Sheboygan County Finance Committee approves capital projects, budget amendments and equipment purchases

The Sheboygan County Finance Committee approved a series of capital projects, budget amendments and equipment orders during a meeting July 8 that ran from 3:30 to 4:23 p.m.

Chairperson Vern Koch called the meeting to order. County Administrator Alayne Krause reported on the Rocky Knoll census for June, provided an update on sales tax revenue through June and outlined preparations for 2027 budget development. Finance Director James Webb briefed the committee on 2027 budget goals, including new processes and improved reporting tied to a system change-over and work to recover Highway Department billings.

Information Technology Director Chris Lewinski presented a Five Year Capital Project Plan; Supervisor Curt Brauer moved to approve the plan, Supervisor Thomas Wegner seconded, and the motion carried. Planning and Conservation Director Aaron Brault presented the 2027 Land Information Council budget; the committee approved it on a motion by Supervisor Brauer, seconded by Supervisor William Goehring.

Transportation Director Bryan Olson brought multiple requests for the committee’s approval related to brine storage and fleet needs. The committee approved a 2026 budget amendment to purchase land from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for a remote brine storage location and separately approved a budget amendment to acquire land at State Highway 28 and County Road "U" for the same purpose. The committee also approved reallocation of capital outlay funds to buy a snowblower and authorized ordering two truck chassis with plow equipment in 2026 for delivery in 2027. In each case the motions were moved by Supervisor Curt Brauer, seconded by either Supervisor William Goehring or Supervisor Thomas Wegner, and recorded as "motion carried" in the minutes.

The committee discussed Ordinance No. 01, which would repeal and recreate Chapter 45 governing meal and mileage reimbursement rates, and deferred the ordinance to the next Finance Committee meeting; no action was taken on the ordinance. Finance Director James Webb presented a resolution approving a standard intergovernmental agreement for 2027 county sales tax revenue sharing; Supervisor Brauer moved to approve the resolution, Supervisor Wegner seconded, and the motion carried.

Auditor/Analyst Stefanie Albrecht presented the May financial statements and Deputy Administrator Emily Stewart presented the May investment statements. Vouchers were reviewed and approved on a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wegner, seconded by Supervisor Curt Brauer. The meeting was adjourned after that vote.

Votes at a glance: Five Year Capital Project Plan — approved (moved: Curt Brauer; second: Thomas Wegner; motion carried). 2027 Land Information Council budget — approved (moved: Curt Brauer; second: William Goehring; motion carried). 2026 budget amendment (purchase land from DOT for brine storage) — approved (moved: Curt Brauer; second: William Goehring; motion carried). 2026 budget amendment (purchase land at Hwy 28 & County Road "U") — approved (moved: Curt Brauer; second: Thomas Wegner; motion carried). Reallocate capital for snowblower — approved (moved: Curt Brauer; second: William Goehring; motion carried). Order two truck chassis and plow equipment — approved (moved: Curt Brauer; second: Thomas Wegner; motion carried). Ordinance No. 01 (meal and mileage rates) — deferred to next meeting; no action. Resolution approving 2027 sales tax revenue-sharing agreement — approved (moved: Curt Brauer; second: Thomas Wegner; motion carried). Vouchers/expenditures — approved (moved: Thomas Wegner; second: Curt Brauer; motion carried).

The minutes do not record individual vote tallies for the motions. The committee’s next procedural step on deferred items will be to consider Ordinance No. 01 at a future Finance Committee meeting.