August 29, 2025 County Board Room Members Present: Jim Metz, Scott Mildbrand, Chuck Zenner. Members Absent: none. Other Attendees: Nicole Hager, Tracy Hartwig, Jaymi Kohn, Sarah Holtz, Rachael Judnic, Jenn Viergutz, Courtney Graff, Brian Wilson -Star News, Scott Schultz and Pam Motte -Taylor County Humane Society and Andria Farrand. Call Meeting to Order: Metz called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. Approve Agenda: Motion by Zenner, seconded by Mildbrand, to approve the agenda. Motion carried. Approve the minutes of June 12, 2025, Executive Committee meeting: Motion by Mildbrand, seconded by Zenner, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. Judicial Privacy Policy: Hager presented details on the Judicial Officer Privacy Law that went into effect April 1, 2025 and provided the committee with a checklist and a draft version of the policy, which is currently a work in progress. The draft was developed collaboratively by the relevant Department Heads. Motion by Mildbrand, seconded by Zenner, to approve the policy as presented. Motion carried. Hager will consult with Graff regarding next steps. Register of Deeds budget: Jaymi Kohn, Register of Deeds, presented her proposed 2026 budget and requested that the third position in the office be changed from part -time to full - time. Kohn explained that, since she will not be running for re -election in 2028, she is developing a succession plan and would like to have two fully trained staff members. Kohn also stated that two carryovers, totaling $122,900.96, are required by statute for database maintenance. After discussion, a motion was made by Mildbrand to approve the 2026 budget at the same level as 2025, $219,186.00. The motion was then withdrawn. A motion was made by Zenner, seconded by Metz, to increase the revenue for Real Estate Transfer fees from $40,000 to $45,000, approve the full-time position, and use carryover funds to cover the additional costs. Mildbrand voted no. The motion carried. Treasurer budget: Sarah Holtz, Treasurer presented her budget with a $5,710.00 budget increase over 2025, due to an employee step increase. Motion by Zenner, seconded by Mildbrand, to approve the 2026 Treasurer’s budget as presented. Motion carried. Child Support budget: Rachael Judnic, Child Support Administrator, presented 2 versions of the proposed 2026 Child Support budget. The budget reflects an increase due to the transfer of the Child Support portion of the Corporation Counsel charges from the Human Resources budget to the Child Support budget. These charges are reimbursable up to 66%. Motion by Mildbrand, seconded by Zenner, to approve the 2026 Child Support budget pending approval of the Corporation Counsel budget. This motion was then withdrawn and the item was tabled. Corporate Counsel Agreement and Resolution for 2026: Courtney Graff, Corporation Counsel, proposed an increase in the hourly rate and annual budget for legal services in 2026. Schmiege, Graff & Koch, which has served Taylor County since 2012 without a rate change, requested an hourly rate increase from $190 to $230 and a budget increase from $85,200 to $112,000. Following discussion, a motion was made by Zenner, seconded by Mildbrand, to approve a phased increase in the hourly rate; $220/hour in 2026 and $230/hour in 2027. The motion also approved an increase in the annual budget from $85,200 to $112,000 for 2026. Motion carried. Child Support budget: Due to the increase in the Corporation Counsel budget there was a motion by Mildbrand, seconded by Zenner, to approve the budget with a $36,915.00 levy request for Child Support. Motion carried. Taylor County Humane Society: Scott Schultz and Pam Motte of the Taylor County Humane Society were also present. The Humane Society sent their proposed 2026 budget, to Farrand, requesting an increase in the monthly fee, from $4147.00 to $5147.00 to help with increased payroll costs due to a large increase in animals annually. They have also requested reimbursement of veterinary fees with a cap of $1500.00 annually. Finally, it was requested that the county reimburse the TCHS $25.00 per day per animal, for any animals taken in from a police seizure. Farrand explained that in 2023 when they last increased the budget from $3822.00 per month, to $4147.00, we raised the dog license fees to offset that increase. It also had an annual escalation clause of 2.5 %, so the fees for 2025 are now $4356.95 per month. After some discussion there was a motion by Zenner, seconded by Mildbrand, to approve a 5% increase to the 2026 Humane Society budget. Motion carried. Farrand will invite the Humane Society to the budget review meeting. County Board: Farrand requested an increase in per diems, conference fees and travel due to the large number of board members attending conferences. Motion by Zenner, seconded by Mildbrand, to approve the County Board budget as presented. Motion carried. Economic Development: Farrand presented the budget with no increase from previous years. The budget is $30,000.00 with $15,000.00 going to the City of Medford and $3750.00 each going to the Village of Gilman, Gilman Industrial Foundation and $7500.00 to the Rib Lake Community Development Foundation. Motion by Mildbrand, seconded by Zenner, to approve the 2026 Economic Development Budget as presented. Motion carried. Tourism budget: Farrand presented the budget with no increase from 2025. Motion by Zenner, seconded by Mildbrand, to approve the 2026 Tourism budget as presented. Motion carried. County Clerk budget: Farrand presented the proposed County Clerk budget with an increase of $1000.00 due to an increase in the postage meter lease. Motion by Mildbrand, seconded by Zenner, to approve the 2026 County Clerk budget as presented. Motion carried. Elections budget: Farrand