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County Board Committees
Chippewa County has several committee-type organizations that serve county citizens.
County Board Standing Committees are comprised of elected County Board Supervisors as appointed by the County Board Chair.
Statutory Committees, Commissions, and Boards are comprised of both County Board Supervisors and county citizens and are appointed by the County Administrator.
Special Committees are appointed by the County Board Chair.
All committees, boards, and commissions act as policy-making bodies that determine the broad outlines and principles governing the administration of programs.
View or download the Application Form (PDF) for vacant committee, commission, and board seats.
Standing Committees
Appointed by County Board Chair - Chuck Hull
The Agriculture & Extension Committee provides policy oversight to the UW Extension Department. The committee consists of five County Board Supervisors that are appointed for a two-year term as set forth in Wis. Stats. § 59.56(b). Per ordinance Sec. 2-82(a) two members of the Land Conservation & Forest Management Committee shall also serve on the Agriculture & Extension Committee. The committee meets every two months.
- Kari Ives, Chair
- Matthew Peterson, Vice-Chair
- Joel Seidlitz
- Pam Guthman
- Timothy Goettl
The Economic Development Committee (EDC) provides policy oversight of the county economic development activities including the Lake Wissota Business Park. In addition, it is the liaison group for coordinated activities with the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), the Chippewa County Tourism Council and the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport. The committee consists of five County Board Supervisors that are appointed for a two-year term. The committee meets quarterly or as needed.
- James Ericksen, Chair
- Charles Bomar, Vice-Chair
- Pam Guthman
- Lee Hennick
- Brian Flynn
The Executive Committee consists of five County Board Supervisors that are appointed for a two-year term. The committee is comprised of the County Board Chair, Vice-Chair and three at large County Board Supervisors being elected by the County Board during the County Board Organizational Meeting as set out in Sec. 2-60(3). The committee meets two times a month.
- Chuck Hull, Chair
- Jason Bergeron, Vice-Chair
- Peter Gehring
- Charles Bomar
- Joel Seidlitz
County Ordinance Sec. 2-82(c) defines the duties of the Executive Committee as follows:
- Provide leadership for the implementation of the County’s Strategic Plan.
- Provide leadership of the Implementation of the County’s Strategic Plan core strategies.
- Proactively identify County policy development needs.
- Request the County Board Chairperson assign requests for any policy development to the appropriate Committee(s).
- Identify the need for short-term task forces to address policy formation recommendations and to fulfill the committee’s duties and responsibilities.
- Establish County Board policy goals and monitor the success of the County Board policy implementation, reporting the results to the County Board.
- Provide leadership for the development of a biennial County Administrator plan of work, and consult in the completion of the plan. Monitor progress on an ongoing basis and conduct an annual performance review and a biennial survey.
- Participate in the selection of a County Administrator, and recommend a candidate for County Board approval. Recommend to the County Board appropriate contract and compensation considerations.
- Monitor the County Boards adherence to and progress in implementing its rules and procedures. Appoint a taskforce to update the County Board rules every two years.
- Consult with the County Board Chairperson regarding the content and structure of the County Board meeting agendas.
- Provide leadership for the allocation of County resources by major County function.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the County Board Chairperson.
- Provide policy oversight to the Department of Administration in the areas of Administration, Corporation Counsel, Criminal Justice Services, Finance, Human Resources, and Information Technology, provide supervision of the County Administrator, and provide policy oversight of the offices of the County Clerk, Treasurer, Register of Deeds, and Veterans Service.
The Facilities & Parks Committee provides policy oversight to the Facilities & Parks Division of the Department of Administration. The mission of the Facilities & Parks Division is to strive to be good stewards of the public property entrusted to our care, to be fiscally responsible in our duties as we work to maintain a clean, safe, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment for employees and the public we serve and to promote appropriate recreational opportunity within our county park system. The committee consists of five County Board Supervisors that are appointed for a two-year term. The committee meets every two months or as needed.
