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PRICE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Notice of Meeting Date: August 18, 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 Chairperson. Invocation: Invocation prayer by Pastor John Trewyn. Pledge of Allegiance: Recited by those in attendance. Roll Call Members Present (11): Jenifer Baratka, Joe Baratka, Michelle Drobnik, Doug Erickson, Brian Ernst, Paula Houdek, Robert Kopisch, Larry Palecek, Patricia Stephan, Dennis Wartgow Members Excused: Jeff Ulrich, Jordan Spacek Also present: Nick Trimner, County Administrator Communications and Announcements: None . Public Comments: Waldemar Madsen from the City of Phillips commented publicly on a non-agenda item Senator for the 23 rd District, Romaine Quinn, from Birchwood, Wisconsin, commented publicly on a non- agenda item. Presentation s 1. Employee Recognitions – Laura Palzkill : County employees celebrating one-year anniversaries: Charles Melbauer, Highway Operator; Melody Jorgensen, ADRC Specialist; and Katie Voss, HHS Assistant. Employees celebrating 10-year anniversaries: Joel Eder, Sheriff ’s Deputy/Rec Officer; Jay Thums, On-Call Sheriff ’s Deputy. Employee celebrating her 25-year anniversary: Kim Polster, HHS Accounting & Legal Assistant. 2. Phillips Area Chamber of Commerce Bi-Annual Report – Johnathan McArthur Approval of the Minutes 1. June 16 , 2026 , M eeting Minutes : Motion Palecek/Houdek to approve the June 16, 2026, Price County Board of Supervisors meeting minutes as presented. Roll call vote to approve the minutes: Yes (11): Jenifer Baratka, Joe Baratka, Drobnik, Erickson, Ernst, Houdek, Kopisch, Palecek, Scheuermann, Stephan, Wartgow. No (0). Motion carried. Resolutions 1. Create an additional Economic Support Specialist Position (Health and Human Services) : Submitted by the Price County Health and Human Services Board. s/Paula Houdek, Chairperson; Joe Baratka; Robert Kopisch; Patricia Stephan; and Dennis Wartgow (excused). Reviewed by County Administrator: s/Nicholas Trimner. Approved as to form by Corporation Counsel: s/Bryce Schoenborn. Adopted by the Price County Board of Supervisors on this 18th day of August 2026. s/Brian Ernst, County Board Chair; s/Meredith Hueckman, County Clerk. Motion Houdek/Kopisch to consider the resolution for adoption. Roll call vote: Yes (11): Jenifer Baratka, Joe Baratka, Drobnik, Erickson, Ernst, Houdek, Kopisch, Palecek, Scheuermann, Stephan, Wartgow. No: (0). Motion carried. 2. Amend 7-20 Request to Apply for WDNR 2020 Municipal Dam Grant Program (Cranberry Creek Dam) (Executive) : Submitted by the Price County Executive Committee. s/Brian Ernst, Chairperson (excused) ; Michelle Drobnik; Paula Houdek; Larry Palecek; Jordan Spacek (remote) . Reviewed by County Administrator: s/Nicholas Trimner. Approved as to form by Corporation Counsel: s/Bryce Schoenborn. Adopted by the Price County Board of Supervisors on this 18th day of August 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 (11): Jenifer Baratka, Joe Baratka, Drobnik, Erickson, Ernst, Houdek, Kopisch, Palecek, Scheuermann, Stephan, Wartgow. No: (0). Motion carried. 3. Town of Fifield Bridge and Culvert Aid (Executive) : S ubmitted by the Price County Executive Committee. s/Brian Ernst, Chairperson (excused); Michelle Drobnik; Paula Houdek; Larry Palecek; Jordan Spacek (remote). Reviewed by County Administrator: s/Nicholas Trimner. Approved as to form by Corporation Counsel: s/Bryce Schoenborn. Adopted by the Price County Board of Supervisors on this 18th day of August 2026. s/Brian Ernst, County Board Chair; s/Meredith Hueckman, County Clerk. Motion Drobnik/Erickson to consider the resolution for adoption. Roll call vote: Yes (11): Jenifer Baratka, Joe Baratka, Drobnik, Erickson, Ernst, Houdek, Kopisch, Palecek, Scheuermann, Stephan, Wartgow. No: (0). Motion carried. 4. Town of Hill Bridge and Culvert Aid (Executive) : S ubmitted by the Price County Executive Committee. s/Brian Ernst, Chairperson (excused); Michelle Drobnik; Paula Houdek; Larry Palecek; Jordan Spacek (remote). Reviewed by County Administrator: s/Nicholas Trimner. Approved as to form by Corporation Counsel: s/Bryce Schoenborn. Adopted by the Price County Board of Supervisors on this 18th day of August 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 (11): Jenifer Baratka, Joe Baratka, Drobnik, Erickson, Ernst, Houdek, Kopisch, Palecek, Scheuermann, Stephan, Wartgow. No: (0). Motion carried. 