Intergovernmental Meeting

April 25, 2013 Intergovernmental Meeting Minutes (41 KB)

Members Present:  Joan Fordham, Marty Krueger, Jason Lane, William F. Wenzel
Members Excused:  Don Stevens

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Krueger at 6:45 p.m. and compliance with the open meeting law was certified.  Motion by Wenzel, second by Fordham to adopt the agenda.  Motion carried.

Public Comment:  None.

Participant Introductions: 
Gus Wirth, Ozaukee County, President of the Wisconsin Counties Association.
Jim Allen, incoming Director of the Sauk County Development Corporation.
All attendees introduced themselves, and Chairman Krueger welcomed all present.

Presentation “Wisconsin at the Crossroads” by Todd Berry, Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance.
Berry gave an overview of the Wisconsin economy, particularly in comparison to national averages.  Recent state budget trends were discussed, including revenues, expenses, debt, and GAAP deficits. 

Presentation on Current Issues and Trends for Local Governments, Mark O’Connell, Executive Director, Wisconsin Counties Association. 
O’Connell described four challenges facing Wisconsin:
1. Demographics – Decreasing birth rates.  Aging population. 
2. Not enough education, therefore per capita income falling – Wisconsin below national averages, particularly the Milwaukee region.  Student loan balances high.
3. Economy changing, but tax structures are not – Economy increasingly based on knowledge and technology, but tax codes based on manufacturing economy.  Need venture capital, infrastructure (tangible and electronic broadband), and smart young talent.
4. Vision getting sidetracked – Absolute and unwavering stance on issues, with diminished ability to compromise.  Difference in attitudes of upcoming generation compared retiring baby boomers.

Intergovernmental Living Room – Facilitated discussion of intergovernmental issues; areas for joint initiatives and shared services.  Facilitators:  Mark O’Connell, Todd Berry.  Panelists:  Mike Palm, Mayor, City of Baraboo; Jim Anderson, President, Village of Sauk City; Jim Huebsch, Chair, Town of Washington and President of the Sauk County Towns Association.  Topics discussed included:
• Broadband necessary to attract smart young talent.  Prohibitive cost to introduce this technology.
• Sauk County has strong agricultural and tourism bases, strong environmental legacy, burgeoning arts community (particularly desirable to “millenials”).
• Manufacturing base is not what it used to be.  Farm economy is smaller part of economy.
• Need for all major entities to work together seamlessly – governments, hospitals, schools, business.
• Business success does not currently translate to local government success.
• Governmental revenues streams discussed – income tax, property tax, sales tax, consumption tax, value-added tax, user fees.

Motion by Lane, second by Fordham to adjourn.  Motion carried.