Trempealeau County creates housing and child care task force to study local needs

Trempealeau County supervisors approved a resolution creating a county housing and child care task force charged with studying needs, barriers and potential solutions and providing recommendations to the county board.

Under the resolution the task force will (a) conduct or facilitate a countywide housing and child care survey, (b) review local conditions and trends, (c) learn about programs and partnerships, (d) engage employers and community organizations, and (e) develop recommendations for strategies or programs the county board may consider. Membership may include up to four supervisors, the county administrator, ADRC housing representative, child care provider, employer and hospital representatives, school district and municipal leader representatives, planning/zoning and economic development representatives, Riverland Energy, a realtor/developer, Western Dairyland, UW Extension community development, and communications/economic development staff.

County administrator (speaker 6) said staff will conduct outreach through schools, churches and businesses and that Hannah McKeever, recently hired, will analyze survey results and compile a housing report. He clarified the task force will be primarily volunteers and no additional specific budget allocation was included; the supervisors serving will receive their normal pay but other members will be volunteers.

Supervisor Turner moved the measure and Supervisor Whelan seconded; the resolution passed by roll call with one recorded 'no' vote from Supervisor Andy Todd. The board will receive the task force's summary report and recommendations upon completion.