5. Town of Prentice Bridge and Culvert Aid (Executive) : S ubmitted by the Price County Executive Committee. s/Brian Ernst, Chairperson (excused); Michelle Drobnik; Paula Houdek; Larry Palecek; Jordan Spacek (remote). Reviewed by County Administrator: s/Nicholas Trimner. Approved as to form by Corporation Counsel: s/Bryce Schoenborn. Adopted by the Price County Board of Supervisors on this 18th day of August 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 (10): Jenifer Baratka, Joe Baratka, Drobnik, Ernst, Houdek, Kopisch, Palecek, Scheuermann, Stephan, Wartgow. No: (0). Abstain: (1): Erickson. Motion carried. 6. Price County Public Safety Radio System Study Phase 1: Consulting Services (Executive) : S ubmitted by the Price County Executive Committee. s/Brian Ernst, Chairperson (excused); Michelle Drobnik; Paula Houdek; Larry Palecek; Jordan Spacek (remote). Reviewed by County Administrator: s/Nicholas Trimner. Approved as to form by Corporation Counsel: s/Bryce Schoenborn. Adopted by the Price County Board of Supervisors on this 18th day of August 2026. s/Brian Ernst, County Board Chair; s/Meredith Hueckman, County Clerk. Motion Drobnik/Kopisch to consider the resolution for adoption. Roll call vote: Yes (11): Jenifer Baratka, Joe Baratka, Drobnik, Erickson, Ernst, Houdek, Kopisch, Palecek, Scheuermann, Stephan, Wartgow. No: (0). Motion carried. Appointments : Appointments under agenda items one through eight were presented and are on file. 1. Friends of Fred Smith (Board Chair): Brian Ernst 2. NW Wisconsin Regional Economic Development Fund Administration Committee: Jeff Klaver 3. Health and Human Services Board: Stacy Pomeroy (term 6/1/2026 through 5/31/2029) 4. Chief Elected Officials Consortium Representative (working with N orthwest W isconsin CEP) (term 4/2026 through 4/2028) : Jeff Ulrich 5. Northwest Wisconsin CEP A lternate (term 4/2026 through 4/2028) : Brian Ernst 6. Price County Ad-Hoc Opioid Committee - Jessica Folstad, Park Falls School District Alternate 7. Nutrition Advisory Council (term 5/1/2026 through 4/30/2028): Beverly Heikkinen of Brantwood 8. Northwoods Rail Trail Commission Alternate (term 4/2026 through 4/2028) : Jeff Ulrich Reports on File 2025 Annual Report – Forestry and Parks : The 2025 Annual Report was presented and is on file. Committee of the Whole : Convened into the Committee of the Whole at 9:45 a.m. 1. Board Chair Report : a. Updates : Since the last meeting, the Chair attended the WCA district meeting in Hayward on June 17 th and there was discussion on County Officials ’ roles and responsibilities, population trends, taxation explanations, and a legislative update was given including approving SNAP funds to make up for the budget shortfall. Attended a Northwest Regional Annual Commission meeting on June 24 th , elected officers, and adopted 2027 membership levy with no change for Price County. Spoke about the fiscal impact of the Blatnik Bridge construction in Superior with traffic redirection for about one year or more. Round table discussion was held on topics including Bug Tussel. Ernst and Houdek attended WCA Board Chair and Vice Chair roles and responsibilities training session and had a lengthy question and answer time including a mock board meeting. Participated in presentations from the RFP vendors for the radio tower project from earlier in the meeting. Navigating “unravelling the partnership ” involving the agreement with Bug Tussel. 2. County Administrator ’s Report a. 2026 Financial Summary /Updates : Summarized the Forestry and Parks Year to Year Report for 2026, displaying the first six months of the year through June, and it is greater than last year by between $15,000 and $16,000. There is an increase in out of town and Park Falls campers visiting Solberg Lake Park. Smith Lake Park camping numbers have plateaued. There has been online registration for camping since 2025. The Parks report was presented and on file. The 2026 Executive Financial Summary was presented and is on file. 58% of the year has passed and 60% of revenue has been collected. The General Fund is in good shape with no emergency expenditures required, and no project funding outstanding. In the Health and Human Services Fund, 72.14% of revenues have been collected with 67% of budgeted expenditures, a majority of that is due to high-cost placements. Price County Cash is $840,000. Sales Tax is 5.2% more than last year at this time. Stumpage is almost $.5 million less than last year at this time, which is part of the reason the County is $.5 million short on their Cash amount year over year. High-Cost Placements Children and Youth show $573,000 for the year, and last year at this time it was $344,000. High-Cost Placements AODA is $20,8830 for the year compared to $175,00 last year at this time. For Health Insurance, the County began 2026 at negative ($79,000) and currently is at positive $66,000. b . 