Vernon County Finance Committee approves IT budget increase, Ho-Chunk reallocation and WEDC grant application

The Vernon County Finance Committee on Jan. 20 approved a series of motions forwarding budget and grant actions to the full County Board.

The committee voted unanimously to approve the minutes from Dec. 16 and to place vouchers on file. Treasurer Karen DeLap presented the county’s cash balances and other financial metrics during the meeting.

On budget matters, IT Director Conner Simon requested a $5,680 increase to the 2026 IT budget to cover higher equipment costs. Supervisor John Pedretti moved the resolution, Supervisor Martha Olson seconded it, and the committee voted to forward the resolution to the full County Board with a recommendation of approval.

The committee also approved reallocating unspent Ho-Chunk funds to the Vernon Manor/Vernon Acres generator project after staff reported that code and nursing‑home installation requirements added costs. The project requires an additional $33,767.26 to complete; Supervisor Martha Olson moved the reallocation and Supervisor Will Beitlich seconded the motion. The committee voted to forward the resolution to the full County Board with a recommendation of approval.

Community Development Director Amy Oliver proposed applying for a Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Talent Recruitment grant of $150,000 intended to incentivize people to live and work in Vernon County. The committee approved using $30,000 from the Grant Match Support Program (funded by Ho-Chunk funds) as the local match and forwarded the application to the full County Board. The motion was made by Supervisor John Pedretti and seconded by Supervisor Charlie Jacobson.

To address recurring delays in approving grant-match requests, the committee authorized the Administrative Coordinator and the Community Development Director to approve grant-match requests up to $40,000 per request (including additional funds to previously approved matches) provided the Grant Match Support Program has available funds. That motion, made by Supervisor John Pedretti and seconded by Supervisor Will Beitlich, was carried by voice vote.

All formal motions recorded in the minutes passed by unanimous voice votes of the five supervisors present: Kay Stanek, Charlie Jacobson, John Pedretti, Will Beitlich and Martha Olson. The committee adjourned at 11:30 a.m.; the items approved will be forwarded to the full County Board for final action.