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PRICE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING MINUTES Date: February 17, 2026 Time: 9:00 a.m. Place: Courthouse County Board Room 101; 126 Cherry St; Phillips, WI 54555 Call to Order: Meeting Called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Brian Ernst, County Board Chair. Invocation: Invocation prayer by Pastor Larry Tenut. Pledge of Allegiance: Recited by those in attendance. Roll Call Members Present (13): Joe Baratka, Alan Barkstrom, Michelle Drobnik, Doug Erickson, Brian Ernst, Jeff Hallstrand, Jason Hastings, Paula Houdek, Robert Kopisch, Larry Palecek, Jordan Spacek, Patricia Stephan, Dennis Wartgow. Also present: Nick Trimner, County Administrator Communications and Announcements Price County Coroner James Dalbesio, III passed away, and the Governor’s Office will appoint a specialist for the coroner position. A press release scheduled for February 23rd offers application details. Public Comments Waldemar Madson from the City of Phillips publicly commented on a non- agenda item. John Brylski from the Town of Elk commented publicly on a non-agenda item. Presentations 1. Employee Recognitions : Recognized County Board Supervisors at their last County Board of Supervisors meeting. Alan Barkstrom, County Board Supervisor from 2020-2026, served as County Board Chair from 2022- 2024, and Chair of the Land Use/UW -Extension Committee from 2024- 2026. Jeff Hallstrand, County Board Supervisor from 2018- 2026, served as County Board Vice Chair from 2022-2026, and Chair of the Forestry and Parks/Buildings and Grounds Committee from 2024-2026. Thank you both for your service. County employees celebrating their one- year anniversaries: Meredith Hueckman, Price County Clerk; Renee Leinfelder, Price County Treasurer; and Morgan Yde, Public Health Nurse. 2. Friends of Fred Smith Annual Report: Ann Grzywnowicz , Friends of Fred Smith Operations Manager, presented the annual report for 2025, and it is on file. 3. Phillips Area Chamber of Commerce Bi -Annual Report: Johnathan McArthur , Phillips Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, presented the bi -annual report for 2025, and it is on file. Approval of the Minutes 1. November 12, 2025, Meeting Minutes: Motion Hallstrand/Drobnik to approve the November 12, 2025, Price County Board of Supervisors meeting minutes as presented. Roll call vote to approve the minutes: Yes (13): Baratka, Barkstrom, Drobnik, Erickson, Ernst, Hallstrand, Hastings, Houdek, Kopisch, Palecek, Spacek, Stephan, Wartgow. No (0). Motion carried. Resolutions 1. Adopt Revised Price County Administration Manual (Administration): Submitted by the Price County Administration Committee. s/Dennis Wartgow, Chair; Alan Barkstrom; Jeffrey Hallstrand; Paula Houdek; Jordan Spacek (Excused). Reviewed by County Administrator: s/Nicholas Trimner. Approved as to form by Corporation Counsel: s/ Megan Norris. Adopted by the Price County Board of Supervisors on this 17th day of February 2026. s/Brian Ernst, County Board Chair; s/Meredith Hueckman, County Clerk. Motion Houdek/Baratka to consider the resolution for adoption. Discussion held. Roll call vote: Yes (12): Baratka, Barkstrom, Drobnik, Erickson, Ernst, Hallstrand, Houdek, Kopisch, Palecek, Spacek, Stephan, Wartgow. No (1): Hastings. Motion carried. 2. Elected Officials Salaries for 2027-2030 (Administration): Submitted by the Price County Administration Committee. s/Dennis Wartgow, Chair; Alan Barkstrom-No; Jeffrey Hallstrand; Paula Houdek; Jordan Spacek -No. Reviewed by County Administrator: s/Nicholas Trimner. Approved as to form by Corporation Counsel: s/Megan Norris. Adopted by the Price County Board of Supervisors on this 17th day of February 2026. s/Brian Ernst, County Board Chair; s/Meredith Hueckman, County Clerk. Motion Palecek/Houdek to consider the resolution for adoption. Discussion held. Roll call vote: Yes (10): Baratka, Drobnik, Erickson, Ernst, Hallstrand, Houdek, Kopisch, Palecek, Stephan, Wartgow. No (3): Barkstrom, Hastings, Spacek. Motion carried. 