Rock County meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Rock County Public Safety Committee approves 2027 budget amendment and District Attorney reorganization appeal

The Rock County Public Safety & Justice Committee approved an amendment to the 2027 recommended budget and approved a District Attorney's Office appeal to eliminate a full-time position as part of a staff reorganization, according to the committee's minutes for its Oct. 13 meeting. The committee also approved its agenda and the minutes of its Sept. 23, 2026 meeting, and adjourned at 5:53 p.m. The minutes do not record vote tallies for these actions.

Most other committees that met in the past two weeks have not yet published minutes, so the items below are drawn from agendas and represent matters scheduled for discussion or possible action, not decisions.

911 Commission tables mutual aid policy

The 911 Communications Commission met Oct. 21 and tabled the M-2 Mutual Aid Box Alarm System policy by voice vote, to allow further review at an upcoming fire officer meeting. The commission approved its agenda and the minutes of its Jan. 21, 2026 meeting by voice vote, received updates on a scheduled Spillman software upgrade and the completion of the CALEA on-site assessment, and adjourned by voice vote.

Parking structure report received, no action on facilities budget

The General Services Committee met Oct. 20 and received a conditions report on Courthouse parking structures that included repair and maintenance cost estimates; no dollar figures appear in the summary provided. The committee approved the minutes of its Oct. 6, 2026 meeting, removed the AT&T Tower Lease from its agenda, and reviewed the 2027 Facilities Management Budget without questions, according to the summary. No substantive actions were taken on the budget or the lease.

Education & Veterans Committee

The Education & Veterans Committee met Oct. 20 and discussed a potential budget appeal and the 2027 recommended budget, including funding options for the appeal and the effect of position reclassifications within the department. The only action recorded in the summary was approval of the meeting agenda.

Budget reviews continue across committees

Agendas for the past two weeks show 2027 budget reviews in several bodies: the Public Works Committee - Parks (Oct. 13) took up the 2027 recommended budget, the Rock River Heritage Park Master Plan, a weekend and holiday fee schedule, and acceptance of Wisconsin DNR Snowmobile Trail Maintenance Grant S-6237. The Health Services Committee (Oct. 14) was scheduled to review its 2027 budget and a resolution authorizing Rock Haven Skilled Nursing Facility to accept out-of-Rock County referrals and residents. The Human Services Board (Oct. 14) and the Agriculture & Extension Education Committee (Oct. 14) also had 2027 budgets on their agendas, the latter along with a 4-H Fair Board Contract for 2027-2031. The Finance Committee (Oct. 22) was to review the 2027 Administrator's Recommended Budget and the budget appeals process, plus a cellular service migration to AT&T FirstNet and renewal of Veeam backup software licensing.

Land divisions, leases and rail items

The Planning & Development Committee (Oct. 22) was scheduled to act on five land division requests: LD 2023 051 in Union Township (Tennyson Farms/Ed Arnold, 2 lots), LD 2026 035 in Milton Township (Harder, 2 lots), LD 2026 043 in Fulton Township (Biddick, 1 lot), LD 2026 052 in Milton Township (Stewart, 2 lots) and LD 2026 056 in Janesville Township (Rainero, 2 lots). The Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport Board (Oct. 19) was to discuss its 2027 recommended budget, a Spring City Aviation Inc. land lease addendum, a farm land lease request for proposals, and a Pistons & Props Airshow presentation. The Pecatonica Rail Transit Commission (Oct. 23) was to consider payment of a SWWRPC third-quarter administration fee of $2,100, a Boardman Clark invoice listed as 8,304,84, utility permits for the Cheese Country Trail in Mineral Point and Darlington, and a First Amendment to a lease agreement with Becky Burbach for 247 Wells St., Darlington.

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors met Oct. 22 for a first reading public hearing on amendments to Chapter 18 of the Rock County Ordinances. Its agenda also listed acceptance of DNR Snowmobile Trail Maintenance Grant S-6237, renewal of Veeam software licensing, appointments to the Rock County Advisory Committee for Data Centers, and an executive session on litigation strategy for the Bug Tussel 2022A debt issuance. Minutes have not been published.

