LINCOLN COUNTY – Last week, the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors continued its discussion of strategic goals it would like to work to accomplish over the next two years.
During the board’s June meeting, Board Chair Don Friske asked Supervisors for their input on how the board may proceed before current terms expire. The board briefly touched on a wide array of topics, including data centers, county promotion, broadband internet expansion, backing the construction of housing developments in county municipalities, improving infrastructure, population sustainability and job growth.
The board further mulled its two-year plan during its meeting at the Lincoln County Service Center in Merrill on Tuesday, July 21.
According to meeting minutes, District 2 Supervisor Scott Doerr highlighted the necessity for continued broadband expansion in the county and advocated for efforts to keep senior citizens connected as technologies evolve. Doerr also emphasized the need for affordable housing and managing property taxes so residents can afford to remain in their homes.
“We cannot price people out of Lincoln County,” Doerr stated.
Doerr, pointing to Medicaid cuts, healthcare access and cost of living struggles, opined that the board should focus on “creating an affordable way of life for our citizens, young and old” and said the board should also keep aging citizens in mind moving forward.
District 7 Supervisor Donald Dunphy suggested that the board examine the county’s zoning code in an effort to potentially make building homes in Lincoln County easier in terms of permitting and affordability.
District 19 Supervisor Joseph Dorava requested that Supervisors look into whether adjustments to the size of the board and the number of committees could improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Lincoln County government. Friske noted that a previous board had looked into consolidating committees, but opted not to due to meeting runtimes possibly growing longer. Friske added that he is open to reexamining the topic and said the board could reach out to the Wisconsin Counties Association for advice on potential committee consolidation.
District 17 Supervisor Donald Nelson opined that the board should consider steps to attract industry to the county, including the potential implementation of an industrial park.
Planning for potential expansion of the county landfill was brought up by District 21 Supervisor Eugene Simon, who noted that the landfill is currently nearing capacity.
Looking ahead, Friske told the board that he doesn’t anticipate holding wide-ranging discussions on strategic goals each month unless specific topics are brought forth.
“It really is, kind of, for me, to get a feel of the climate, where we’re at, what the board’s looking to do, and moving forward,” Friske stated. “So I will take these suggestions, and we’ll start piecing them together, and we’ll move forward on them.”
Friske concluded the discussion with several updates and directives.
The Highway Committee intends to revisit the 2025 facilities study to address needed Highway Department facility improvements, according to meeting minutes.
With the 2027 budget process approaching, Friske said recommendations from the recent wage study will need to be addressed.
Friske also advised Supervisors to work with department heads when drafting resolutions aimed at improving county operations and resident quality of life, meeting minutes said.
Next meeting
The board’s next meeting will be held at the Lincoln County Service Center, 801 N. Sales St., Merrill, on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 6 p.m.
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