3. Town of Georgetown Bridge and Culvert Aid Request (Executive): Submitted by the Price County Executive Committee. s/Brian Ernst, Chair; Alan Barkstrom; Doug Erickson; Jeffrey Hallstrand; Larry Palecek (Excused). Reviewed by County Administrator: s/Nicholas Trimner. Approved as to form by Corporation Counsel: s/Megan Norris. Adopted by the Price County Board of Supervisors on this 17th day of February 2026. s/Brian Ernst, County Board Chair; s/Meredith Hueckman, County Clerk. Motion Drobnik/Palecek to consider the resolution for adoption. Roll call vote: Yes (13 ): Baratka, Barkstrom, Drobnik, Erickson, Ernst, Hallstrand, Hastings , Houdek, Kopisch, Palecek, Spacek, Stephan, Wartgow. No (0). Motion carried. 4. Amend 34- 24: 2025 Price County Highway Department Road Construction Projects (Executive): Submitted by the Price County Executive Committee. s/Brian Ernst, Chair; Alan Barkstrom; Doug Erickson; Jeffrey Hallstrand; Larry Palecek. Reviewed by County Administrator: s/Nicholas Trimner. Approved as to form by Corporation Counsel: s/Megan Norris. Adopted by the Price County Board of Supervisors on this 17th day of February 2026. s/Brian Ernst, County Board Chair; s/Meredith Hueckman, County Clerk. Motion Erickson/Palecek to consider the resolution for adoption. Discussion held. Roll call vote: Yes (13): Baratka, Barkstrom, Drobnik, Erickson, Ernst, Hallstrand, Hastings , Houdek, Kopisch, Palecek, Spacek, Stephan, Wartgow. No (0). Motion carried. 5. Amend 28-25: 2026 Price County Capital Projects, Capital Purchases, and Court Ordered High-Cost Placements to be Financed with Short-Term Debt (Executive): Submitted by the Price County Executive Committee. s/Brian Ernst, Chair; Alan Barkstrom; Doug Erickson; Jeffrey Hallstrand; Larry Palecek. Reviewed by County Administrator: s/Nicholas Trimner. Approved as to form by Corporation Counsel: s/Megan Norris. Adopted by the Price County Board of Supervisors on this 17th day of February 2026. s/Brian Ernst, County Board Chair; s/Meredith Hueckman, County Clerk. Motion Baratka/Drobnik to consider the resolution for adoption. Discussion held. Roll call vote: Yes (12): Baratka, Barkstrom, Drobnik, Erickson, Ernst, Hallstrand, Hastings , Houdek, Palecek, Spacek, Stephan, Wartgow. No (1): Kopisch. Motion carried. 6. Resolution Urging the Governor and State Legislature to Enact a Sustainable Transportation Funding Solution (Highway & Transportation): Submitted by the Price County Highway and Transportation Committee. s/Larry Palecek, Chair; Joseph Baratka; Doug Erickson; Paula Houdek; Jordan Spacek . Reviewed by County Administrator: s/Nicholas Trimner. Approved as to form by Corporation Counsel: s/Megan Norris. Adopted by the Price County Board of Supervisors on this 17th day of February 2026. s/Brian Ernst, County Board Chair; s/Meredith Hueckman, County Clerk. Motion Kopisch/Houdek to consider the resolution for adoption. Discussion held. Roll call vote: Yes (12): Baratka, Barkstrom, Drobnik, Erickson, Ernst, Hallstrand, Houdek, Kopisch, Palecek, Spacek, Stephan, Wartgow. No (1): Hastings. Motion carried. Appointments 1. Price County Local Emergency Planning Committee 202 6, Per List Provided : The appointments were recognized for informational purposes and are on file. 2. Price County Emergency Fire Warden s 2026, Per List Provided: The appointments were recognized for informational purposes and are on file. 3. Price County Nutrition Advisory Council, Per List Provided: No action at this time. 4. Price County Opioid Committee , Per List Provided: The appointments were recognized for informational purposes and are on file. 5. Price County Transportation Coordination Committee , Per List Provided: No action at this time. Reports 1. 2026 Forestry and Parks Annual Work Plan: Motion Drobnik/Wartgow to approve the 2026 Forestry and Parks Annual Work Plan as presented. Roll call vote: Yes (12): Baratka, Barkstrom, Drobnik, Erickson, Ernst, Hallstrand, Houdek, Kopisch, Palecek, Spacek, Stephan, Wartgow. No (1): Hastings. Motion carried. Miscellaneous 1. County Administrator Employment Contract 2026-2030: Motion Palecek/Wartgow to approve the County Administrator Employment Contract 2026-2030 as presented. Discussion held. Roll call vote: Yes (1 0): Baratka, Barkstrom, Erickson, Ernst, Hallstrand, Houdek, Palecek, Spacek, Stephan, Wartgow. No ( 3): Drobnik, Hastings, Kopisch. Motion carried. * A short recess was called at 10:19 a.m. by Chair Ernst until 10:30 a.m. Committee of the Whole 1. Board Chair Report a. Updates: The County Board Chair updated the Board on the Tower Project with Bug Tussel, which has made no physical progress after roughly 1.5 years. Their