2027 Budget: Discussion was held at the Executive Committee on the 2027 Budget and there will be a line-by-line Preliminary Budget in September. There is a yearly capped levy limit, and the County is allowed to increase that levy cap via Net New Construction. The operating budget for the County is currently between $.5 million to $1 million over budget. Two budget increases expected for 2027 are 2% wage increases to keep up with job market levels and health insurance increases to make necessary adjustments. The most significant 2027 budget increases to operational costs are in Information Technology due to signing a new contract for radio services, several subscriptions, monthly fees for emails, licenses and subscriptions. Discussion on options for reconciling the 2027 budget shortage. Discussion on the State levy limit of 0%. 3. Committee Chair Reports a. Administration: The m e e ting was held on August 11 th . The next meeting will be held on October 15 th . Received an update on the status of employees. Discussed 2027 employee benefits including Health Insurance. Taylored Health provides health care for the County at a savings. Discussed voluntary benefits including dental and vision. Discussed the County Lifestyle Perks Program. Discussed group life insurance benefits, and the committee agreed that administration should research its costs. There will be an employee benefits fair on October 21 st . The consensus for employee wage increase is at 2%. Discussion about a new policy for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and to revisit it annually. b. Executive : The meeting was held on August 13 th . The next meeting will be held on September 10 th . The Treasurer gave monthly reports and will be sending invoices to the seven towns for which the County collects taxes. There will be a new tax software information meeting held in September. There are 16 In Rem properties going to court this week, down from 73 at the start. CMAs from a realtor chosen through RFP will be completed to establish first-round auction pricing. Register of Deeds gave their report and July was very busy, collecting over $20 million. There is budgeting being done for new cloud-based software for ROD. The administrator gave his executive report as presented today. The Clerk ’s Office has been busy with Primary Election duties and voter turnout was good at about 49% countywide. There was discussion regarding the resolutions that were brought forward today. There was an update on Bug Tussel. The fair commission presented updates on the fairground, and they spoke on investing over $265,000 into the fairgrounds. There has been an increase in new attendance and sponsorships are growing yearly. They are requesting additional funding from the County, which currently contributes $20,000 annually. The Phillips Area Chamber of Commerce is also requesting additional funding to promote countywide tourism. c. Forestry & Parks/Buildings & Grounds: No meeting was held in August. The next meeting will be on October 6th. Discussion on stumpage and four active sales. Discussion on observing the effects of a dry summer on stumpage sales in the future. d. Health and Human Services: The Regular meeting was held on August 12 th at 4:00 p.m. and the annual Public Participation meeting was held on the same day at 5:00 p.m. The next meeting will be held on September 9 th . Nurse Stacy Pomeroy was appointed to the board. The Opioid Committee has met for four out of five allotted meetings. At their last meeting on August 12 th , they held discussion and review of preliminary recommendations for the utilization of Opioid funding. The Opioid Committee forwarded the recommendations to the Health and Human Services Board for their consideration, and upon approval, it will be forwarded to the County Board. The annual report for the health department was presented and is on file. Christina and Dennis Connor were recognized at the meeting with a cake and a plaque after retiring as foster parents for 38 years. e. Highway & Transportation: The meeting was held on August 5 th . The next meeting will be held on September 2 nd .The Highway crew assisted Lincoln County in paving Hwy YY. They did work on Town of Worcester and Town of Eisenstein bridge and culvert aid. Completed mowing on all State and County highways. Changed 13 culverts and paved on Hwy D in Brantwood. Completed bridge repairs on State Hwy 13 and on the bridge on Old 8 Road in Prentice. Routed and filled cracks in the parking lots at Smith Lake Park, the County Courthouse and the Normal Building . Hauled 14 ,000 tons of gravel for lifts on Hwy H and 10,000 tons on Hwy D. Staked Highways H and D for construction and graded and compacted behind the pulverizer . The shop is catching up on routine maintenance and repairs and preparing for winter. Buildings and Grounds installed a new roof on the sign shed. There are two new plow trucks in Wausau waiting for body builds in