Committee approves $31,000 internship to host healthcare administration student

The Dunn County Neighbors committee voted to fund a healthcare administration internship program for $31,000, reestablishing a partnership to host a 2,000‑hour intern who will rotate through departments and serve as an assistant administrator in the second half of the year.

Carmen Meyer described the program history and structure, noting the training includes departmental rotations, night shifts, maintenance and kitchen exposure and a required 24‑hour "resident for a day" experience. Meyer said the county previously hosted interns until 2015 and that the $31,000 fee covers the program for one academic year; the university pays the student, not the county, and the intern is not county staff.

Supervisor John Wartsler moved to approve rejoining the UWC healthcare administration internship program; the motion was seconded and the committee approved the line item after voice votes. Members said they favored the recurring annual placement to support workforce development and succession planning.

The committee directed staff to add the $31,000 line to the 2027 budget and to return materials for public record and contract review as appropriate.