1. Introduction of Legislation
The process begins when a County Board Supervisor, or a group of Supervisors, introduces a resolution or ordinance amendment. These Supervisors are known as the sponsors.
Resolutions are used to establish policy or conduct the County’s business (e.g., approving contracts, leasing property, accepting funds).
Ordinances are the laws of Dane County; ordinance amendments are used to update the County’s Code of Ordinances.
Before introduction, County staff collaborate with the sponsoring Supervisor(s), the Controller’s Office, and the County Clerk to draft the item and prepare a fiscal note, a document outlining any budgetary or financial impact (if applicable). Once finalized, the item is entered into the County's Legislative Information Center, the public’s online tool to track legislation, view agendas, and access minutes. Introduction means a County Board Supervisor begins the process of approving a resolution or ordinance amendment.
2. Referral to Committees
After introduction, the County Board Chair refers the item to the appropriate committee(s) for consideration. Every item must be referred to at least one of the County Board’s seven standing committees:
Executive Committee
Health and Human Needs
Environment, Agriculture, and Natural Resources
Public Protection and Judiciary
Public Works and Transportation
Personnel and Finance
Zoning and Land Regulation
Depending on the topic, the item may also be referred to additional boards, commissions, or committees.
3. Committee Review and Recommendation
Once referred, committee chairs may place the item on a future agenda. During a public meeting, the committee reviews the legislation, may propose amendments, and then makes a recommendation to the full County Board (e.g., approve, deny, or refer elsewhere).
4. County Board Action
After all referred committees have acted, the item is placed on the County Board agenda for full Board consideration. The board votes to either:
Approve
Deny
Refer the item back to committee
5. County Executive Review
If approved by the board, the item is sent to the County Executive, who may sign or veto the legislation. If vetoed, the County Board may vote to override the veto. For more information about a specific item or part of the process, please contact the County Board Office at (608) 266-5758.