September. There is a shop mechanic position open. In June the three-year BOA airport inspection was done, noting some runway approach and tree obstructions to take remedy , and that process has begun with Becker Hoppe. On July 14 th the BOA project manager informed the County that the crack filling and topcoat project will be scheduled for next summer instead of this summer. Air traffic was exceptionally busy while gas prices were low, but normal traffic flow has returned due to normal fuel prices. The annual F ly- In H amburger S ocial takes place on August 13 th . The status of dams are good overall and mowing and tree brush are in good order . Water levels are low (three inches lower or more) due to low summer rainfall ; therefore, minimal flow check s are being completed . Weamers Dam inspection report was completed by Becker Hoppe and it is in sufficient order . It is being monitored. Solberg dam concrete deterioration is being monitored and patched, and it will be repaired this summer. f. Land Use & UW-Extension: There were two meetings since the last meeting , and the committee has been busy for the last few months regarding the gravel pit Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application by Janak and Sons on East Solberg Lake Road . The next meeting will be September 17 th . At the June 18th meeting there were five public hearings . O ne addressed a CUP for a building three feet from the property line on East Wilson Flowage Road, which was an improvement , and it was approved. A CUP for a home being built five feet from the property line and 30 feet for the Town setback instead of 10 feet and 33 feet was approved . A reclamation plan from Granberg Brothers for a gravel pit on Hwy 8 in Prentice was approved . A CUP for building a shed 54 feet to the centerline of the road in Fifield, normally 60 feet , was approved. A CUP for a small-scale dog boarding facility on Schnur Lake Road was postponed . T wo conditions on the Janak and Sons gravel pit Conditional Use Permit were amended, and one condition was added regarding a solid waste disposal site on the property, and it was approved. T he Janak and Sons reclamation plan for the same gravel pit was approved . T wo land divisions were approved . At the July 23 rd meeting a small-scale restaurant CUP in the Town of Fifield was approved . T he small-scale dog boarding facility CUP on Schnur Lake Road was denied . There was follow-up on the gravel pit CUP on E. Solberg Lake Road. Janak and Sons agreed to a start time of 7:00 a.m. instead of 6:00 a.m. for about a two-week period. There was one land division. In Land Conservation , they ’re working on grants and funding for the season as well controlling an invasive species. UW Extension will attend and report quarterly instead of monthly. Assistant D ean from UW Extension gave an update and talked about the loss of the FoodWise Programs, reducing 100 positions in 2025. Preliminary discussion was held for a possible educator position in Price County. Update s were presented from the 4H Educator on the 4H Americore and S ummer Intern programs , and the interns gave reports as well. The S tate H orticultural specialist gave an update. g. Law Enforcement: The meeting was held on August 13 th . The next meeting will be held on September 3 rd . Upon taking office, the coroner reported six deaths and six cremations. In May : 18 deaths, 17 cremations, one burial, and one autopsy. In June : 16 deaths, 15 cremations, one burial, and three autopsies. In July : 16 deaths, 12 cremations, four burials, and one autopsy. The District Attorney reported high volume of cases with 250 pending review, and 50 newly filed. There will be a new Clerk of Circuit Court elected in January. The Sheriff ’s Office reported on the Radio Project and Request for Proposal , which were discussed today. A staffing update was given on new hires and returning officers. The Humane Office has been busy with calls. The Canine Unit has been organizing a trap shoot ing fundraiser. The Rec reation Officer has kept up with the required hours for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and has been on boat patrol. The Jail passed inspection with a positive report from inspectors . The Sheriff ’s Office is dealing with an influx of open records requests, which is taking a significant amount of time and resources. Discussion on amending Ordinance 398-19 regarding pet waste in campgrounds and the committee will move forward including scheduling a public hearing. Convene out of Committee of the Whole : Convened out of the Committee of the Whole at 11:02 a.m. Date of Next Meeting : September 15 , 2026 , Business Meeting at 9:00 a.m. in the County Board Room . Adjourn : Meeting a djourned at 11:02 a.m. by Brian Ernst , County