Coming up

• **Oct. 26** - Groundwater Nitrate Work Group: county farm well sampling and UW Extension updates.
• **Oct. 27** - Public Safety & Justice Committee: resolution moving 1 FTE Deputy Sheriff position to 1 FTE Detective position, a proposed five-year Callyo contract, a budgeted ammunition purchase and budget appeals.
• **Oct. 27** - Public Works Committee - Highway: 2027 recommended budget, CTH H real estate services contract, Safe Streets and Roads for All consultant rankings, and a Bridge Aid Petition for the Town of Porter.
• **Oct. 28** - Community Action Board: 2025 audit, updated 2026 CSBG budget, CSBG 2027 application, 2027 health insurance and the 2027-2030 Strategic Plan.
• **Oct. 29** - Board of Supervisors: public hearing on the 2027 Recommended Budget and the deputy-to-detective reclassification proposal.

Rock County committees press through 2027 budget reviews; Rock Haven software purchase approved

Rock County's Health Services Committee voted 4-0, with one member absent, to approve a resolution to purchase PointClickCare for Rock Haven, according to official minutes of its Oct. 1 teleconference meeting. The minutes list no other substantive actions. No dollar amount for the purchase appears in the records provided. The county board's Oct. 8 agenda lists a purchase authorization for PointClickCare for Rock Haven on its consent agenda, but minutes from that meeting have not been published, so board action is not confirmed.

2027 budget reviews continue

Budget review was the dominant item across the past two weeks, and most of it remains at the agenda stage.

• The Board of Supervisors reviewed the 2027 Recommended Budget with the County Administrator on Sept. 29.
• The Board Staff Committee on Oct. 5 took up the 2027 County Administrator's Recommended Budget for the County Board, County Administrator, Corporation Counsel and Human Resources, and held an executive session under section 19.85(1)(e) on 2027 collective bargaining parameters.
• The Finance Committee reviewed the 2027 Administrator's Recommended Budget on Oct. 8, along with September payments including those over $10,000.
• The Planning & Development Committee reviewed the 2027 recommended budget for Planning, Real Property and Land Records on Oct. 8.
• The Board of Health and the Land Conservation Committee each listed review of a recommended budget on Oct. 7.

Minutes for these meetings have not been published, so no outcomes are established.

Facilities and building projects

The General Services Committee's Oct. 6 agenda included a resolution to amend the 2026 Facilities Management Budget for a Public Works welding shop ventilation upgrade, approval for UW-Whitewater at Rock County to renovate space for a radiographic suite, approval to contract for a Courthouse 4th Floor ramp, Change Order #6 for the Medical Examiners Building renovation, and Change Order #1 for Sheriff's Office/911 Communications Center uninterruptible power supply replacements. The Finance Committee and the Board of Supervisors also listed the welding shop ventilation budget amendment.

Land, agriculture and environment

The Land Conservation Committee's Oct. 7 agenda included setting 2026 prices for grain and hay and a 90% harvest complete date under the Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program, approving that program's 2027 budget, considering an extension of the Teubert Storage Units Project permit ECSW-2025-25, and a possible PACE Council appointment. The Environmental Management System Committee was to review the 2025 Climate Action Plan and consider a name change resolution. The Planning & Development Committee listed code enforcement item LD 2026 050 in Johnstown Township involving the Kelly Revocable Trust (1 Lot).

Other committee actions

The Ad Hoc Rock County Youth in Governance Committee approved its agenda and Sept. 2 minutes and agreed that mentee communications must include parents, supervisors or committee chairs, scheduling its next meeting for Nov. 2 at 5:00pm. The Veterans Service Commission approved all emergency assistance vouchers and discussed adding two commissioners and changing its meeting schedule, with the CVSO contacting Corporation Counsel for guidance. The Rock County Housing Authority's Oct. 7 agenda was largely procedural, with discussion of current and future projects and no specific projects listed.

Rail commission weighs parcel sale

The Wisconsin River Rail Transit Commission's Oct. 9 agenda included discussion and possible action on a proposed sale to UW-Madison of a WisDOT-owned triangle parcel at the corner of Park and Regent St., and payment of two invoices: Boardman and Clark, $6,247.50, and SWWRPC Administrative Services, $9,187.50. Reports included a Janesville Bridge Project update.

