Rock County Civics Academy

June 13, 2025 | Vol. 1, Issue 15 (1443 words – a nine-minute read)

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What’s Ahead?  A Leaking County Pond, New Grandstand seating, and from confusion and conflict comes progress, of sorts in Janesville. But first….

County of Rock

It is the time of year when local governments engage in discussions about future planning and related budgets. The County fiscal year starts on January 1, so for the next seven months, staff, various board committees, and ultimately the County Board will be setting priorities, approving guidelines for department budget development, and working through the necessary steps to create a financial plan for the coming year. To put it into perspective, the 2025 Rock County Budget totals approximately $238.8 million. The budget includes a 2.4% increase in the tax levy in 2025. The county employs more than 1600 full-time individuals. In broad terms, the spending level and number of employees in the County are greater than the combined total of general fund employees and staff in every other municipality within the county.

Commentary:

One of the initial actions in budget planning involves reviewing health insurance proposals for the upcoming year. The County Board staff committee is evaluating options and is proposing a shift from a point-of-service plan to a more restrictive HMO model. This change aims to save significant premium costs but imposes additional restrictions on employees and their families when selecting insurance plans for the coming year. Health care cost inflation continues to surpass income growth rates, necessitating constant review to manage increasing expenses.

Public Works Parks – The Pond at Rock Heritage County Park remains a subject of ongoing concern. The Park, acquired from the Boy Scouts Glaciers Edge Council several years ago, has presented continuous maintenance challenges. Recently, the manmade pond developed an undetected leak and can only maintain half its intended water depth. Despite obtaining the necessary permits from the State of Wisconsin and pumping millions of gallons of water into the pond from the Rock River, the water has disappeared due to undetected leaks. A $20,000 engineering study to identify and repair the leak was deferred by the Public Works Committee as they explore alternative solutions. Thus far, the pond has been a significant drain on both water and maintenance funds.

Agriculture and Extension Committee: The committee recommends to the full board awarding a contract for extensive renovation of the grandstand at the County Fair Grounds. The old structure requires updated seating and other improvements. A scaled-back contract with value engineering is proposed. The cost is significantly below the originally budgeted $800,000.

Rock County Board:

In unusual scheduling, the County Board will convene on a Saturday morning to review their strategic plan, debt issuance, bonding rating processes, and initiate formal budget development for 2026. This meeting is posted and open to the public.

Hypothetically Speaking:

 This governing board is convening in a public announced open session for a policy retreat. The early agenda lists opportunities for public comment, indicating that participation is welcome. Such sessions, although less structured than traditional board meetings with open-ended agendas, offer potential for problem-solving and transparency. Encouraging these types of discussions can enhance deliberative democracy. This move toward transparency could set a precedent for other boards and councils in local governance.

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City of Janesville:

Last Monday night, the Council passed resolutions related to liquor sales at the new Woodman’s Sports and Convention Center. With an opening set for September, these steps were necessary to establish legal entities and apply for licenses in time.

Three resolutions were passed authorizing an agreement between the city and Sports Facilities Food and Beverage Wisconsin, LLC, a new entity affiliated with the center’s general management company. The first resolution separated at a monthly fee, alcohol sales responsibilities from the city of Janesville to the private general management. The second approved an agreement with the new entity, an affiliate of the general management company, to manage alcohol operations. The third designated this new entity as the official concessionaire authorized to apply for licenses.

Commentary:

Discussion revealed issues with an existing agreement that requires revision due to conflicting liquor dispensing rights. The confusion during the debate highlighted the need for better execution of parliamentary procedure. Members were evidently perplexed as they navigated through the complexities of the discussion. At one point, a Council member described the proceedings as “a Circus.” It is the responsibility of the President of the Council to guide the meeting in an orderly manner. Additionally, members are obliged to respect and adhere to that guidance.

Point of Order:

A more concerning discussion pertained to the granting of extensive power to the City Manager and how it was characterized. A seemingly standard clause granting the City Manager considerable authority to modify and amend Council-approved contracts without further Council oversight was questioned. Council member Erdman proposed an amendment to strike the language, while VP Squire expressed concerns that any change would create a potential burden on the City Manager to have to report even minor changes.

Although this may appear to be a minor matter, the provision clearly grants significant latitude to the City Manager. The Council is relinquishing its oversight authority of city contracts and business by resolution without thorough consideration or accountability. The City Manager, based on his comments, would have the public believe that the Council pulling back that authority infringes upon the Manager’s role as an administrator.