communication has been inconsistent with multiple staff changes. The County still holds about $15 million allocated for the project and only minimal funds have been drawn so far. The County controls the funds and can refuse further withdrawals. Concerns for other counties include partially completed tower networks , running out of project funds before completion, and similar poor communication issues. The County’s radio communication system is at end- of-life and must be replaced within the next two years , at least. Estimated cost is roughly $4 million. The original plan depended on Bug Tussel towers; and without them, the county may need to either build its own towers or pay monthly leasing costs for tower space. The County is not approving additional spending until planning, clarity and timeline is provided. Bug Tussel will be invited to present to the Board, and further meetings will be scheduled. Price County’s carbon credits are slated to be on the market very soon, sold by Anew (originally Bluesource) and the status of these credits will continue to be monitored. Attended the Wisconsin Counties Association Legislative Conference in Madison, with over 300 attendees. Speeches from Senate and House majority leaders were presented, discussion on renewable energy projects and counties have limited control over the projects. Looked at a proposed outline of a resolution regarding renewable projects and mining. 2. County Administrator’s Report a. 2025/2026 Financial Summary/Updates: Price County Administrator Nick Trimner was one of 20 individuals selected for a ‘Leaders in Government ’ training, consisting of four days of intense learning in Washington DC. Trimner is one of only six individuals nominated by the WCA and chosen to participate in the leadership program. Presented the Executive Summary report from December 2025 and January 2026 , and they are on file. Reports included balances from the General fund; Health and Human Services; Other Funds; Price County Cash; Price County Sales Tax; Price County Stumpage Sales; High- Cost Placement – Children and Youth; and High-Cost Placement AODA. 3. Committee Chair Reports a. Administration: Met on February 3, 2026. Next meeting April 14, 2026. Set the resolution for Sheriff, Clerk of Circuit Court, and Coroner proposed wages for 2027 through 2030. b. Executive: Met on January 15, 2026. Next meeting March 12, 2026. Update given on the In Rem properties, about 70 parcels. Discussed the resolutions on the agenda at today’s meeting. Heard reports from the Treasurer, Register of Deeds, as well as the office of administration, and an updated calendar for committee meetings. CEP repaid their $5,000 in loan monies in full. The County had offered a payment plan. Discussion on Bug Tussel. c. Forestry & Parks / Buildings & Grounds: Hasn’t met for a few months. Next meeting will be March 10, 2026. Forestry hit their budget goal for the year. Building and Grounds has been proficiently keeping up with their regular maintenance schedule. d. Health and Human Services: Met February 11, 2026. Next meeting April 8, 2026. New employees were introduced. A report by Children and Youth showed placements were down in the fourth quarter. Economic support identified over $.5 million in fraudulent claims in our area. The error rate is at 3.5% and the requirement is under 6%. Report given on respiratory issues, and Price County was higher than the state average. An ARDC quarterly report on behavioral health was presented. Reviewing funding to create another position due to the increased caseload in the Behavioral Health CLTS Unit. e. Highway & Transportation: Met February 4, 2026. Next meeting March 4, 2026. The highway crew out has kept up routine maintenance, tree chipping, guard rail repair, and snow removal. The F150 has been utilized to deliver signage. In early April, the department expects delivery of a CAT Skid steer. The airport continues to be maintained, including snow removal. The Dams are in good shape. f. Land Use & UW-Extension: Met on December 18, 2026. Next meeting February 19, 2026. Approved a conditional use permit for operating an in-house daycare. Approved land divisions in the town of Elk and Flambeau. The UW-ex reality fair was discussed. g. Law Enforcement: Met on February 5, 2026. Next meeting March 9, 2026. Staffing is somewhat short. The emergency