Coming up

• **Oct. 13 — Public Works Committee (Parks):** 2027 recommended budget, Rock River Heritage Park Master Plan presentation, acceptance of Wisconsin DNR Snowmobile Trail Maintenance Grant S-6237, weekend/holiday fee schedule, and Issue Paper MP-2026-3 on Motor Pool 73 replacement.
• **Oct. 13 — Public Safety & Justice Committee:** 2027 recommended budget, September payments, transfers and the Sheriff's report.
• **Oct. 14 — Health Services Committee:** 2027 recommended budget and a resolution authorizing Rock Haven Skilled Nursing Facility to accept out-of-Rock County referrals and residents.
• **Oct. 14 — Agriculture & Extension Education Committee:** 2027 Extension budget, 4-H Fair Board Contract 2027-2031, a request to waive a rental fee for Youth for the Quality Care of Animals, September fairgrounds contracts, and a Drainage Board overview by Norm Tagt.
• **Oct. 14 — Human Services Board:** 2027 Recommended Human Services Department Budget, contracts and September 2026 bills paid.
• **Oct. 20 — Children's System of Care CST/CCOP:** membership, CCOP and CLTS MOE, and a staff report on a CST Supplemental Grant.

Primary results certified; county committees approve contracts, seek more info on veterans

The Rock County Board of Canvassers certified the results of the Aug. 11 partisan primary on Aug. 17, adding votes from four previously unprocessed ballots. In other recent action, the General Services Committee approved four items, including asphalt work and a waterline contract, and the Health Services Committee requested more information before deciding on opening Rock Haven to veterans.

Election certification

The board certified the primary results after machine audits of two polling locations found no discrepancies. Audits of Town of Beloit Wards 6-8 and City of Janesville Ward 19 showed no variation from election night counts. The board added votes from three absentee ballots in the Village of Footville and one provisional ballot in Beloit Ward 12, then completed the official summary statement.

General Services Committee

On Aug. 18, the committee approved four items unanimously: authorizing the Department of Public Works to perform asphalt overlay and crack sealing at county facilities, contracting with Helm for a waterline installation, and approving lease amendments for Forward Services and Community Solutions. No other substantive decisions were made.

Health Services Committee

On Aug. 12, the committee discussed opening Rock Haven admissions to veterans from within and outside Rock County, including Illinois, but took no formal action. Members requested more information on potential bed availability impacts for Rock County residents before deciding. The committee also noted that a van purchase for residents has been pushed to 2028 and that outings are already budgeted.

Agriculture & Extension Education Committee

The committee on Aug. 12 tabled a request to amend the fair board contract regarding utility reimbursements, agreeing to review it at the next meeting. They also reviewed July payments for Extension and Fairgrounds and discussed drainage board vacancies, but made no appointments. The next meeting is set for Sept. 9 at 7:15 p.m.

Other recent meetings

Several other committees met with agendas but no published minutes. The County Board Staff Committee interviewed three candidates for the District 19 vacancy and reviewed labor agreements. The Public Works Committee (Parks) discussed a rental agreement for Gibbs Lake House and a pipe lining contract. The Human Services Board considered four budget amendments for grants. The Public Safety & Justice Committee considered ratifying three labor agreements. The Finance Committee reviewed grants and contracts, including a banking services contract with Bank First. The Planning & Development Committee considered a data center moratorium and a 10-year farmland preservation plan. The Board of Supervisors had a consent agenda that included labor agreements, grants, and a farmland plan.

Coming up

The Public Works Committee (Highway) will meet Aug. 25 to consider replacing two motor pool vehicles (Issue Papers MP-2026-1 and MP-2026-2), discuss a budget presentation summary, a brine water line installation, and a FEMA update. Public comments must be submitted by noon Aug. 24.

Rock County approves CTH H relocation order, awards contracts for cleaning and elevator services

Rock County's Public Works Committee approved a relocation order for the CTH H reconstruction project, authorizing the purchase of right of way and easements for 47 properties between STH 11 and USH 14. The committee also adopted a resolution recognizing Thomas Speich for over 19 years of service. In other recent action, the General Services Committee unanimously approved multiple contracts and lease amendments.

Recent decisions

Public Works Committee (July 28)

The committee approved the relocation order for the CTH H reconstruction project, which involves acquiring property interests for 47 parcels. The order was approved as part of the project between STH 11 and USH 14. The committee also adopted a resolution honoring Thomas Speich and approved its agenda and minutes from June 23, 2026.

