Committee approves library subsidies, regional planning levy and outside‑agency grants for 2026

The Community Resources and Tourism Committee voted to recommend several outside‑agency funding allocations for the 2026 budget year.

Libraries: County staff presented a library funding computation showing a proposed total budget of $871,589.74 for library services. The committee approved recommending the county fund in‑county libraries at 100% and out‑of‑county libraries at the statutory minimum of 70%. County staff explained those percentages are consistent with prior practice: the statute requires at least 70% funding; the committee has elected to fund in‑county libraries at 100% in the past.

Regional planning commission: The committee approved the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission levy request for Dunn County, a proposed amount of $25,760 for 2026 (approximately a 2.6% increase from the current year). The commission’s levy typically covers roughly 15–20% of the commission’s budget; staff provided a summary of local projects and a mail survey for the county comprehensive plan.

Housing Authority: A representative of the Dunn County Housing Authority (identified in the packet as Tammy) presented the authority’s request for $49,000 to support administrative costs for the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program and the Family Self‑Sufficiency program. The committee voted to approve the request at the same level as the prior year.

Dunn County Economic Development Corporation: The committee approved a request of $55,000 for the consortium, the same amount as the prior year, noting the county’s contribution secures a one‑to‑one match with the City of Menomonie.

Votes: Committee motions to approve the library funding approach, the regional planning levy, the Housing Authority request and the Economic Development Corporation request were each approved by voice vote; members present said “Aye” and no opposition was recorded in the meeting minutes.

Ending: Staff will reflect the committee’s recommendations in the county’s 2026 budget materials and forward the proposals to the county board for final action.