Committee outlines strategic plan review, work‑plan priorities and surplus property consolidation

The Human Resources, Finance and Property Committee turned to Marathon County’s strategic‑plan process and related committee work plan, with Vice Chair Boots asking supervisors to review packet objectives and identify achievable, budget‑aligned priorities for inclusion in the county strategic plan.

"The purpose of the strategic plan is to establish a clear vision and direction for the Marathon County Board over the next several years," Vice Chair Boots said, urging supervisors to review the packet’s 58 objectives and to focus on priorities that are "achievable and meaningful" given available policy and budget resources. Boots said staff will expand community outreach and board engagement compared with past efforts, and that a draft strategic plan is expected to be ready to bring to the full county board by December.

Administrator Leonard added that the strategic plan is typically a three‑ to five‑year document that drives the administrator’s work plan and that the process will identify which committees lead or support specific objectives. "In the past the strategic plan review has been part of our work plan," Leonard said, noting this committee has been a secondary participant on several objectives and will be asked to provide oversight where appropriate.

On the committee work plan, Boots presented a prioritized packet and highlighted two items for closer review: rolling stock policy (capital vs. operational costs for department vehicle purchases) and the absence of quarterly department reports on the committee’s agenda. Boots referenced a prior review led by Allison Ley and suggested the committee revisit rolling stock policy for potential updates to how capital and operational costs are treated.

Boots also raised divestment/redevelopment questions for River Drive properties and asked whether Thomas Street had been included in the administrator’s work plan. Committee members agreed to consolidate surplus properties under a single agenda category (River Drive, UWMCWSP follow‑ups and potentially the highway facility) and to work with administration to refine and distribute the prioritized list. The chair proposed that Boots, Administrator Leonard and Scott meet to finalize the list and send a prioritization survey to supervisors.

The committee set its next meeting for Tuesday, June 23 at 3 p.m. and then approved a motion to adjourn moved by Chair Gibbs and seconded by Supervisor Watson; the motion passed by voice vote.