In response to concerns about inadvertent clerical errors, such mistakes are legally considered minor and unintentional. The issue lies in how this administrative power is wielded. For instance, the chief executive of the State of Wisconsin can alter a school financial aid formula with a simple stroke of the pen. While consistent with the legislative intent of funding schools, this action raises questions about the separation of powers. This requires public rectification. The Council should retain oversight authority.

The amendments passed by the Council still permit the City Manager to make unilateral changes, though they necessitate reporting those changes to the Council subsequently. This represents improvement and a small step in the right direction.

Hypothetically Speaking:

The meeting’s chaotic tone suggested a review of the “Consent Agenda” format and reconsideration of discretionary delegation language. A refresher on “Roberts Rules of Order” is recommended to improve meeting conduct.

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Happenings in Beloit and Milton and another move on the housing front in Madison

Commentary:

In other developments within the local public policy domain, three jurisdictions are considering resolutions regarding public interaction with their governing boards. At its forthcoming meeting, the City of Beloit seeks public input on matters concerning public housing, community development, housing, and homeless needs. This feedback will be integrated into their annual Community Development plan.  This plan is a driver of the affordable housing policy being aggressively implemented in Beloit.

As we watch Beloit move forward with housing issues successfully, we note that the mayor in Madison has proposed amendments to their zoning code that would make it easier to build duplexes, backyard houses, and mid-sized residential developments. They continue to move the needle on affordable housing forward as well.

On a side note, still no city of Janesville feedback on a housing summit. 

Similarly, the City of Milton will solicit public input at their meeting on Tuesday evening, specifically focusing on their Public Participation Plan for the Comprehensive Plan Update. The objective is to identify methods for increasing resident involvement in various aspects of the plan. Potential ideas for public participation include conducting citizen interviews, online surveys, focus groups, public open houses, and creating a public communication and project marketing strategy.

Additionally, the Beloit School Board Policy Committee proposes revisions to current policies, setting a maximum duration of 15 minutes for all public to comment. After this period, discussions would presumably be concluded.

Hypothetically Speaking:

Public comment and participation pose certain risks. In an unrestricted setting, governing boards may face difficult situations where the public disregards rules, leading to a loss of control. However, a balanced approach can be achieved if the public respects the purpose of public comments, addressing specific issues before the board with relevant and respectful remarks. Governing boards must also respect the public’s right to participate in an orderly and respectful manner, providing factual comments related to the matters at hand.

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🎤 Newsmakers Preview:

Plans are moving forward between Rock County Civics Academy and the Milton School District for a Civics Leadership Practicum for high school seniors. The goal is to engage young people in democracy through interactive opportunities at local and county government levels. Four students were chosen from fifteen applicants, with the course starting this September. Jeremy Bilhorn, Principal at Milton High School, will discuss the program in an upcoming Newsmakers session. Stay tuned.

Newsmakers features local voices shaping our region’s future.

📺 How to Watch & Listen:

Fridays at 9:30 AM – JATV Community Access Channel 994 (Spectrum)

On-demand – YouTube (JATV Media or Rock County Civics Academy)

Fridays at 9:15 AM – WCLO Radio – Your Talk Show with Tim Bremel

Stay informed—wherever you are.

☕️ Community Spotlight: Havana Coffee

Looking to continue the conversation? Visit Havana Coffee at 1250 Milton Avenue_—a venue that fosters civic dialogue and community energy. Offering excellent food, friendly service, and support for local journalism, it is a true Janesville gem. Havana Coffee proudly supports the Rock County Civics Academy.

💬 A Call to Leadership

Our communities advance through action, not mere intention. Although there may never be a perfect time to step forward, there is always a right time, and that time is now. Consider:

•             Volunteering

•             Serving on a board or committee

•             Running for public office

“If not me, who? If not now, when?” — Hillel the Elder

💭 Hypothetically Speaking…

What if transparency was the standard in local government?

What if civic engagement became our community’s defining strength?

That is our mission—and with your involvement, we can make it a reality.

🌐 Stay Engaged with the Rock County Civics Academy:

📍 Visit our Website 📘 Follow us on Facebook 📺 Subscribe on YouTube 📰 Join our Substack newsletter

Until next time—stay curious, stay engaged, and stay connected.

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