Check out this edition for the latest updates on the Dane County board. In September, we welcomed three new members to the board and held the first of our hearings related to the budget process. Read on to find out how you can get involved in our work!

Thank you for reading,

Sarah

Dane County Budget Process

Every fall, the county considers our budget for the following year and the 2024 budget process promises to be a busy one. The County Executive will be releasing his budget proposal on October 1 after which time supervisors may start drafting amendments for items they would like to see included in the final budget. There are many opportunities for the public to engage with us during this process. Email the board in support or in opposition of budget items or sign up to testify at our public hearing on October 18 and let us know your thoughts!

Learn all about the budget process here.

National 4-H Week

At our September 21 meeting, the County Board passed RES-163 celebrating National 4-H Week. As a former 4-H kid, I was proud to work with 4-Hers from around Dane County to draft this resolution. 4-H is a youth leadership organization that provides an opportunity for growth and development for kids in rural, urban, and suburban communities alike. Dane County 4-H has 939 youth members and 327 adult volunteers representing 34 community clubs.

I organized a workshop for 4-Hers to learn about county government and put this resolution with them so the members could see county government work from start to finish. The 4-Hers told me about their work in photography, drawing, baking, and other skills that 4-H has helped them develop.

Dane County 4-H Program Coordinator Lisa Curley, Positive Youth Development Educator Ely Moya Malaver, and youth member Isaac all spoke in support of the resolution and to show their support for 4-H.

Three County Board Supervisors Appointed

In August, Alex Joers, Mike Bare, and Olivia Xistris-Songpanya stepped down from their positions on the County Board.  Per our ordinances, these districts were to be filled by temporary appointment by the County Board Chair Patrick Miles, with confirmation by the County Board. At our September 21 meeting, we appointed three new supervisors for these districts.

Steven Peters, who works at the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and previously served on the board, will represent District 9 that includes City of Madison Wards 109-110, 113-114, 118-119, 138-141.  Jay Brower, a lead organizer for SEIU Wisconsin, will represent District 13 that includes City of Madison Wards 56-59, 63-64. Chad Kemp, an attorney and President of the Verona City Council, will represent District 32 that includes Town of Verona Wards 2-3; City of Verona.

Dane County Climate Champions

Each year, Dane County’s Office of Energy and Climate Change identifies local entities that are helping our community address climate change.

The City of Monona was recognized as an emerging 2023 Climate Champion in the fleet category for their sustainable vehicle upgrades within the Parks Department and the Police Department, which have helped decrease the Police Department’s annual fuel usage by 16%.

Other entities recognized included Green Neighbor Challenge, Forest Products Lab, Dane County High School Climate Conference Organizers, and Aldo Leopold Nature Center.

2023 Dane County Youth Governance Program

The Dane County Youth Governance Program (YGP) supports youth leadership development and empowerment by connecting high school students directly with county government. In September, 18 youth from 10 different high schools in Dane County were “pinned” and began their service on the board. Each youth representative is appointed to a Dane County Board committee during the course of their term, and they’re matched with a supervisor-mentor on their committee. YGP youth members have the same opportunities for committee participation and involvement as elected county supervisors, except that they have a non-binding advisory vote.  I have been matched with a YGP member who will be serving on the Environment, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee and look forward to hearing her thoughts on the issues before our committee.

New Program to Support Independent Living

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has named Dane County as a community that will participate in a new pilot program called the Independent Living Supports Pilot program. This program will offer short-term, flexible, and limited services and supports for people at risk of entering Medicaid long-term care. Eligible participants can apply for up to $7,200 to purchase special equipment or help with care.

Example one-time or periodic services

• Specialized medical equipment and supplies
• Assistive technology
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Emergent home clean-up
• Moving services
• Caregiving training and education
• Individual training and education
• Respite (in-home or in a facility)
• Non-medical and medical transportation
• Other (based on support and service needs of customer)

Example continuing services

• Personal care
• Care management
• Supportive home care
• Personal emergency response system
• Meals (for people under age 60)
• Internet/Wi-Fi services
• Financial management and legal assistance
• Other (based on support and service needs of customer)

Those interested in applying for these funds can contact the ADRC of Dane County at 608-240-7400 or ADRC@countyofdane.com

Final Office Hours at Monona Farmers Market

If you’re a regular at the Monona Farmers Market you may have noticed our booth and even stopped by to say hi. Each month, Monona Mayor Mary O’Connor and I set up shop at the Market to answer questions, share resources, and be available to our constituents. Last weekend, we shared information about the budget processes for the city and the county. Visit us at the Market on October 22 before it closes for the season!