- George Rohmeyer, Jr., Chair
- Dennis Bachman, Vice-Chair
- Timothy Goettl
- Karen Lotts
- James Meinen
The Highway Committee provides policy oversight to the Highway Department. The mission of the Highway Department is to provide county residents and motorists with a safe and usable County Trunk Highway System thru maintenance, design and construction services that are provided in a cost effective and efficient manner; to maintain under contract with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation a safe and usable State Trunk Highway System and to provide our local governments cost effective alternatives for maintaining and constructing their respective local streets and roadways; to plan, program and implement cost effective County Trunk Highway improvements to accommodate increased traffic demands generated from area growth and to enhance economic development interests in Chippewa County. Per Ordinance 05-18 the ATV Advisory Committee was disbanded effective 09/01/2018 and the responsibilities of providing oversight regarding ATV/UTV routes and procedures were transferred to the Highway Committee and Highway Commissioner. The committee consists of five County Board Supervisors that are appointed for a two-year term as set forth in Wis. Stats. § 83.015(1)(a). The Committee meets monthly
- James Flater, Chair
- Peter Gehring, Vice-Chair
- Matthew Peterson
- Joseph Roshell
- George Rohmeyer, Jr.
The Legal & Law Enforcement Committee provides policy oversight to the following departments: Child Support, Clerk of Courts, Coroner, Crime Victim Witness, District Attorney, Emergency Management, Juvenile Court Intake, Register in Probate, and Sheriff’s Department. The committee consists of five County Board Supervisors that are appointed for a two-year term. One member of the committee shall also serve on the CJCC Council and Steering Committee. The Committee meets every two months or as needed.
- Brian Flynn, Chair
- Peter Gehring, Vice-Chair
- Charles Bomar
- James Meinen
- Dennis Bachman
The Planning & Zoning Committee provides policy oversight to the Planning & Zoning Department including land records and GIS responsibilities. Effective May 1, 2020 per Ordinance 12-19 the committee is also empowered to retain and sell, subject to the approval of the County Board, all tax-deeded land. The committee consists of five County Board Supervisors that are appointed for a two-year term as set forth in Wis. Stats. § 59.69(2). One of the County Board Supervisors shall also be a member of the Land Conservation and Forest Management Committee. The Committee meets monthly.
- Jason Bergeron, Chair
- Duane Shoebridge, Vice-Chair
- David Kelly
- Rocky Kempe
- Chuck Hull
Statutory Committees, Commissions & Boards
Appointed by County Administrator - Andy Albarado
The ADRC Board provides policy oversight for the Aging Disability Resource Center (ADRC) as set forth in Wis. Stats. §§ 46.283(6), 46.82, and Ordinance Sec. 2-389 of the Chippewa County Code. As a result of the 2012 committee consolidations the ADRC Board was made into a subcommittee of the Health and Human Services Board. The ADRC offers the general public a single entry point for information and assistance on issues affecting older people, and people with disabilities regardless of their income. The resource center is a welcoming and convenient place for county citizens and their families to get information, advice and access to a wide variety of services. This is a seven member board including one County Board Supervisor who is also a member of the Health and Human Services Board. Members are appointed to three-year terms. The board meets every two months.
- Kari Ives, Chair
- Patricia German, Vice-Chair
- Larry Marquardt
- Don Hauser
- Yvonne Hedrington
- Cindy Spaeth
- Renee Thompson
The Board of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial body with duties prescribed by Wis. Stats. § 59.694 and functions almost like a court. The Board’s main objective is to apply legal criteria provided in state law and local ordinance to a specific fact situation to determine if a variance to those rules is necessary – not to compromise ordinance provisions for a property owner’s convenience. The Board of Adjustment decides variances which is a relaxation of a dimensional standard in a land use ordinance (e.g., setbacks, lot area, height, etc). Variances are meant to be an infrequent remedy where an ordinance imposes a unique and substantial burden. This is a seven member citizen board and consists of five voting members and two alternate members. Members are appointed for a two or three-year term. The Board meets as needed to review variances.