Board Chair person. Respectfully submitted by Meredith Hueckman, County Clerk Resolution Index: Resolution 14-26 Create an additional Economic Support Specialist Position WHEREAS, the Price County Health and Human Services is part of the Northern Maintenance Consortium (NIMC) which is comprised of eleven counties that combine together to administer mandated public assistance programs including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP); and WHEREAS the Federal budget reconciliation, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, requires states to contribute a minimum of 5% toward the cost on SNAP benefits if their error rate is 6% or higher, facing penalty funding of between 5% and 15% of total SNAP costs; and WHEREAS , if Wisconsin ’s error rate reaches 6% on or After October 1, 2027, the state ’s 5% cost share would be approximately $69 million annually; and WHEREAS , in March Governor Evers signed 2025 Wisconsin Act 116 which, among other items, appropriated additional funding to Wisconsin DHS for quality control to ensure that Wisconsin stays below the federally required error rate; and WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services awarded the Northern Income Maintenance Consortium an additional $672,000 funding to develop a robust Quality Assurance Program; and WHEREAS , approximately six new quality assurance positions will be added to the Northern Income Maintenance consortium utilizing the new funding appropriation: and WHEREAS , subject to approval by team of 11 Directors of the NIMC, Price County was chosen to hire one of the six quality assurance positions; and WHEREAS , the increased cost associated with the position will be fully covered by additional revenue and will not require county tax levy; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Price County Board of Supervisors does hereby approves the creation of an additional Economic Support Specialist in the Economic Support Unit of the Health and Human Services Department and instructs the Administration Committee to develop a job description. Submitted by the Price County Health & Human Services Board. Adopted February 18, 2020 Amended August 18, 2026 AMEND: Resolution 7-20 Request to Apply for WDNR 2020 Municipal Dam Grant Program (Cranberry Creek Dam) WHEREAS , Price County Board of Supervisor Resolution #4-12 was adopted as: Now Therefore Be It Resolved, that Resolution #48-09 be amended to require Price County Board approval, by resolution, of any County funding required by the awarding of a grant to Price County under the WDNR Municipal Dams Grant Program prior to submitting any such application for financial aid from the Program for any specific County dam project.; and WHEREAS , needed repairs have been identified at the Cranberry Creek Dam, WDNR F.F. #50.32, KSN #435; and WHEREAS , Price County, Wisconsin may make applications for grant monies for maintenance, repairs and modifications to their County owned dams from the Wisconsin State Statute §31.385 and §227.11 and Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter NR 335; and WHEREAS , anticipated estimated cost for the project will be $67,524 and WHEREAS , the State share for such a project may not exceed 50% of the first $400,000 of eligible project costs; and WHEREAS , Price County must designate an authorized representative to: submit applications to the WDNR for financial aid; sign grant agreement documents; take all necessary action to complete the projects and submit for reimbursement claims associated with aforesaid grant program. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED , that the Price County Board of Supervisors hereby authorizes the Price County Forest Administrator to be the aforementioned representative; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT , Price County agrees to pay their share of the eligible costs which are equal to the total project cost minus the State share authorizing funds to be transferred on an as needed basis from the Capital Improvement Fund to the Forestry Department revenue account number 100-79- 49270. Financial Impact: Total estimated cost for this project is $67,524 State share is estimated to be $33,762 and County share is estimated to be $$33,762. Adopted by the Price County Board of Supervisors on the 18 th of February 2020. Amended and submitted by the Price County Executive Committee: Resolution No.: 1 5 -26 Town of Fifield Bridge and Culvert Aid Request WHEREAS, the Town of Fifield is requesting aid for design and installation of one (1) new culvert on Forest Road 136, N Gates Lake Rd and the Unnamed Tributary to Nichols Lake (aabajijiwani-ziibiinsing Creek) waterway, with directions from the nearest intersection from Junction of FR 508 and FR 136, the crossing