communication system is in need of replacement soon. Convene out of Committee of the Whole: Convene out of the Committee of the Whole at 11:36 a.m. Date of Next Meeting: The Organizational Meeting will be held on April 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the County Board Room, 8:45 to swear in the elected Price County Supervisors. The Business Meeting will be held on April 28, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the County Board Room. Adjourn: Meeting of Price County Board of Supervisors adjourned at 11:38 a.m. by Brian Ernst, County Board Chair. Respectfully submitted by Meredith Hueckman, Price County Clerk RESOLUTION INDEX: Resolution No.: 01 - 26 Adopt Revised Price County Administration Manual WHEREAS, the Administration Committee has been charged by the Price County Board of Supervisors with the responsibility of developing, maintaining and enforcing policies and guidelines for personnel management and has also been charged with the responsibility of periodically reviewing said policies and procedures; and WHEREAS, the Administration Committee previously adopted and/or updated the Price County Administration Manual on June 21, 2022; and WHEREAS, the Administration Committee has determined the need for various additions and/or edits to the language in the existing policies; and WHEREAS, the Administration Committee has reviewed and approved the attached revisions to the Price County Administration Manual and recommends them for adoption by the County Board. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Price County Board of Supervisors adopt the revisions to the Price County Administration Manual as presented, with an effective date of November 12, 2025. Submitted by the Price County Administration Committee. Resolution No.: 02 - 26 Elected Official Salaries for 2027 through 2030 WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Price County Board of Supervisors to set the salaries for elected officials pursuant to Wis. Stats 59.22 "before the earliest time for filing nomination papers for any elective office", and WHEREAS, the Board desires to establish the total annual compensation for County elected officials which is separate and distinct from the fringe benefits offered by the County to elected officials and which fringe benefits are subject to increase or decrease dur ing the elected official’s term of office at the discretion of the Board and in accordance with State and Federal law, and WHEREAS, as part of the County’s fringe benefit program, County elected officials may participate in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) in accordance with State law, and WHEREAS, as part of the County’s fringe benefit program, County elected officials may elect to receive health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as the health insurance coverage offered to non-represented County managerial employees who are not law enforcement managerial employees or non-represented managerial employees described in Wis. Stat. 111.70(1)(mm)2, and WHEREAS, the Price County Personnel Committee has solicited input from the elected officials and reviewed external comparables and taken into consideration the fiscal impact to the County and has determined that the following salary increases for the positions are appropriate: 2027 2028 2029 2030 Sheriff $108,000 $110,000 $113,000 $116,000 Clerk of Court $76,377 $79,000 $81,000 $83,000 Coroner $8,000 $8,500 $9,000 $9,500 Plus $100 per death/$110 per cremation fee NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Price County Board of Supervisors duly assembled this 17th day of February, 2026, that the total annual compensation for County elected officials under Wis. Stat. 59.22(1) shall be as listed above, effective on the first day of a term of office that begins after the date of this Resolution, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the aforementioned County elected officials are entitled to participate in the Wisconsin Retirement System in accordance with law and that the County shall pay only its share of contributions required by law, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the aforementioned County elected officials are entitled to participate in the County’s health insurance program subject to the terms and conditions of the program, which may be modified from time to