General Services Committee (August 4)

The committee unanimously approved a $45,000 capital transfer for courthouse railings, a cleaning services contract with Blooming Facilities LLC (lowest bid), an elevator maintenance contract with Express Elevator Company (lowest bid), and a water treatment contract with HOH Water Technologies (sole bidder). It also approved lease amendments: Manpower (3-year lease, 3% annual increase), Southwest Workforce Development Board (3-year lease), and Department of Workforce Development (3-year lease). The committee reviewed grandstand renovation change order #3, covering a chain link fence and painted steps. All items were adopted unanimously; none were denied or tabled.

Other recent meetings

Several meetings were held on agenda-only items, with minutes not yet published. The Board of Health met July 29 for executive session interviews for the Health Officer position and again August 5 to review the 2027 budget summary and an interim officer memorandum of understanding. The Finance Committee met July 30 to discuss guidance for the 2027 budget. The Rock County Housing Authority reviewed HOME fund proposals and emergency housing options on August 5. The Wisconsin River Rail Transit Commission held a public hearing on its proposed 2027 budget on August 7, with a possible vote on adoption.

Coming up

County Board Staff Committee (August 10) – Interviews three candidates for the District 19 vacancy (Brent Waters, Jim Bahler, Jay Ross), and will consider health insurance plan changes, ratification of three 2026 labor agreements, confirmation of the IT director, and an interim public health officer MOU.

Public Works Committee (August 11) – Possible action on a Gibbs Lake House rental agreement and awarding a 2026 UV-cured-in-place pipe lining contract through WisDOT.

Human Services Board (August 12) – Votes on four budget amendments to accept grant funds for foster parent, opioid response, substance use prevention, and community mental health block grants.

Board of Supervisors (August 13) – Will consider a consent agenda including ratification of three 2026 labor agreements, adoption of the 10-year farmland preservation plan (Preserve Rock 2025-2035), a HOME funds contract with Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County, acceptance of a 2026 HIDTA grant, and approval of the CTH H relocation order.

Planning & Development Committee (August 13) – Will consider a proposed moratorium on data center development, adoption of the farmland preservation plan, and a HOME funds contract for affordable housing.

Rock County committees tackle 2027 budget, land requests; minutes pending

Rock County boards and committees addressed the 2027 budget cycle, land-development requests, and equipment purchases in meetings held July 20–30. Minutes have not yet been published for any of these sessions, so final actions and vote tallies are not available; the following reflects agenda items scheduled for discussion or possible action.

2027 budget planning

Several bodies turned to the next budget cycle. The Joint County Board Staff & Finance Committee on July 29 was scheduled to discuss and possibly act on guidance to staff for creating the 2027 budget. The Human Services Board on July 22 had a 2027 HSD pre-budget overview on its agenda, alongside approval of contracts and review of bills paid for May and June 2026. The Pecatonica Rail Transit Commission on July 24 was set to hold a public hearing and vote on the 2027 budget; related agenda items included a $2,100 SWWRPC Q2 administration fee, a $220.88 Wisconsin State Journal budget publication fee, a $3,000 Kranig Stumpage Evaluation Fee, and a new lease with Bruce Monson for a building at 247 Wells St. in Darlington. The Airport Board on July 20 was to consider a resolution amending the 2026 budget to allocate fund balance for an equipment purchase.

Land and development

The Planning & Development Committee on July 23 had three land-development requests for possible action: LD 2026 026 (Lima Township) – Kenyon (1 lot); LD 2026 034 (Lima Township) – Garbie (1 lot); and LD 2026 035 (Milton Township) – Harder (2 lots). The committee was also scheduled to discuss data-center-related resolutions, including authorizing non-disclosure agreements, limiting staff NDAs, requiring public reports, and establishing an advisory committee. An update on the Riverside Development Affordable Housing Project in the City of Beloit was also on the agenda.

Health and human services

The Human Services Board agenda included a report on FoodShare adjustments and an overview of the Birth-3 Program. The Children’s System of Care CST/CCOP on July 21 was to review and possibly act on membership and the CCOP Plan, with presentations on the 2026 mid-year CST report, a monthly grant report, and a supplemental grant update. The Board of Health on July 29 was scheduled to interview candidates for Health Officer in executive session. The Veterans Service Committee on July 21 was to review June payments and discuss the Veterans Service Office budget and benefits for veterans.

Infrastructure and public safety

The Public Works Committee – Highway on July 28 had a relocation order for the CTH H (STH 11 – USH 14) reconstruction project, a resolution recognizing Thomas Speich, and a quarterly equipment purchases review. The Local Emergency Planning Committee on July 21 was to review spill reports and an anhydrous ammonia incident, with updates on an April storm event and membership applications.