is approximately one mile West; and WHEREAS , the Price County Highway and Transportation Committee has reviewed and approved the request; and WHEREAS , total project costs are estimated at $24,000.00, actual costs to be determined upon project completion; and WHEREAS , the funding criteria for the above-mentioned project is as follows:  50% Price County and 50% Town of Fifield; 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 Fifield Bridge and Culvert Aid Request. Fiscal Impact: $12,000.00 municipal tax levy (estimated). Submitted by: Price County Executive Committee. Resolution No.: 16-26 Town of Hill Bridge and Culvert Aid Request WHEREAS, the Town of Hill is requesting aid for design and installation of one (1) new culvert on Hultman Lake Road and Esker waterway, with directions from the nearest intersection West of Highway C on Hultman Lake Road ½ mile.; and WHEREAS , the Price County Highway and Transportation Committee has reviewed and approved the request; and WHEREAS , total project costs are estimated at $25,000.00, actual costs to be determined upon project completion; and WHEREAS , the funding criteria for the above-mentioned project is as follows:  50% Price County and 50% Town of Hill; 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 Hill Bridge and Culvert Aid Request. Fiscal Impact: $12,500.00 municipal tax levy (estimated). Submitted by: Price County Executive Committee. Resolution No.: 17-26 Town of Prentice Bridge and Culvert Aid Request WHEREAS, the Town of Prentice is requesting aid for design and installation of one (1) new culvert on Old 8 West Road and an unnamed waterway, with directions from the nearest intersection ¼ mile West of Beamont and Old 8 West, legal description: SW1/4, NE1/4, Section 8, Township 35, North, Range 1, East; 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 , total project costs are estimated at $16,000.00, actual costs to be determined upon project completion; and WHEREAS , the funding criteria for the above-mentioned project is as follows:  50% Price County and 50% Town of Prentice; 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 Prentice Bridge and Culvert Aid Request. Fiscal Impact: $8,000.00 municipal tax levy (estimated). Submitted by: Price County Executive Committee. Resolution No.: 18-26 PRICE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO SYSTEM STUDY PHASE 1 CONSULTING SERVICES WHEREAS, Price County issued a Request for Proposals for a Public Safety Radio System Facility and Feasibility Study and received proposals from qualified public safety communications engineering firms; and WHEREAS, the requested study will document and evaluate the existing radio system, analyze coverage and infrastructure, assess interoperability and modernization options, develop cost estimates and funding strategies, and provide phased five-year and ten-year capital and implementation plans; and WHEREAS, the Executive Committee, with recommendations from County staff, has interviewed and reviewed the proposals received; and WHEREAS, the public safety radio system project is anticipated to proceed in three phases: Phase 1 - facility and feasibility study; Phase 2 - development and issuance of one or more procurement requests for proposals, evaluation and selection of vendors, and assistance with the negotiation and completion of vendor contracts; and Phase 3 - project implementation, oversight, testing, and acceptance; and WHEREAS, continuity of professional consulting services through all three phases is expected to promote consistency, efficiency, accountability, and successful implementation of the recommendations developed during Phase 1; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Tusa Consulting Services is hereby selected to provide Phase 1 consulting services for the Price County Public Safety Radio System Project, and the County Board authorizes an allocation and contract amount not to exceed $55,000 for Phase 1; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Phase 1 costs shall be paid from Fund 105 Capital Improvement/Bug Tussel Fund ; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the firm selected for Phase 1 will be recommended to provide professional consulting services for Phases 2 and 3 if the county deems the project necessary, and the consulting fees for those phases shall be included as project costs; however, the scope, fees, contracts, and funding for Phases 2 and 3 shall be presented for separate approval by the County Board before work on those phases begins; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the County Administrator is authorized to execute the Phase 1 professional services agreement, subject to review by Corporation Counsel. Submitted by the Price County Executive Committee: