Price County Board Approves New Audit Firm, Hears Gravel Pit

Price County Board Approves New Audit Firm, Hears Gravel Pit Update, and Swears In New Supervisor

Last updated: July 18, 2026

By Price County Fun Editorial Team | Price County, Wisconsin

The Price County Board of Supervisors met June 16 at the county courthouse in Phillips with all 12 members present plus one new face. The meeting ran the gamut from routine financial resolutions to a heated public comment about the clerk’s office, a new supervisor swearing-in, and a lengthy update on the gravel pit fight that has dominated Land Use Committee meetings for months.

HHS Board takes proactive stance on asphalt plant health impacts

Updated July 12, 2026 — At the July 8, 2026 Price County Health & Human Services Board meeting, Supervisor Robert Copich asked Public Health Officer Tiffany Pichek to research the public health impacts of asphalt plants in anticipation of American Asphalt reapplying for a conditional use permit. American Asphalt withdrew its application for a temporary asphalt plant at the East Solberg Lake Road site, but Copich told the board plainly: “It’s going to come back.”

The withdrawal has created a window — likely about a year — and the HHS Board is using it to prepare. Pollitchek confirmed she would compile research on the health effects of asphalt plant emissions, which could inform the county’s response when the application resurfaces. Chair Vala Hodeck affirmed the request publicly during the meeting.

This is a proactive strategy. While public health research cannot override an existing conditional use permit, it can provide the evidence base the county needs to impose stricter conditions or support a denial under Wisconsin Act 67 if health concerns are substantiated. The HHS Board’s move signals that Price County intends to have a health-based case ready before American Asphalt returns, rather than scrambling to assemble one after the fact.

The HHS Board next meets August 12, 2026, at 4 p.m. in the county courthouse boardroom, with a public participation session at 5 p.m.

New supervisor sworn in

Preston Schuman was appointed to the District 5 seat, filling a vacancy with four applicants competing for the position. Schuman lives in Fifield, is a Navy veteran, and told the board he plans to retire in six months and wants to be more involved in the community. He was sworn in by County Clerk Meredith Hackman and assigned to the Forestry and Administration committees.

The board approved his appointment 12-0. Schuman took his seat and participated in the remainder of the meeting.

Sheriff’s candidate uses public comment to attack clerk

The meeting opened with a firecracker. Waldemar Matson, a candidate for Price County Sheriff, used his public comment time to accuse County Clerk Meredith Hackman of bias in the ballot placement drawing process. Matson claimed he and Hackman had agreed to use Brian Ernst for the drawing, but Hackman never called Ernst. He also said he recorded a phone conversation with Hackman without her knowledge and posted it on Facebook.

Hackman combined all candidates from all offices into one drawing rather than separating them by position. Matson called her out in front of the board, saying “the whole county knows that you don’t keep your word.”

Several board members pushed back hard. Supervisor Larry Pichek said he did not like how the clerk was treated and suggested restricting public comment if the board floor continues to be used for election campaigning. Supervisor Marsha Stevens defended Hackman as an elected official who has the right to put a political sign in her own yard, pushing back on the implication that her personal political choices affect her professional duties.

Board Chair Don Strunk said he reviewed the video of the ballot drawing and spoke with the clerk. He found the process was within normal practice based on clerk training and what other counties do. “I’m satisfied with the way it went and I’m not going to pursue anything different,” Strunk said.

Corporation counsel resigning

The board learned that Price County’s corporation counsel is leaving effective July 31. She has been with the county just over two years and is reportedly opening her own practice in the Medford area. A temporary replacement identified as Bryce will serve until a permanent hire is made. County Administrator Nick Drier noted that the last search took about nine months to a year.

Audit firm change saves $16,000 per year

The board voted 12-0 to replace Baker Tilly with Kerber Rose SC as the county’s audit firm for 2026 through 2028. Three firms submitted proposals: Baker Tilly (the incumbent of 10 years), CliftonLarsonAllen, and Kerber Rose. The Executive Committee reviewed all three and selected Kerber Rose as the lowest bidder.

Drier said the switch saves approximately $16,000 in the first year. First-year fees with Kerber Rose are $73,460, compared to roughly $89,000 with Baker Tilly. The committee noted that Kerber Rose has less overhead and fewer secondary services than the larger firms, but all three received glowing references. The county’s experienced finance staff means the additional support services offered by bigger firms are not needed.