- Jeff Bennesch, Voting Member (Chair)
- Roger McFarlane, Voting Member (Vice-Chair)
- Doug Mathews, Voting Member
- Larry Marquardt, Voting Member
- Julie Geissler, Voting Member
- Carolyn Kaiser, Alternate
- Vacant, Alternate
On May 14, 2019 the County Board approved Resolution 16-19 to create Committee for Chapter 980 Placements to meet when ordered by a court that has approved a supervised release of a sexually violent person, pursuant to § 980.08, Wis. Stats. Wisconsin 2017 Act 184 (“Act”) became effective on March 30, 2018. The Act made changes related to the supervised release and representation of sexually violent persons (“SVP”), who are sex offenders civilly committed under Ch. 980 of the Wisconsin Statutes. The Act amended § 980.08(4)(dm), Wis. Stats., to now require the SVP’s county of residence to form a temporary committee when an individual has been approved for supervised release. The purpose of the committee is to prepare a report and make a recommendation for placement of the SVP to the Department of Health Services. The committee will only meet when the court orders the county to prepare a report on placement. The committee will have the authority and responsibility as set out in § 980.08(4)(dm), Wis. Stats.
In Chippewa County, this committee consists of the following individuals:
- Corporation Counsel, Chair
- Human Services Director or his/her designee
- Planning & Zoning Director or his/her designee
- Representative of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services
- Local probation or parole officer
To learn more about the Supervised Release Program you can visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.
The Commission was created to enhance the level of safety on all public roadways for all users of those roadways, including pedestrians, bicyclist, motorcyclist, motorist, maintenance workers, and emergency services personnel. The role of the Commission is to review traffic accident data from the County and, upon review, the Commission makes recommendations for any corrective action it deems appropriate to the County Board and, where appropriate, to the County Highway Committee, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and, to any other branch of local government.
- Chris Elstran, Highway Commissioner, Chair
- Andy Clark, Law Enforcement, Vice-Chair
- Jason Moses, Safety Coordinator
- Brady Seidlitz, Deputy Corporation Counsel
- Brian Misfeldt, Education Representative
- Jason Thom, Emergency Medical Rep
- Scott Bernette, Emergency Medical Rep, Alternate
- Lt. Sheridan Pabst, Chippewa Falls PD
- Brandon Cesafsky, Chippewa Falls Public Works
- Jenny Lenbom, Public Health Department
- Joe Simon, Highway Department
- State Patrol Representative, NW Region
- State Transportation Safety Representative
- WI DOT Highway Engineer Representative
As outlined in Ordinance Sec. 2-84(m)(1) the purpose of the Crime Prevention Funding Board is established pursuant to Wis. Stat. §59.54(28) for the purpose of solicitation and distribution of grants to any of the following entities, in amounts determined by the Crime Prevention Funding Board: (a) One or more nonprofit organizations within the county that has as its primary purpose preventing crime, providing a funding source for crime prevention programs, encouraging the public to report crime, or assisting law enforcement agencies in the apprehension of criminal offenders. (b) A law enforcement agency within the county that has a crime prevention fund, if the contribution is credited to the crime prevention fund and is used for crime prevention purposes.
- Steve Gibbs, Chair
- Andy Albarado Vice-Chair
- Wade Newell
- Curt Dutton
- Ryan Douglas
- Tim Bowman
- Jason Martell
The principal mission of the Chippewa County Criminal Justice Collaborating Council (CJCC) is to provide coordinated leadership and innovation within the criminal justice system with a goal of creating a crime free community.
- Steve Gibbs, Chair
- Bobbie Jaeger, Vice-Chair
- Charles Bomar
- Andy Albarado
- Travis Hakes
- James Maki
- Megan Popenhagen
- Kyra Secraw
- Tim Bowman
- Wade Newell
- Kirby Harless
- Nate Liedl
- Ryan Douglas
- Denise Shervey
- Geri Segal
- John Ailie
- Melissa Bishop
The Ethics Inquiry Board shall be responsible for investigating a complaint, and conducting a fact finding hearing pursuant to Sec. 2-192(e)(3), in any case where the Ethics Inquiry Board has found that probable cause exists for believing the allegations of a complaint referred to the Ethics Inquiry Board after preliminary review pursuant to Sec. 2-192(b-d). The Corporation Counsel shall provide legal advice, administrative support and assistance to the Ethics Inquiry Board.
