Up to speed: Supervisors study county operations
Posted by DAVID BRETL on May 18, 2012
Supervisors elected to the 2012-’14 Walworth County Board completed their first month of meetings. The board’s organizational meeting took place April 17. Nancy Russell was re-elected as county board chair, a position that she has held since 2007. Jerry Grant was voted in as vice-chair, a role in which he ...
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In time and money, volunteers make a difference
Posted by DAVID BRETL on April 30, 2012
The Walworth County Board took time, at a recent meeting, to commemorate National Volunteer Week, which took place during the week of April 15. In addition to recognizing the week and thanking the hundreds of volunteers who donate their time and talent to our county each year, supervisors acknowledged the ...
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New county board takes shape over the next week
Posted by DAVID BRETL on April 16, 2012
The county board’s 2010-’12 term is drawing to a close. Final committee meetings were held March 22. Supervisors will officially begin their next two-year term April 17. While the board typically meets on the second Tuesday of each month, in this instance, state law trumps our local rule. Statutes require ...
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For the record: releasing information can be tricky
Posted by DAVID BRETL on April 5, 2012
I’ve never been a big fan of many of the so-called Hallmark holidays. These are the holidays whose origins can be traced back to marketing departments rather than some historical person or event. I suppose I might feel differently if I were more organized. Recognizing “sweetests,” administrative professionals or even ...
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Ours to enjoy: plenty of work goes into park strategy
Posted by DAVID BRETL on March 19, 2012
Our relatively mild winter hasn’t done a thing to lessen the symptoms of spring fever that I always experience this time of year. A recent meeting of the Walworth County Parks Committee only made matters worse. The committee, which consists of three county supervisors and two citizen members, is in ...
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Things looking up as country draws down debt
Posted by DAVID BRETL on March 5, 2012
I wouldn’t exactly call it a mortgage-burning party, but if everything goes according to plan, this April the Walworth County Board will pay off $4.7 million in promissory notes ahead of schedule. The notes in question represent funds borrowed by the county in 2004 and 2005 to pay for a ...
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Law and order: Sheriff, board sometimes at odds
Posted by DAVID BRETL on February 21, 2012
If I got paid for writing these columns, I would have to split my fee with Milwaukee County. Over the past decade, that county has provided the inspiration for more columns than any other source. My intent in writing about these situations isn’t to pick on officials there. I make ...
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Got cash? County plans for unexpected expenses
Posted by DAVID BRETL on February 6, 2012
Bretl says, "We can't mail out a second tax bill, say in June, to supplement the original property tax levy."
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Public works expanded scope, efficiency under Crawford
Posted by DAVID BRETL on December 29, 2011
Shane Crawford, Walworth County’s deputy county administrator-central services, recently accepted a position with Madeira Beach, Fla., where he will take over as that city’s manager.
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Not so fast: Taking a closer look at county population
Posted by DAVID BRETL on December 13, 2011
Fact checking conventional wisdom that says Walworth County is one of the fastest growing in the state
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Poor economy, state changes shape county budget
Posted by DAVID BRETL on November 29, 2011
Walworth County govt spending up 14/100ths of 1 percent. Here's how ...
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OWI court addresses jail overcrowding, treatment
Posted by DAVID BRETL on November 14, 2011
I’m not sure what the record is, but it is often hard for me to imagine how someone could have even had the opportunity to acquire seven or more convictions, in a relatively short period of time.
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State-mandated changes, poor economy affect 2012 budget
Posted by DAVID BRETL on September 15, 2011
Annual budget letter outlines county finances
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Time-honored tradition: Journals chronicle county board
Posted by DAVID BRETL on July 11, 2011
Three measures, contained in the county board journals, provide a sense of how the board is accomplishing its work — communications, ordinances and resolutions.
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Assistants are key to smooth-running county board and committees
Posted by DAVID BRETL on May 2, 2011
From online streaming to agendas posted online, technology helps citizens stay connected to county government.
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Volunteers logged 28,136 hours for the county
Posted by DAVID BRETL on April 20, 2011
While some county departments, such as the nursing home and Lakeland School, have long histories of engaging volunteers, other departments were far less familiar with the concept.
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Shedding some light on open meetings law
Posted by DAVID BRETL on April 4, 2011
I really don’t know enough about the case in Madison to comment on which side will prevail. I can say with confidence that had any local unit of government proceeded as the Senate had, its members would almost surely have been found guilty of violating the law.
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Waiting, watching: How will budget bill shake out?
Posted by DAVID BRETL on March 18, 2011
Both the budget repair bill and the biennial budget are lengthy and complicated documents. Here are a few initial impressions of what the legislation might mean to Walworth County.
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Budget bill is 'strong medicine,' but is it the cure?
Posted by DAVID BRETL on March 4, 2011
Is Gov. Walker's budge overkill, or possibly not bold enough? Walworth County Administrator David Bretl is waiting to see just how deep the county's budget hole will be.
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Cooperation can save government time and money
Posted by DAVID BRETL on February 7, 2011
Working together more vital than ever in era of funding cuts, tax caps
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