The Richland County Board of Supervisors met, fiscal matters also dominated the agenda
Sep 16, 2026, 2:07 PM CT
Share
The Richland County Board of Supervisors met last night at the Phoenix Center in Richland Center, taking key legislative actions on regional infrastructure, approving financial resolutions, and grappling with upcoming fiscal pressures for the 2027 budget year. Highlighting the evening's proceedings was a unified stance against a proposed massive high-voltage transmission line, alongside crucial discussions regarding departmental budget constraints and ongoing adjustments to county revenue and expense projections.
Central to the meeting was the unanimous passage of Resolution No. 26-52, formalizing the board's strong opposition to the Bell Center-Columbia-Sugar Creek-Illinois/Wisconsin State Line (BECI) Project proposed by Midcontinent Grid Solutions. The contested 190-mile, 765kV alternating current high-voltage transmission line is planned to span the Driftless Region, raising significant local concern. Community members spoke out during public comment, with all speakers voicing firm opposition to the power line due to environmental risks, potential property value declines, stray voltage concerns, and visual impacts on the landscape. Adding federal weight to the pushback, Molly Bohn, field representative for Congressman Derrick Van Orden, read a letter submitted by Mr. Van Orden to Midcontinent Grid Solutions expressing opposition to the project.
Fiscal matters also dominated the agenda as county officials reviewed the proposed 2027 budget, which balances total revenues and expenditures at $50,883,976. Multiple department heads addressed the board to share deep concerns over projected budget cuts, emphasizing that years of previous trims leave little room to absorb further reductions without impacting services. Major revenue drivers for the proposed budget include $13,305,116 in public charges for services, $12,294,076 from intergovernmental state aid, and a tax levy of $12,314,101. The highest departmental allocations by gross levy remain Debt Service at $4,767,642, the Sheriff's Department and Jail at $4,253,801, and the Highway Department at $1,785,792. Board members reviewed recent version iterations of the budget, including Version 3 adjustments that incorporated changes in allowable levy limits, the removal of certain ambulance operational levies offset by town revenues, health insurance savings, and targeted staffing adjustments.
In addition to the power line opposition, the board demonstrated unified governance by unanimously approving resolutions related to promissory notes to secure county financing. In organizational news, the board formally acknowledged a transition in its membership following the resignation of Supervisor Rod Perry from the Richland County Board.
Todd Coppernoll oversees local news for WRCO and WRCE radio in Richland Center. Having served Richland Center as Mayor for three terms, Todd brings a unique perspective, and a familiar voice to the news. The focus is local, and so is the reporter.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.
