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Barron County wins 2013 Farm Technology Days
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Barron County didn't win their bid for the 2012 Farm Technology Days, but the 2013 event will do just as well.
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The three-day exposition will bring in an estimated 100,000 visitors, Barron County Economic Development Director Dave Miller announced Tuesday to the Barron County Board of Supervisors.
Miller and Barron County Agricultural Agent Tim Jergenson presented the county's virtues to the event's board in Madison. Outagamie County won the 2012 slot Barron County was originally seeking.
Budget
Barron County sales tax revenues are down so far this year, but "figures will surge if we have a good tourist season," Finance Director Jeff French observed.
Once state money comes in, the county should be showing approximately a $1 million surplus for this year, Administrator Duane Hebert said.
At $5.1 million, revenues are slightly below the $5.8 million in revenue last year, but French expects the total to jump to $5.4 million when state funding for Health and Human Services and child support comes in.
Expenditures are also higher than last year-approximately $11.8 million compared to last year's $11.3 million, but Hebert and French agree those figures don't signify the need for a "knee-jerk reaction" or any significant adjustments.
Rice Lake rail corridor
Barron County and Rice Lake officials are working together to secure the revamping of Macauley Avenue, which runs parallel to Main Street in Rice Lake.
To allow the use of Macauley Avenue for a recreational trail, pedestrian walkway, street and rail corridor, officials believe the city might have to narrow the width of both footpath and street, but there should be room for everything.
Of the way city and county officials are cooperating on the project, Supervisor Jim Stavran commented, "It's very refreshing. I appreciate what's going on here."
Ordinances
The county passed ordinances prohibiting the power loading of watercraft and providing access to county forests for disabled visitors. The 2009 County Forest Plan was approved.
Supervisors also passed an ordinance banning the transport of aquatic plants and invasive species. Signage warning boaters to clean their crafts will be placed at boat landings. A fine will be assessed for violators.
In deference to an issue raised by Supervisor Terry Henck, an ordinance to ban water skipping on all open waters was tabled. Henck questioned the county's right to prohibit the sport on privately owned bodies of water. The matter goes back to committee for clarification.
Commendations
Awards were presented to four individuals at the Tuesday meeting. Jail Administrator Mark Evans was given the Jail Administrator of the Year award; Prairie Farm fifth-grade student Quinn Larson was honored for his achievements as Wisconsin School Safety Patroller of the Year; Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year Jordan Stensrud, a junior at Rice Lake High School, was recognized; and Supervisor Jon Sleik was given an achievement certificate for his three years of service.
Appointments
Ken Peterson was appointed to fill the county board position vacated by Sleik. Peterson is a resident of the Town of Oak Grove.
Health insurance
Barron County employees had more high-cost claims than predicted last year, Horton Group representative RaeAnne Beaudry told supervisors in a preliminary presentation on employee insurance options. Right now, renewing the policy would require a 10-12 percent increase in cost, she said.
Last year, the county saw a 19-percent increase in employee healthcare costs.
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©The Chetek Alert 2009
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