- Chad Verbeten, Attorney
- James Sherman, Alternate Attorney
- Don Hauser, Citizen Rep
- Kathy Bernier, Citizen Rep
The Health and Human Services Board provides policy oversight to the Human Services and Public Health departments. The nine member Board is comprised of five County Board Supervisors and four citizen members who are not Supervisors or employees of the County and have a demonstrated interest or competence in Human Services, Public Health or community health. The Board meets monthly. Members are appointed for a three-year term.
- Kari Ives, Chair
- Lee Hennick, Vice-Chair
- James Ericksen
- James Meinen
- Dennis Bachman
- Jack Halbleib
- Robert Bullwinkel, MD
- Marcia Kyes
- Harold Steele
The Housing Authority Commission sets policy for the Housing Authority in matters involving housing programs, monitoring compliance with the statutes and program regulations, and promoting housing programs that meet the housing needs of the citizens of Chippewa County. The commissioner will also serve on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Housing Committee. The role of the CDBG Housing Committee is to set policy for the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program, monitor compliance with the program regulations and approve home repair loans.
The Housing Authority Commission and CDBG Housing Committee meet monthly. They consist of five members including one County Board Supervisor, one City of Chippewa Falls council member, and three public members who are not elected officials and have a demonstrated interest or competence in the field of housing and especially the needs of low-income residents. Members of the Housing Authority Commission and CDBG Housing Committee shall reflect the diversity of the community. A geographic representation is also considered important. Members are appointed for a five-year term. The commission meets monthly on the 4th Monday of the month.
- Pam Guthman, Chair
- Lee Hennick, Vice-Chair
- Lori Artz
- Judith Davis
- Ruth Rosenow
The IFLS Board of Trustees is appointed by the 10 participating county boards. Trustees can be County Board Supervisors or citizens designees; either type can serve unlimited three-year terms. Each county is represented by 1-3 trustees, based on county population. Chippewa County appoints one County Board Supervisor and one citizen member. Trustees meet six times each year (Jan., March, May, July, Sept. and Nov.) on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 12:30 p.m. All meetings are open to the public and most are held in the IFLS conference room at 1538 Truax Road, Eau Claire. During the first meeting of the year, the board selects its Executive Committee, which meets six times each year (Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct. and Dec.).
- James Ericksen
- Julie Woodruff
The Land Conservation & Forest Management Committee provides policy oversight to the Land Conservation & Forest Management Department. The mission of the Land Conservation and Forest Management Committee is to encourage “stewardship for sustainability”. The composition, powers and duties of the committee are set forth in Wis. Stats. §§ 59.70(19), 92.06, 92.07, and 28.11. The committee consists of seven (7) members including six (6) County Board Supervisors and one person who is engaged in an agricultural use. As set forth in Wis. Stats. § 91.01(2)(a)1-7, agricultural use is defined as crop or forage production; keeping livestock; beekeeping; nursery, sod, or Christmas tree production; floriculture; aquaculture; fur farming; and forest management. Committee members are appointed for a two-year term. Two of the County Board Supervisors shall be members of the Agriculture & Extension Committee and one of the County Board Supervisors shall also be a member of the Planning and Zoning Committee. The Committee meets monthly.
- Charles Bomar, Chair
- Matthew Peterson, Vice-Chair
- James Flater
- Jason Bergeron
- Joel Seidlitz
- Rocky Kempe
- Ken Schmitt
The duties of the Land Information Council) are to review the priorities, needs, policies and expenditures of the land information office and advise the County on matters affecting the land information office as set forth in Wis. Stats. § 59.72(3m). The composition of the council is outlined in Resolution 54-10. One County Board Supervisor is appointed for a two year term. The Council shall meet up to two times per year.
- Matthew Peterson, Chair
- Melanie McManus
- Patty Schimmel
- Dennis Falkenberg
- Jason Moses
- Doug Clary
- Sam Wenz
- Traci Bronstad
- Bruce Hahoe, Jr.