Coming up

• Aug. 4: General Services Committee — votes scheduled on contracts for cleaning services, elevator maintenance, and water treatment for county buildings; lease amendments for Manpower, Southwest Workforce Development Board, and Department of Workforce Development; and Grandstand Renovation Change Order #3.
• Aug. 5: Rock County Housing Authority — review of RFP responses for HOME fund projects and discussion of emergency housing fund options.
• Aug. 5: Board of Health — review of 2027 budget summary and a Memorandum of Understanding for an Interim Public Health Officer.
• Aug. 7: Wisconsin River Rail Transit Commission — public hearing and possible vote on the 2027 WRRTC budget.

Rock County committees tackle 2027 budget previews, SNAP funding, and fairgrounds renovation

The Agriculture & Extension Education Committee was the only body with published minutes this past week. On July 8, the committee approved its agenda, the June 10 minutes, and April rental contracts. Members discussed a proposed $433,140.16 ADA bathroom renovation project at the fairgrounds and agreed to display a livestock breeders award in the extension building. The committee also reviewed revenue from tower leases and rentals.

Most other Rock County committees met during the week of July 6–17, but their minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not available. The agendas show what each body planned to consider.

Human Services budget and SNAP funding

Several committees were scheduled to act on a resolution amending the 2026 Human Services Budget to accept Act 116 SNAP Quality Assurance funding and create four full-time equivalent positions. The County Board Staff Committee took up the item July 6, the Human Services Board on July 8, the Finance Committee on July 9, and the full Board of Supervisors on July 9. The Human Services Board was also scheduled to adopt a resolution recognizing Alyse Schoeberle and receive an overview of Shelter Care Services.

Board of Supervisors agenda

The Rock County Board of Supervisors met July 9 to consider finalizing the purchase of agricultural conservation easements for the McNall, Myre, Sayre, and Sayre properties. The agenda also included authorizing an application for Healthy Lakes & Rivers Grant Funds, awarding a contract for Security Badge Access System replacement software, and renewing the Fidlar Technologies Land Records Life-Cycle Agreement.

Shoreland zoning variances

The Board of Adjustment held a public hearing July 7 at Glen Oaks Conference Room 119, 3328 N US Hwy 51, Janesville. Jonathan Lack sought a variance for Lots 76 & 77 (parcels 6-1-522 & 6-1-523) to combine into a roughly 17,772 sq ft lot and reduce the front-yard setback from 50 ft to about 20 ft. Colin Koratko sought a variance for Lot 90 and half of Lot 89 (parcel 6-1-535) to create a sub-standard lot and reduce the side-yard setback from 40 ft. Both requests fall under Shoreland Overlay Zoning.

2027 budget previews

The Joint County Board Staff and Finance Committee held multiple sessions on preliminary 2027 budget projections. A July 7 meeting covered county finances and Rock Haven. A July 8 session focused on Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport, Facilities Management, Parks, and Public Works. A July 14 session addressed Human Services, and a July 15 meeting covered the Sheriff's Department.

Public safety and justice

The Public Safety & Justice Committee met July 14 to consider accepting the 2026 High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas grant and amending the Sheriff's Office 2026 budget. The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council met July 16 to review workgroup updates, including the Homeless Outreach Taskforce and the Executive, EBDM, Equity, Domestic Violence, and Eviction workgroups.

Rail transit finances

The Wisconsin River Rail Transit Commission met July 10. The agenda included a payment of $18,142.30 to SWWRPC for Tricor Insurance 2026-2027 General Liability Insurance Renewal and a $9,187.50 SWWRPC Q2 Administrative Fee. The commission also discussed a possible August public hearing for the 2027 draft budget.

Coming up

• **July 20** — Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport Board considers a resolution to amend its 2026 budget to use fund balances for equipment purchases.
• **July 21** — Local Emergency Planning Committee reviews spill reports and an anhydrous ammonia incident.
• **July 22** — Human Services Board meets to approve contracts and review a 2027 pre-budget overview.
• **July 23** — Planning & Development Committee discusses data-center-related resolutions and an update on the Riverside Development Affordable Housing Project in Beloit.
• **July 24** — Pecatonica Rail Transit Commission holds a public hearing and vote on its 2027 budget, plus a new lease for a building at 247 Wells St. in Darlington.