01:29During the meeting, an individual named Musa presented the issue of the overvaluation, which arose from not entering the final property values into the system in the previous year. The board discussed the ramifications of this oversight and the solution proposed by the Department of Revenue (DOR), which involved sending individual abatements rather than recalculating taxes entirely. To facilitate this correction, tax payment deadlines were extended by twenty days in accordance with state statute. Concerns were raised about potential delays in mail delivery, exacerbated by slow postal service, which could affect companies receiving the corrections timely. Musa assured the board that three companies were already aware of the situation, while one company had not yet responded.

The discussion also addressed how the county would manage refunds for any overpaid taxes. It was confirmed that the county would issue refunds rather than credit future payments. To prevent similar issues in the future, the board agreed to implement a triple-check system. The board acknowledged that past practices only involved auditors receiving these values, which may have contributed to the oversight.

The meeting further touched on the potential financial impact on the county, which is already experiencing a budget shortfall of $944,000. The correction of property values could exacerbate these financial difficulties. However, the board moved to approve the correction of state-assessed property values without opposition.

09:38Following the action item, commissioners shared reports on various topics, including a joint powers board meeting on Lake Denbrough. Drone assessments of the lake’s conditions were considered, and there was skepticism regarding the necessity of creating fences and parking for hunting on dredge spoil property. Additionally, the sheriff’s department plans to install new sirens for public safety at a new park were discussed, with potential grant funding sources being explored.

13:55The board also received updates on the Three Rivers discussions, which focused on family medical leave, support programs for older adults, and the resumption of a Meals on Wheels program in Melchester. Concerns were raised about funding cuts to Head Start and energy assistance programs due to frozen federal funding.

Strategic planning sessions addressed public perceptions of health communication, particularly the negative impacts from COVID-19 messaging. Soil and water concerns were also discussed, emphasizing initiatives like a completed rain barrel project and strategies for nitrate reduction. Challenges with existing nitrate levels in groundwater were acknowledged, and the impact of chemical applications in urban areas was noted as a contributing factor to pollution.

Other topics included the Iowa Valley Mental Health’s proposal to rebrand due to confusion with similarly named entities. The board reviewed the salary of an individual named Eric, granting a 4% raise starting in July. Solid waste planning for La Crosse involved future contracts with Xcel Energy, with concerns about limited airspace for solid waste and the lack of expansion room if a new agreement isn’t reached.

23:02Furthermore, the Labor Management Committee discussed a proposal for a new dental insurance plan believed to offer better coverage at a lower cost. Upcoming training sessions on various topics, including PERA, cybersecurity, and harassment were announced.

The board also discussed the Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting, where two applications for funding from the Waukesha County Housing Trust Fund were approved for an upcoming board meeting. A final application for the Plainview Small Cities Development Program was submitted, with responses expected later in the summer.

A training titled “Negotiation for County Leaders” was also highlighted, emphasizing skills for handling difficult conversations and building trust. The session had limited attendance and there was interest in making it a regular event.

26:34The sheriff’s office’s desire to establish its own HR department was discussed, with concerns about potential pushback from various organizations. The Brady Giglio Act was mentioned as a factor influencing HR processes for law enforcement.