Board approves grant-funded transit garage on county land, with insurance and siting questions to be clarified

Sawyer County commissioners approved a transit agency’s proposal to place a grant‑funded garage on county property and authorized the agency to proceed with project development while staff clarify insurance and siting details.

The administrator said transit had been awarded a grant and already has at least one bid of $310,000; he noted the project would “cost the county nothing” if the transit provider assumes construction and operating costs. Board members raised questions about whether the county would continue to carry insurance for an additional building on county land and whether the garage location could impede parking during the county fair.

Committee members agreed to allow transit to proceed, with staff directed to clarify insurance arrangements and the exact siting before the item goes to the full county board. A motion to approve the agency moving forward was seconded and carried by voice vote. The administrator said the building footprint discussed was 60 by 102 feet with 17‑foot sidewalls and that zoning distance and fire separation requirements would apply if the structure is standalone.

Board members emphasized they did not want to delay the grant award but sought assurances about parking impacts and insurance liability; staff will report back prior to county board consideration.