The duties of the Library Planning Committee are outlined in Wis. Stats. §43.11. The role of the committee is to develop the Chippewa County Library Plan of Service pending approval of the County Board of Supervisors. Members of the 2025-2029 committee include:
- James Ericksen
- Elizabeth Minatt
- Stacey Brown
- Joseph Niese
- Samantha Johnson
- Amy Ambelang
- Kim Summerfield
- John Thompson, Advisor
- Julie Woodruff, Advisor
- Jaclyn Sadler, Advisor
The Local Emergency Planning Committee is a federal requirement for each county under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). The requirements are outlined in the Federal Register; 40 CFR 301 and 302. The committee's focus is hazardous materials and, by state statute, it typically is the reviewing entity for expenses related to chemical releases [323.60(3) and 323.71(5)]. The committee also serves informally as a community relations board for emergency services. There are five categories for representation on the board. Chippewa County appoints one County Board Supervisor and 14 governmental and citizen members. Members serve until they resign or are unable to serve. The Committee meets five times a year.
- John Anderson, Chair
- Brian Flynn
- Nathan Martell
- Jerry Clark
- Kyle Hoel
- Rick Bowe
- Jason Moses
- Brittnay Fortuna
- Melissa Miller
- Max Schroeder
- Paul
Chip
Eckardt - Tamee Thom
The Board of Commissioners for the Lower Long Lake Protection District Board consists of five members including one County Board Supervisor from the Land Conservation and Forest Management Committee or a citizen nominated by the Land Conservation and Forest Management Committee as set forth in Wis. Stats. § 33.28. The board meets at least quarterly. Members are appointed for a two-year term.
- James Flater
The role of the Commission is to review requests for financial assistance and provide oversight of Veterans Service Commission funds. The commission consists of five members including two County Board Supervisors and three citizen members who are not elected officials and have an interest in the area of veteran issues as set forth in Wis. Stats. §45.81. Members are required to be honorably discharged veterans. Members of the commission are appointed for a staggered three-year term. The commission meets every two months or as needed.
- David Kelly, Chair
- Lee Hennick, Vice-Chair
- Phillip Sarazen
- CW King
- Richard Vander Molen
The West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (WCWRPC) is a multi-county planning agency serving local governments in the counties of Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Polk and St. Croix. The Commission was created in 1971 by these seven counties and derives its authority from Wis. Stats. § 66.0309. The Commission is charged with the responsibility for the physical, social, and economic development of the region. To accomplish this mission, the Commission conducts area-wide planning and provides technical assistance to local governments. Three County Board Supervisors are appointed for a two-year term. The Commission meets bi-monthly on the second Thursday of January, March, May, July and November.
On a multi-county level, the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission conducts economic development and transportation planning and project development. The Commission is designated as an economic development district by the Economic Development Administration. It is required to undertake economic development planning and project identification for all seven counties of the region. In the area of transportation, it provides administrative and planning staff to the Chippewa-Eau Claire Metropolitan Planning Organization, the entity responsible for urban transportation planning and project programming.
- Joel Seidlitz
- George Rohmeyer, Jr.
- Chuck Hull
Special Committees
Appointed by County Board Chair - Chuck Hull
On December 16, 2025, the County Board approved Resolution 39-25 creating the Ad Hoc EMS Committee to study EMS services in Chippewa County.
In the spring of 2024, the Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) decided to close the HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire and the HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls along with several of the Prevea Health clinics. That has contributed to and increased the challenges associated with providing EMS services in Chippewa County. The County Board supports taking a proactive approach by bringing together stakeholders to examine existing EMS operations, address gaps in service, and ensure a high level of emergency medical care into the future.
The Ad Hoc EMS Study Committee includes representatives from across the community. They will meet regularly and present a final report with its conclusions and recommendations to the Chippewa County Executive Committee and ultimately to the County Board for consideration by August 2026.
