MARSHFIELD – Wood County officials are considering a series of budget amendments, staffing changes and policy updates aimed at addressing unanticipated costs, continuing major infrastructure work and maintaining county operations without increasing the local tax levy.
Among the proposals is a 2025 budget amendment to cover higher-than-expected costs associated with issuing debt for capital projects.
Officials plan to add $86,990 to the Debt Service Paying Agent budget, funded entirely by approximately $302,020.50 in unanticipated debt premium revenue, which exceeds the amount needed to cover the overage.
In a separate measure, officials are proposing a 2026 budget amendment to continue work on the Norwood Health Center water pipe replacement project.
The plan would allocate a combined $85,469.06 for construction, engineering and design work that extended beyond 2025.
The funding would come from previously approved and unspent funds carried over from prior years, resulting in no additional cost to the county.
Another 2025 amendment targets the Child Support – 5 County program, where professional service expenses exceeded initial projections.
The proposal would increase the budget by $11,796.91, fully offset by additional state aid revenue not included in the original budget.
County leaders are also proposing the creation of a half-time program assistant position in the Victim Witness Services Department.
The role, funded entirely through reimbursement from the Wisconsin Department of Justice, would cost $27,096.60 in wages and benefits and run from February 2026 through February 2027.
Officials say the additional support is needed to manage 957 open cases and ensure compliance with state-mandated victim notification requirements while an existing staff member is on leave.
A larger adjustment involves the 2025 Highway Department budget, where officials are seeking to account for $3.32 million in additional expenditures tied to road maintenance, bridge construction and winter operations.
The increase would be offset by $2.62 million in higher-than-expected revenues, along with nearly $700,000 in underspending from other areas, resulting in no added taxpayer cost.
In addition to budget amendments, county officials reported that an estimated $7.34 million in governmental funds will be designated for specific purposes by the end of 2025.
This includes approximately $2.56 million in committed funds within the General Fund and $4.78 million in assigned funds across departments such as highways, human services, parks and economic development.
Officials said these balances largely reflect carryover funds and excess revenues reserved for future use.
The County Board is also preparing to set salaries for the Clerk of Courts and Sheriff for the 2027–2030 term, as required ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
The proposal sets the clerk of courts salary at $97,468.80 and the sheriff at $141,876.80 beginning in 2027, with future increases limited to cost-of-living adjustments approved by the board.
Separately, supervisors are considering a rule change that would require board members to stand, if physically able, when addressing the board during meetings.
The proposal is intended to clarify expectations around meeting decorum while allowing accommodations for those with physical limitations.
Under county policy, budget amendments are required when actual costs exceed approved levels.
If adopted, the county clerk will publish public notice of the changes within 15 days, in accordance with state law.
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