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Langlade County Board Approves HR Software Upgrades, Infrastructure Funding, and Appoints New Supervisors

Highlights from the Langlade County Board of Supervisors Meeting of May 18, 2026

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Highlights from the Langlade County Board of Supervisors Meeting of May 18, 2026  found here: https://www.co.langlade.wi.us/government/minutes_and_agendas/minutes/

Executive Summary In its monthly session, the Langlade County Board of Supervisors filled two vacant seats through new appointments, approved significant financial allocations for an internal Human Resources software overhaul and a town bridge project, and passed a resolution advocating for greater local government control at the state level. The Board also recognized the county’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team for receiving a prestigious statewide honor.

Board Composition and Governance Updates

The meeting commenced with a transition in board membership as Chairman Steve Maier introduced two new appointments to fill vacant seats. The Board voted unanimously to confirm Wesley McDougal as the County Board Supervisor for District #2 and Gail Zaverousky as the County Board Supervisor for District #8.

Later in the meeting, the Board engaged in a governance orientation session led by Corporation Counsel Stowe, who reviewed the state's Open Meetings Law and standard Parliamentary Procedure. The session covered open meetings violations, public records, closed sessions, and rules of conduct during debates. Additionally, the Board discussed potentially adding a dedicated "Public Comment" section to future agendas to allow citizens to address the floor directly. The matter was officially referred to the Administrative Finance Committee to evaluate the necessary Board Rule changes.

Financial Allocations and Capital Upgrades

The Board approved several major expenditures aimed at updating county infrastructure and internal operations:

  • HR and Payroll Software Overhaul: Supervisors unanimously adopted Resolution #15-2026, authorizing up to $60,000 from the General Fund for 2026 to upgrade the county's antiquated timekeeping and payroll systems (Kronos and Paymate). HR Director Dahlby noted that product support for Kronos will end in early 2027 and that the current mainframe system lacks reporting efficiency. The resolution also outlines projected allotments of $40,000 each for 2027 and 2028.

  • Town Bridge Aid: Resolution #16-2026 was passed to provide county aid to the Town of Ainsworth for a qualifying bridge and culvert construction project. Under Wisconsin Statutes, the town and county split the costs equally. The county’s 50% share, levy-funded and payable in 2027, totals $203,230.52.

  • ARPA Funds Reallocation: The Board voted to adopt Resolution #17-2026, reallocating $32,885.61 in previously unspent American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to ongoing capital projects within the Forestry and Recreation Department.

Advocacy for Local Autonomy

The Board approved an amended version of Resolution #6-2026, which formally requests the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) to lobby the Governor and the State Legislature for legislation granting local elected bodies greater control over community projects. The resolution notes that "statewide, one-size-fits-all regulations do not always appropriately address the issues and needs of every Wisconsin community" and emphasizes the importance of protecting local agricultural land. Before adoption, the text was amended to remove specific references to wind and solar projects.

Zoning and Committee Appointments

Acting on the consent agenda, the Board approved six separate zoning ordinances to rezone parcels across the county. The changes affect approximately 9.7 acres of land across the Towns of Wolf River, Norwood, Elcho, Rolling, and Polar, shifting designations from agricultural and forestry use into commercial, residential, and agricultural-forest residential (AFR) classifications.

The Board also reviewed appointments to the Board of Adjustment. While most consent items passed unanimously, the Board of Adjustment appointments drew dissenting votes from Supervisors Curler and Hoffman, passing ultimately on a 17-2 vote.

Department Reports and Community Recognitions

Sheriff Westen and Detective Sergeant Jake DeFiore presented a statewide honor to the Board, announcing that the Langlade County SWAT Team was named "Team of the Year" by the State of Wisconsin. DeFiore summarized the June 23, 2023, domestic and hostage situation that led to the award, highlighting the collaborative efforts of local community response teams and volunteer officers.

Brief updates were also provided by several county departments:

  • Highway Department: Current projects include crack sealing on Highway 64, line painting, shoulder work, and annual bridge maintenance.

  • Forestry Department: Staff are prepping spring and fall timber sales, and county campgrounds opened for the season.

  • Treasurer’s Office: Staff handled CD renewals, lottery and gaming credits, and are currently managing 2022 tax-delinquent properties.

Key Voting Outcomes and Action Items

  • Appointment Confirmations: Wesley McDougal (District #2) and Gail Zaverousky (District #8) confirmed unanimously.

  • Resolution #6-2026 (Local Control Lobbying): Passed unanimously via voice vote as amended.

  • Resolution #15-2026 (HR System Funding): Approved unanimously via roll call vote (19 ayes).

  • Resolution #16-2026 (Ainsworth Bridge Aid): Approved unanimously via voice vote (19 ayes).

  • Resolution #17-2026 (ARPA Reallocation): Approved unanimously via roll call vote (19 ayes).

  • Board of Adjustment Appointments: Approved 17-2 (Supervisors Curler and Hoffman voting nay).

  • WCA Annual Conference: Board members interested in attending the September conference must contact the County Clerk by May 29, 2026.

  • Community Referral: Supervisors were invited to participate in a fire hydrant decorating project for the Country's 250th Anniversary, with entries due by June 26, 2026.

Concluding Sentence The next regular monthly meeting of the Langlade County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for Monday, June 22, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the County Board Room.

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