To complement the work of the Ad Hoc EMS Study Committee, an EMS Provider Workgroup will also be formed. This group will concentrate on identifying service challenges, improving coordination among providers, and offering strategies to enhance sustainability. The EMS Provider Workgroup’s input will be provided to the Ad Hoc EMS Study Committee for consideration as part of its final report.
Administrative support for the Ad Hoc EMS Study Committee and workgroup will be provided by Chippewa County Administration, Emergency Management and University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension, including providing a meeting location, staffing, final reporting, agenda, minutes, and organizational assistance.
Ad Hoc EMS Study Committee Members:
- Pam Guthman, County Board Supervisor, Chair
- Peter Gehring, County Board Supervisor, Vice-Chair
- Sandi Frion, Bloomer City Administrator
- Dale Isaacs, Boyd Village Board
- Eric Weiland, Cadott Village Board
- Deb Semanko, Cornell City Council
- Dan Dixon, Chippewa Falls City Council
- Dave Staber, Town of Lafayette Chair
- Corey LaNou, Town of Arthur Chairman
- Pauline Spiegel, Town of Eagle Point Supervisor
- Ron Patten, EMS Association Chair
- Adam Dewitt, Anson EMS Director
- Justus Busse, Chippewa Falls Fire and EMS Battalion Chief
The primary mission of the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is to foster a strong economic environment which supports businesses and nurtures growth and new investment in the region. CCEDC is dedicated to promoting and facilitating economic development and to improving the quality of life in Chippewa County by increasing its economic base. CCEDC markets, supports, and promotes Chippewa County for business retention, expansion and job creation. These efforts also address living and working in the county to support business growth.
The Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is a non-profit organization, which is funded by private sources and has a contract for services with Chippewa County. The local governments that donate and private businesses that invest in the corporation select the Board of Directors. Chippewa County has four members on the board. Only one of the county’s four appointees can be an elected official and that appointee must be a member of the Chippewa County Economic Development Committee. The other three are private sector business persons who serve at the pleasure of the County Board of Supervisors or until their term has expired. County appointments must be geographically diverse. The County Board Supervisor representative is appointed for a two-year term and the other members serve a three-year term. The board meets six times a year.
- James Ericksen
- Ken Pearson
- Nic Alberson
- Ryan Hartzell
The Chippewa County Tourism Council promotes tourism and tourism activities throughout Chippewa County. The administrative support for this council is provided by the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. The Council meets every other month at various locations throughout the county. Chippewa County appoints one County Board Supervisor for a two-year term.
- Joseph Roshell
The MPO was established in 1982. The MPO provides a forum that allows elected officials, professional transportation staff, and citizens to jointly plan the future transportation system of the urban area. The MPO is housed and staffed by the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (WCWRPC). The MPO covers the areas of the cities of Altoona, Chippewa Falls, and Eau Claire; the Village of Lake Hallie; and portions of the towns of Anson, Eagle Point, Hallie, Lafayette, Tilden and Wheaton in Chippewa County, and Brunswick, Pleasant Valley, Seymour, Union, and Washington in Eau Claire County. The Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA) is approximately 163 square miles and has a current population of around 120,000. The Chippewa-Eau Claire MPO has the 7th largest population and is the 8th largest area geographically.
The MPO is made up of a Policy Council which has an elected official representative from each city, village, town, and the two counties in the MPO. The Policy Council meets four times a year and formerly approves the work programs, Long Range Transportation Plan, Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), all TIP amendments and a host of other actions. Chippewa County appoints one County Board Supervisor for a one-year term.
- Duane Shoebridge
The Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility (CVCTF) is dedicated to the development, implementation, and subsequent modification of a treatment program that will effectively and efficiently address the needs of offenders in the area of substance abuse and related issues, preparing them for reintegration to their respective communities. CVCTF is an all-male, minimum-security facility with 300 beds reserved for treatment.
The CVCTF Community Relations Board was created at the request of the Correctional Facility to involve members of the community and local units of government in the awareness of the impact the Correctional Facility (Highview) has on the community. Chippewa County appoints one County Board Supervisor for a two-year term. The Board meets four times a year.