Employee handbook updated for smart glasses and snow days

The board approved revisions to the Employee Handbook covering two modern issues: wearable recording devices and emergency closures.

The smart glasses policy addresses employees wearing devices like Meta Ray-Bans or similar products in areas with protected information. The policy does not ban the devices but requires them to be off in HR offices, health and human services areas, restrooms, and locker rooms. Drier said the county has not had problems yet but wanted to get ahead of an issue other counties are starting to see.

The emergency closure policy replaces a bare-bones version that gave no direction on when to close county offices. Under the new policy, the county administrator, sheriff, highway commissioner, and board chair collaborate on closure decisions. Employees sent home would use vacation time, unpaid days, or work from home if their position allows it. The policy also covers power outages, heating failures, and natural disasters.

Gravel pit fight continues with buried hotel complication

Land Use Committee Chair Robert Kopisch gave a detailed update on the gravel pit conditional use permit for East Solberg Lake Road in the Town of Worcester. The committee held three public hearings totaling over two hours, with chairs filling the boardroom. Kopisch praised residents for remaining cordial throughout.

American Asphalt has withdrawn its application for a temporary asphalt plant on the property, leaving only the gravel pit CUP under consideration. The committee developed 16 conditions for the permit at a special June 9 meeting.

The biggest complication is a buried demolition landfill on the site where the Grandview Hotel was buried in 1988 with DNR permission. The DNR has confirmed demolition waste on the property, and the committee is waiting for written clarification on whether the landfill and its buffer zone affect the project. This discovery could constitute the “substantial evidence” needed under Wisconsin Act 67 to deny the permit despite the applicant agreeing to all conditions.

Kopisch said the committee faces a 90-day deadline and must make a decision at its Thursday meeting. “I have a feeling that no matter what we do, the other party is not going to be happy,” he said. The applicant could develop the site one acre at a time without a permit under state law, which Kopisch confirmed during questioning from Supervisor Joe Pichek.

Bug Tussle radio towers: patience running out

The board discussed the ongoing Bug Tussle situation, which has stalled progress on the county’s emergency radio equipment upgrade. Bug Tussle was expected to install towers that the county could use for its radio system, potentially saving $2 million on the project. But the company has missed multiple deadlines and the county is now well past a 60-day window.

Drier said the county has started the RFP process for radio equipment and is looking at a 10-year plan. The county may use its existing three towers initially, with the option to move equipment to Bug Tussle towers in the future if they become available. The board expressed frustration but acknowledged the potential savings justified the patience.

Financial overview: IT costs doubling, cash position solid

Drier’s financial report highlighted a concerning trend in IT costs. A sheriff’s department software maintenance contract jumped from $36,000 to $76,000 per year after a seven-year locked rate expired. Similar increases are hitting Microsoft Office products and cybersecurity services. Drier explained that the county buys 5 to 10 years of maintenance upfront on new systems to lock in rates, which saves money long-term but creates sticker shock when contracts expire.

County cash stands at $10.7 million, down 6% from last year. The county paid off its internal loans. More taxpayers than usual paid their full property tax bills early, though no one can explain why. Sales tax collections are running 6% above last year. The health insurance fund is positive at $46,971, a $300,000 swing from the starting deficit of negative $281,000.

Other business

The board approved the Fiscal Policy Handbook revisions adding teeth to the airport hangar charge account program. Unpaid bills now accrue interest after 45 days, and repeat offenders lose charging privileges. The board also approved $379,358 in highway equipment fund transfers and $95,244 in highway facilities fund transfers for 2025.

Highway Commissioner reported Dan Henan retired as shop superintendent after June 4, with Mike Ball taking over. The highway crew completed shoulder grading on all highways, installed a large culvert for the Forest Service in the Town of Eisenstein, and hauled gravel for the Tuscia Trail. The Weird Dam is due for a DNR-ordered engineering inspection this summer by Becker Hoppy.

Deputy Dave Wesnick retired after 25 years with the sheriff’s department. His last day was June 15.

See also: our weekend weather preview

What’s next

The next County Board meeting is August 18, 2026, at 9 a.m. In the county courthouse boardroom. The Land Use Committee meets Thursday to decide on the gravel pit CUP. The Executive Committee meets July 16.

For more Price County government coverage, visit pricecounty.fun. Looking for a good meal after a long meeting? Borrachos Bar in Prentice has you covered.