time, under the same terms and conditions as the health insurance coverage offered to non-represented managerial County employees who are not law enforcement managerial employees or non-represented managerial employees described in Wis. Stat. 111.70(1)(mm)2. Submitted by the Price County Administration Committee. Resolution No.: 03 - 26 Town of Georgetown Bridge and Culvert Aid Request WHEREAS, the Town of Georgetown is requesting aid for design and installation of two (2) new culverts on Fairview Road, North of Kennan, nearest intersection Fairview Road and Liberty Lane, on the border of Section 29 and 28; and WHEREAS, the Price County Highway and Transportation Committee has reviewed and approved the request; and WHEREAS, project costs are estimated at $12,631.00 actual costs to be determined upon project completion; and WHEREAS, the funding criteria for the above-mentioned project is as follows: 50% Price County; 50% Town of Georgetown; and WHEREAS, the County portion will be recovered by a direct/special tax levy per § 82.08(2)(a), Wis. Stats., assessed to townships participating in the Bridge and Culvert Aid Program. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Price County Board of Supervisors hereby approves the Town of Georgetown Bridge and Culvert Aid Request. Fiscal Impact: $6,500.00 municipal tax levy (estimated). Submitted by: Price County Executive Committee. Resolution No.: 34 – 24 2025 Price County Highway Department Road Construction Projects to be Financed with Short-Term Debt Adopted October 15, 2024; Amended September 16, 2025; Amended February 17, 2026 WHEREAS, the Executive Committee has identified the need for financing a portion of the 2025 Highway Department road construction projects to the potential extent of $3,100,000; $2,610,000; $3,020,000; and WHEREAS, the Executive Committee has reviewed the financial impact of the proposed construction projects and recommends financing the projects through the use of short-term debt. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Price County Board of Supervisors authorizes the Executive Committee to proceed with the implementation of financing 2025 Highway Department road construction projects in an amount not to exceed $3,100,000; $2,610,000; $3,020,000; to be financed through the issuance of short-term debt and to include such debt payment in the 2026 Price County budget. Fiscal Impact: $3,100,000; $2,640,994; $3,020,000; (2026 budget) Adopted by the Price County Board of Supervisors on the15th day of October 2024. Amended by the Price County Board of Supervisors on the 16th day of September 2025. Amended and Submitted by the Price County Executive Committee: Resolution No.: 28 - 25 2026 Price County Capital Projects, Capital Purchases, and Court Ordered High -Cost Placements to be Financed with Short-term Debt Adopted September 16, 2025; Amended February 17, 2026 WHEREAS, the following capital projects have been identified by the Price County Executive Committee: Information Technology – Storage Project $ 850,100 Highway Department – 2026 Road Maintenance Projects $ 700,000 WHEREAS, the following capital purchases have been identified by the Price County Executive Committee: Sheriff’s Office – Three Squad Cars $ 190,000 Highway Department – 2nd Plow Truck $ 350,000 Highway Department – Yellow Equipment $ 490,000 $ 80,000 WHEREAS, the following court ordered high- cost placement replenishment have been identified by the Price County Executive Committee: Court Ordered High-Cost Placements $400,000 WHEREAS, the Executive Committee has reviewed the financial impact of these projects and purchases and recommends short-term borrowing to finance these projects; and WHEREAS, the project components and estimated costs are approximately $2,980,100 $2,660,100; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Price County Board of Supervisors authorizes the Executive Committee to proceed with the implementation of 2026 Capital Projects and Highway Department Road Construction in an amount not to exceed $2,980,100 $2,660,100, to be financed with short-term debt and to include such debt payment to begin with the 2026 Price County budget. Fiscal Impact: $2,160,392 for 2026, $304,716 for 2027, $294,997 for 2028, $194,997 for 2029, $186,153 for 2030 Adopted by the Price County Board of Supervisors on the 16th day of September 2025. Amended