- Pam Guthman
The role of the Commission is to have complete and exclusive control and management of the Airport. The Commission is charged with the safe and efficient operation and with the promotion and development of the Airport in such a manner as will facilitate and contribute to the economic well-being and growth of the Chippewa Valley Region. More specifically, the Commission will seek and promote the widest availability and use of scheduled air services, provide for the needs of general aviation and seek to encourage the development of aeronautical related enterprises on its available lands. Concurrently, the Commission will educate and inform the general populace of the Airport’s services and contributions and maintain the highest standards of public relations. The Commission will also seek to minimize the tax burden on Eau Claire and Chippewa Counties by exercising fiscal prudence, maintaining fees and charges consistent with the norm of similar Wisconsin Transport Category airports and encouraging maximum utilization of the Airport’s facilities and services consistent with its capacities.
The Commission meets monthly and consists of seven members. The Chippewa County Board Chair appoints one Chippewa County Board Supervisor and two citizen members. The Eau Claire County Board Chair appoints one Eau Claire County Board Supervisor and three citizen members. Members are appointed for a two-year term.
- Scott Smith
- Scott Francis
- Chuck Hull
The County Board Chair serves on the CVTC Hearing & Appointment Committee.
- Chuck Hull
The Court Security Committee is part of the Supreme Court Administrative Rule (SCR) for court operations. The administrative SCR provides guidance and recommendations for best practices for court facilities used in the operation of the circuit court. To promote communication among the circuit court and county officials and pursuant to § 68.05 of the Supreme Court Rules (SCR) the chief judge of the circuit court appoints members of the committee including the County Board Chair and County Administrator or their designees. The committee meets quarterly.
- Chuck Hull
The Commission is comprised of representatives from the counties of Chippewa, Crawford, Juneau, La Crosse, Marinette, Monroe, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Trempealeau and Vernon. The purpose of the commission is to organize and establish a multi-jurisdictional public entity to lease, manage and operate a nursing home and facility for the developmentally disabled known as Lakeview Health Center (“Lakeview”). The Commission contracts with La Crosse County to provide personnel and human resources related to the administration and management of Lakeview. The Commission provides financial resources for the operation of Lakeview. Members are appointed for a three-year term. The Commission meets two times a year.
- Kari Ives
Northwest ITBEC (Travel Northwest Wisconsin) is a Wisconsin Counties Association sponsored association that provides the participating counties within the region a mechanism in which member counties and tourism partners can combine resources to: promote regional tourism, collaborate on opportunities to market the region’s resources and tourist destinations, develop public/private partnerships to expand tourism opportunities within the member counties and/or participate in educational programming and information sharing related to tourism promotions and other related economic development initiatives. The following Wisconsin counties are eligible members in the NW ITBEC: Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Douglas, Iron, Polk, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor and Washburn.
Members are appointed for a two-year term. Chippewa County appoints one County Board Supervisor to the ITBEC Board, which meets 2-3 times a year. The ITBEC Board members are the fiscal gatekeepers and the policy makers. Chippewa County also appoints one citizen member (the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Tourism Director) to the ITBEC Tourism Committee, which meets 9-10 times a year on average. The Tourism Committee members are the “worker bees” of the Northwest ITBEC.
Northwest ITBEC Board
- Joseph Roshell
Northwest ITBEC Tourism Committee
- Ellie Peabody
Note: ITBEC is now referred to as Travel Northwest Wisconsin per the new 2023 bylaws.
The role of the Northern Regional Trail Advisory Committee (NoRTAC) is to assist in bringing adjoining counties and communities together to work cooperatively and to promote measures each county is working on individually relating to recreational trail development, thus maximizing the resources for all participants. The Northern Regional Trail Advisory Committee is served by two appointees from each county (Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Burnett, Chippewa, Douglas, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer, and Washington), with at least one of the committee members being a County Board Supervisor. Members are appointed for a two-year term.
