Rescinding Resolution 78-2015 Opposing the Acquisition of Land In Trust by the Federal Government for the Benefit of the Ho-Chunk Nation in the Town of Delton

Background: On August 18, 2015, the Sauk County Board of Supervisors approved Resolution 78-2015 expressing their opposition to approval of applications by the Ho-Chunk Nation for acquisition of land in trust for the benefit of the Ho-Chunk Nation in the Town of Delton unless and until the concerns of the local units of government were resolved.  The resolution further specifically expressed that the land to be used for commercial, industrial, agricultural or business purposes should not be acquired in trust, and that if trust status was granted, it should be reserved for lands used solely for governmental purposes, such as governmental administration, housing for tribal members, religion and education.  The resolution further called for representatives of the local government units to meet to address concerns regarding acquisition of land in trust and to work out agreements in advance of the granting of trust status.  The resolution also authorized the Corporation Counsel to take any legal action necessary to oppose the acquisition of land in trust, and authorized the Executive & Legislative Committee to negotiate with the Ho-Chunk Nation to resolve issues involved in the trust land acquisition. 

It is now desirous to rescind Resolution 78-2015, thereby placing Sauk County in a more cooperative and collaborative position from which to create a strong relationship and partnership with the Ho-Chunk Nation, allowing Sauk County and the Ho-Chunk Nation to advance mutually beneficial goals and objectives through binding agreements which address the impact of trust land acquisition to both Sauk County and the Ho-Chunk Nation, so as to provide significant increases in revenue and continued support for the services and infrastructure of Sauk County.