and Submitted by the Price County Executive Committee: Resolution No.: 04 - 26 Resolution Urging the Governor and State Legislature to Enact a Sustainable Transportation Funding Solution (Highway & Transportation) 1/12/2026 WHEREAS, local units of government in Wisconsin own and maintain approximately 90% of the public road miles in the state, including county highways, town roads, and city and village streets; and WHEREAS, Wisconsin’s economy—rooted in agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism—relies on a safe, reliable, and well-maintained transportation network; and WHEREAS, local governments greatly appreciate the one- time infusions of General Purpose Revenue, primarily sales and income taxes, and other revenue provided in recent state budgets, which have enabled the initiation and continuation of the successful and popular Local Roads Improvement Program Supplemental (LRIP-S) and Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP); and WHEREAS, despite modest increases from the state over the years, transportation aids to local governments remain insufficient to keep pace with inflation and rising construction costs, leaving many communities funded below 2000 levels in real dollars; and WHEREAS, local governments throughout Wisconsin continue to struggle to perform even routine maintenance, pavement preservation, and safety improvements, resulting in deteriorating roads and bridges; and WHEREAS, the inaugural inventory and assessment of small bridges between 6 to 20 feet found about 10% of the nearly 17,000 structures to be in poor or severe condition; and WHEREAS, levy limits and other fiscal constraints prevent local governments from independently filling the funding gap created by inadequate state transportation aids; and WHEREAS, absent sustainable state funding, many communities have been forced to address their shortfalls by significantly increasing borrowing, deferring essential projects, or imposing local vehicle registration (“wheel”) taxes; and WHEREAS, Wisconsin motorists currently pay among the lowest transportation user fees in the Midwest, while neighboring states and dozens of others nationwide have enacted long- term revenue measures to keep their transportation systems competitive; and WHEREAS, Wisconsin is increasingly relying on General Purpose Revenues to make needed investments, potentially pitting transportation against other vital services, such as education; and WHEREAS, continued lack of growing, dedicated, and predictable revenue places Wisconsin at a growing economic disadvantage by threatening the efficiency of freight movement, the safety of travelers, and the attractiveness of our state to businesses and residents; and WHEREAS, both Wisconsin’s aging Interstate highway system—largely constructed in the 1950s and 1960s— and our extensive network of state and local roads require predictable, adequate, and sustainable funding to meet current and future needs; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Price County Board of Supervisors strongly urges the Governor of Wisconsin and the State Legislature to enact a comprehensive, sustainable transportation funding solution that: 1. Provides adequate and reliable revenue growth for the efficient long-term planning and execution of state and local transportation programs; 2. Includes responsible and prudent use of General Purpose Revenue and bonding; 3. Adjusts any new and existing transportation user fees and other revenue mechanisms to sustain purchasing power in order to maintain and improve Wisconsin’s transportation infrastructure; and 4. Ensures transportation continues to deliver for Wisconsin by adequately funding reconstruction, preservation, and safety investments on the state and local systems. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the clerk is hereby directed to transmit a copy of this resolution to the Governor’s office, all members of the Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly representing districts within Price County, and the Wisconsin Counties Association. Adopted this 17th day of February, 2026. For contact information for your Legislative Delegation http://legis.wisconsin.gov/ Governor’s email address: govinfo@wisconsin.gov Wisconsin Counties Association: Driscoll@wicounties.org Submitted by: Price County Highway and Transportation Committee.