Wake-sport ordinance on hold as Town of Elcho awaits court outcome in similar case

The district's proposed enhanced wake-sport ordinance remains in limbo as the Town of Elcho has declined to take action while a lawsuit in Burnett County moves toward trial. Jeff McKinney told commissioners the Town of Elcho has not changed its position since December and is waiting for the outcome of litigation involving the Township of Scott, which passed a similar ordinance; that case is scheduled for trial Oct. 26, 2026.

Minutes record that state-level discussions on enhanced wake-boat rules are ongoing in Madison but that meaningful legislation appears unlikely in the near term. The board suggested concerned citizens copy Wisconsin state Sen. Cory Tomczyk, chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Local Government, on correspondence about enhanced wake-boat regulation.

A representative of the Elcho-Schoepke Watersports Alliance reiterated the Alliance’s commitment to its August 2, 2025 proposal to the district. Commissioners described frustration on both sides of the issue and deferred formal action until the court outcome and any related state activity become clearer.