Standing committees are permanent committees of the Dane County Board of Supervisors and play a central role in the county’s legislative process. There are seven standing committees and each supervisor is appointed to one, and in addition, may be appointed to the Executive Committee, which has a member from each of the other six standing committees. Most policy discussion, amendments, and public input occurs at the standing committee level before legislation reaches the county board for final consideration.
Continuing committees are ongoing committees of the county board that focus on specific responsibilities or long-term partnerships. These committees are not the primary bodies for reviewing county legislation but instead oversee defined functions or relationships. Continuing committees may include county board supervisors, other elected officials and appointed members, depending on the committee.
The county board’s continuing committees include:
Addresses matters of shared interest between Dane County and the City of Madison and oversees management of the City-County Building. Membership includes county supervisors, city alders, the mayor of Madison and the county executive.
Required by state law, this committee coordinates county efforts related to agriculture and soil and water conservation, including erosion control and nonpoint source pollution.
Oversees University of Wisconsin–Extension services in Dane County, serves as the agriculture and extension education committee and provides oversight of the Dane County Fair Association.
Oversees Dane County’s sister-county relationship with Kassel, Germany, and supports cultural, educational and governmental exchanges.
In addition to county board committees, Dane County has numerous boards, commissions and committees that focus on specific programs, services or policy areas. Boards and commissions provide community input, technical expertise, and oversight but do not function as the county board’s legislative committees.
The county executive appoints members to the county's boards, committees, and commissions and the county board approves the appointments. Community members interested in serving on a Dane County board, commission or committee can learn more about current vacancies and apply online here.
Descriptions of many of Dane County’s boards, commission, and committees are available in Chapter 15 of Dane County Ordinance.
