Information from the Richland Center City Council Meeting
The council addressed major developments regarding local emergency services. Although the city is not legally mandated to provide emergency medical coverage, it has long arranged ambulance services through Richland County EMS. After county officials announced that EMS coverage will end on June 30, 2027, twelve affected municipalities began collaborating on a request for proposals to secure a new provider. Consequently, the city council voted unanimously to approve a six-month Richland County EMS service contract running from January 1 through June 30, 2027, for a total cost of $63,168.
In municipal administration news, the council formally accepted the resignation of City Administrator Ashley Oliphant, effective January 1, 2027. During discussions on filling the vacancy, Alderperson Melony Walters suggested engaging an outside recruitment agency to locate strong candidates. Attorney Windle noted that the council may also evaluate whether to retain the administrator form of government, a topic slated for discussion at a special budget meeting on November 17.
At the recent Richland Center City Council meeting, City Attorney Micheal Windle provided an update regarding legal proceedings between the city and Richland County. Judge Wood issued an oral decision in favor of the county concerning a writ of mandamus, determining that the county will not be required to pay the city for veteran grave care services for 2026 until 2027.
Budget preparations were another main topic, with Alderperson Melony Walters reporting that budget season is underway. Discussions touched on capital outlay and proposed project deferrals raised by Alderperson Frank Hoffman. In financial actions, the council approved the city’s 2027 contribution to the Richland Center Fire Department and passed an amendment raising the Room Tax rate from 7% to 8% starting January 1.
The council approved several legislative and municipal items, including an assignment and amendment of the developer agreement for 291 North Jefferson Street to a new developer, a repeal and replacement of Chapter 452 regarding floodplain zoning as mandated by the Wisconsin DNR, a 2.45-acre land division request for Crestview Drive, a conditional use permit for a daycare center and professional offices at 45 East Robb Road, and updated airport lease and rental fees.
Jo Ann Krulatz is Senior Radio Journalist and News Director at WRCO and WRCE in Richland Center. Email her at joann.krulatz@civicmedia.us.
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.