- Dennis Bachman, Member
- Karen Lotts, Member
- Paul Krumenauer, Alternate
The Wisconsin Green Tier Legacy Communities (GTLC), the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA), and the League of Wisconsin Municipalities (LWM) have collaboratively implemented a statewide Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program (Chapter 35 Code of Ordinances). The Joint Powers Commission is comprised of municipal members (cities, villages and towns) to collectively and efficiently administer a single statewide PACE program.
The role of the commission is to adopt, implement and administer a uniform program for the qualification for, and approval, granting, administration and collection of PACE loans. The goal of the commission is to provide real property owners, lessees, lenders and other transaction parties with access to a uniformity administered program for PACE financing. The commission meets four times per year. Chippewa County appoints one County Board Supervisor – usually the Economic Development Committee Chair to a two- year term.
- James Ericksen
The Stanley Correctional Institution (SCI) is a medium-security institution for adult males with an operating capacity of 1,500. Construction started in 1998 and was a joint venture of the Dominion Company and the City of Stanley. In November of 2001, the State of Wisconsin purchased the prison from Dominion. SCI is built on 100 acres, just South of Stanley and Hwy 29. There are 45 acres within the perimeter of the facility and the outside perimeter measures 1.1 miles.
The Community Relations Board acts as a positive link between the correctional facility and the community. The members are well informed of issues taking place at the Stanley Correctional Institution so they are able to share that information with the general public. In exchange, they are able to contact the institution for answers to questions they hear in the community. The board meets two times per year, typically in spring and fall. Members are appointed for a two-year term. Chippewa County appoints one County Board Supervisor.
- Matthew Peterson
West CAP (West Central WI Community Action Agency, Inc.) was founded in 1965 and operates a number of federal, state and locally funded programs designed to help low-income persons increase their self-reliance. The mission of West CAP is to take action against poverty by developing the social and economic assets of low-income families and their communities and by working to create a more just and sustainable society. West CAP serves Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk and St. Croix counties. West CAP provides services nearly 3,000 Chippewa County households each year related to food access, energy assistance, weatherization, housing assistance, homeless intervention, and adult education. Board members participate in program development, grant review, review of financial condition, and have the opportunity to attend annual Board training. Chippewa County appoints one County Board Supervisor for a two-year term. Board meetings are held monthly with a total of 10 regular business meetings each year (not December nor July). The County Board Supervisor also serves on the West CAP Program Committee which meets four times a year.
- Kari Ives
The West Central Wisconsin County Board’s Consortium is comprised of County Board Chairs from Northwest counties including Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Polk and St. Croix. The Consortium Board exercises ongoing oversite of the Workforce Development Board financial activities, maintain an ongoing relationship with the Workforce Development Board, and work in tandem with the Workforce Development Board for purposes of carrying out Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs, services and activities as outlined in the InterCounty Consortium Agreement. The consortium meets quarterly. Members are appointed for a two-year term.
- Chuck Hull
The WI Counties Utility Tax Association was created to provide participation by local units of government who host utility sites in their municipality. In lieu of paying property taxes the utility taxes are collected by the state and a formula is utilized to return these funds to the sponsoring municipality. The Utility Tax Association is a lobby organization that fights to ensure that fair compensation is being returned to the hosting municipalities. Chippewa County appoints one County Board Supervisor for a two-year term. Meetings are held quarterly and they are usually held in Madison.
- Karen Lotts
Chippewa County adopted Resolution 24-11 and joined the commission. The purpose of the Commission shall be to organize and establish a multi-jurisdictional public entity that shall (1) lease, manage and operate a nursing home and facility for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled known as the Clark County Health Care Center “CCHCC”; (2) contract with Clark County to provide personnel and human resources related to the administration and management of CCHCC and (3) provide financial resources for operation of CCHCC including any costs or services incidental thereto. One County Board Supervisor is appointed for a two-year term. The commission has an annual meeting in August and generally meets quarterly. The Chippewa County Supervisor represents Chippewa, Buffalo and Pepin County per Amendment Six to the Intergovernmental Cooperative Agreement. Both Buffalo and Pepin are members of the Western Region Recovery & Wellness Consortium (WRRWC) and Chippewa County is the lead county agency for the WRRWC.
- Lee Hennick