County board approves dog damage claim, power line grant funds
After some discussion, members at the October 25 County board session approved paying out a $195 dog damage claim to town of Maplehurst resident Gina Davis for chickens that a neighbor’s unlicensed dog killed.
Under state and county codes, residents can file a claim to the county’s dog licensure fund for livestock injured or killed by other people’s dogs. According to Graff, the county then automatically files a claim against the owner of the dogs to reimburse the county for the damage claim. While this is a longstanding process, it is infrequent to see claims with the last claim made in 2006.
Board members questioned the county’s involvement since law enforcement was already involved. The police report indicates the dog’s owner admits blame and restitution was offered.
“I don’t even know why we are doing this,” board member Scott Mildbrand said. “There are a lot of animals around and there is a lot of potential for other claims.”
He suggested the board allow law enforcement to do their job and that restitution go through the court process. “I think we should just stay out of it,” he said.
Bub noted the process in state law is to have the claim go through the county dog damage funds with the county to pursue restitution. He said the resident was just following the process.
“As long as we keep following stupid processes, they will keep making them,” Mildbrand said of the state government.
Mildbrand was the only no vote against accepting the claim.
Power Line Funds
The county’s electronic voting system got a workout during approvals of the power line impact fee fund grant requests.
It took three votes for the county to approve giving $5,000 to Black River Golf Course for help with a new irrigation system. The golf course initially asked for $20,000 to go toward the estimated $30,000 to replace the 32-year-old irrigation system at the course. Last month the county’s finance and personnel committee recommended giving $5,000.
On Wednesday, board member Rod Adams said that is too low. “Don’t you think it should be a little more than five grand,” he said, making a motion to raise it to $10,000. He noted the course is used for many events in the community.
Thums questioned if the golf course was a for-profit, or a not-for-profit business.
“They try to make a profit, they don’t always do it,” Bub replied.
Thums said he opposed giving power line funds to a business. Bub countered that the county has approved funds for other businesses such as the rodeo, Cindy’s Bar for ball field improvements. He said he supported giving the funds because a primary purpose of them was supposed to be for recreation, not for things like fixing the courthouse, which also received funds in the past.
The vote to amend the request to $10,000 passed 9-8. However, the vote on the amended motion had 11 yes and 6 no, which failed to meet the two-thirds majority needed in county rules for spending money from the power line fund. The board then went back to the original recommendation from the finance and personnel committee and approved on a 14-3 vote, giving that amount. Thums, Myron Brooks, Jim Gebauer voted no.
Other power line fund requests passed without issue. Board members on a 16-1 vote with Zenner opposed, approved $15,000 for a new band shell in the village of Rib Lake. Board members voted 16-1 with Brooks voting no to give $28,000 to the Snowmobile Clubs Grooming Association to purchase a new trail groomer. Board members approved on a 17-0 vote to approve giving the Taylor County Humane Society $4,000 for the replacement of the floor in the dog room area.
In other business, board members:
Approved an ordinance making changes to the real estate section of the county code regarding the process of taking property with delinquent property taxes. The changes reflect the county’s use of the “in rem” process going through foreclosure action in the courts rather than through the previous tax deed process. Graff explained this change is expected to give additional legal protection to the county. Land information committee member Soper, said the process has resulted in fewer people being delinquent on their taxes, noting that people are more afraid of the court process.
Approved a resolution adopting the annual county forest work plan for 2024. This is reviewed annually as a requirement for continued grant funding from the state. In other forestry business, board members approved new language to the committee rules for forestry committee to bring it in line with language in state statutes.
Approved continuing the contract for legal services for the county with Schmiege, Graff, & Koch, LTD. Under the contract, the county will pay $7,100 per month for human services and child support legal services and $190 per hour for general government legal services as well as $95 per hour for legal assistant and paralegal work. Graff noted the total is a $100 increase over the previous contract.
Approved the revised library service plan for the county and also approved the annual county library tax exemptions for the municipalities who requested it because they already provide support of a local public library.
Approved changes in the county employment code to reflect the changes in staffing for the airport manager in 2024. The current airport manager will be going to a part-time schedule in 2024, however staffing authorization will still maintain the total full time equivalency level for the department as well as noting that any “full time” positions at the airport will be 40 hours a week.
Approved the highway department equipment schedule calling for a projected $872,000 in equipment purchases including two single-axle patrol truck and plows, a front end loader, a pickup truck and other equipment. The equipment will be purchased through machinery earnings and through carryover from previous years.
Approved the annual bridge aid levy of $94,080. This is a special levy spreading the county’s portion of the bridge aid program among participating municipalities. It includes bridge/culvert projects on Lekie Drive, Timber Drive, Clear Lake Road, Perkinstown Ave., Wren Drive and Diamond Drive.
Approved an ordinance adopting a new ethics policy for the county.
Approved revisions to the county’s employee handbook which will include the implementation of a paid time off model and phasing out the use of separate sick and vacation leave time. This change will begin in January 2024 and the current accrued sick leave held by existing employees will be frozen at the level on that date for future payout on retirement or leaving county employment.
Approved a resolution in support of Operation Green Light for Veterans. The resolution shows support for veterans, especially those recently transitioning out of service who are at a higher risk of suicide.
Attorney Courtney Graff