presented the proposed elections budget for 2026 and explained the increases are due to four elections in 2026 so there are added costs for ballots and election supplies. Motion by Mildbrand, seconded by Zenner, to approve the 2026 Elections budget as presented. Motion carried. ADRC of the Northwoods loan repayment: Zenner stated that we should move on. We’ve received over $52,000. of the last $75,000. that was due, and now we are just adding attorney fees. Jenn Viergutz, ADRC Director was also present and agreed we should let it go. We are in very good standing with the state and want it to continue that way. We received $50,000 from another county that de -obligated it, which more than makes up the difference. Attorney Ruthann Koch joined the meeting via phone and stated that she had last asked for more information on the audit. Motion by Zenner, seconded by Mildbrand, to authorize Corporation Counsel to stop pursuing the additional money from ADRC of the Northwoods. Motion carried. GPS on County vehicles: Farrand stated that she still has the five GPS units on two courthouse vehicles and 3 Human Services vehicles and will need them for 2026. Motion by Zenner, seconded by Mildbrand. Motion carried. Other items from the committee: None. Adjourn: Motion by Mildbrand, seconded by Zenner, to adjourn at 2:43 p.m. Motion carried. Andria Farrand Taylor County Clerk EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Thursday, June 12, 2025 County Board Room Members Present: Jim Metz, Scott Mildbrand, Chuck Zenner. Members Absent: none. Other Attendees: Brian Wilson-Star News and Andria Farrand. Call Meeting to Order: Metz called the meeting to order at 11:09 a.m. Approve Agenda: Motion by Zenner, seconded by Mildbrand, to approve the agenda. Motion carried. Approve the minutes of February 20, 2025 and April 14, 2025, Executive Committee meeting: Motion by Mildbrand, seconded by Zenner, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. Ordinance to amend several sections of Chapter 7, County Clerk, Taylor County Code: Farrand presented the changes to the committee, removing the payroll functions since that has now been moved to the Finance Department. Motion by Zenner, seconded by Mildbrand, to approve the changes. Motion carried. Other items from the committee: None. Adjourn: Motion by Zenner, seconded by Mildbrand, to adjourn at 11:13 a.m. Motion carried. Andria Farrand Taylor County Clerk EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Monday, April 14, 2025 County Board Room Members Present: Jim Metz, Scott Mildbrand, Chuck Zenner. Members Absent: none. Other Attendees: Nicole Hager, Rachael Judnic, Brian Wilson and Andria Farrand. Call Meeting to Order: Metz called the meeting to order at 3:26 p.m. Approve Agenda: Motion by Zenner, seconded by Mildbrand, to approve the agenda. Motion carried. Approve the minutes of November 26, 2024, Executive Committee meeting: Motion by Mildbrand, seconded by Zenner, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. Fill the Child Support Financial Specialist position: Judnic was present to request replacing the person that is leaving the position. After some discussion, it was determined that there is enough work for this person to work 25 hours a week, with 5 days, 5 hours a day as the preference. Motion by Zenner, seconded by Mildbrand, to approve hiring a replacement. Motion carried. Other items from the committee: There was some discussion on the repayment of the money from the ADRC of the Northwoods. Hager provided an update and stated she is working with Corporation Counsel, as the ADRC of the Northwoods is proposing to short pay the $75,000.00 owed to Taylor County. No action was taken. Adjourn: Motion by Zenner, seconded by Mildbrand, to adjourn at 3:40 p.m. Motion carried. Andria Farrand Taylor County Clerk EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Thursday, February 20, 2025 Third Floor Meeting Room Members Present: Jim Metz, Scott Mildbrand, Chuck Zenner. Members Absent: none. Other Attendees: Nicole Hager, Jaymi Kohn, Lorie Floyd, Bud Suckow, Mike Bub, Brian Wilson and Andria Farrand. Call Meeting to Order: Metz called the meeting to order at 1:45 p.m. Approve Agenda: Motion by Zenner, seconded by Mildbrand, to approve the agenda. Motion carried. Approve the minutes of November 26, 2024, Executive Committee meeting: Motion by Mildbrand, seconded by Zenner, to approve the minutes. Motion carried. Resolution urging Governor Evers and the Wisconsin Legislature to support the County Courts: Jill Scheithauer attended via phone and asked for the committee’s support in sending this resolution to the County Board for adoption. The Wisconsin Clerks of Circuit Court Association (WCCCA) and the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) are asking the state to provide additional funding to the counties to help with the escalating court costs. Motion by Zenner, seconded by Mildbrand, to send the resolution to the County Board. Motion carried. Resolution expressing appreciation to Michelle Kurth for her many years of service to Taylor County: Motion by Metz, seconded by Zenner. Motion carried. Discuss floater position: Hager explained that the floater position was a bit too challenging, expecting someone to learn 3 completely different jobs. She added that it would work better to split the position between Human Resources and County Clerk. Kohn added that the Register of Deeds office still has authorization for a part time person and she would like to fill it. Motion by Zenner, seconded by Mildbrand, to approve the part time position in the Register of Deeds office. Motion carried. Other items from the committee: None. Adjourn: Motion by Zenner, seconded by Mildbrand, to adjourn at 1:59 p.m. Motion carried. Andria Farrand Taylor County Clerk