Price County Board of Supervisors Tackles Bug Tussel, Budget

Last updated: May 2026

Price County Board of Supervisors Tackles Bug Tussel, Budget Amendments, and District 5 Vacancy

April 28, 2026, Price County, WI

The Price County Board of Supervisors met April 28 for a packed agenda that included a Bug Tussel broadband update, budget amendments closing out 2026, new committee leadership elections, and a District 5 vacancy that remains unfilled heading into a potential special election.

The meeting, held in the County Board Room at the Phillips courthouse and accessible via Webex, covered significant ground affecting county operations, broadband infrastructure, and personnel decisions.

Bug Tussel Presentation

Jesse Lane presented an update on Bug Tussel, the broadband company that has been working to expand internet access across rural Wisconsin. The presentation came amid ongoing county interest in improving broadband connectivity for Price County residents.

This is a developing story. The county has been tracking Bug Tussel’s progress closely, particularly as it relates to the county’s emergency radio communications infrastructure. The same project the Law Enforcement Committee discussed at its May 9 meeting, where Sheriff Schilling reported the project remains 18 months to two years from completion regardless of direction.

Budget Amendments for 2026

The board voted on budget amendments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, a routine but important action that reconciles actual spending with what was appropriated. The amendments were brought by the Executive Committee.

Budget amendments typically reflect changes in revenue projections, unexpected expenses, grants received, or departmental transfers that occurred during the fiscal year. These amendments close the books on 2026 spending and set the baseline for 2026 operations.

New CLTS Social Worker Position Created

The board approved a resolution creating a full-time Additional Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) Social Worker position within the Behavioral Health Unit. The position was recommended by the Administration Committee.

CLTS social workers support children with long-term disabilities and their families, coordinating services that can include Medicaid, mental health support, and community resources. The creation of a new full-time position signals growing demand for these services in Price County.

Legislative Lobbying Resolution

The board considered a resolution requesting the Wisconsin Counties Association to lobby the state legislature and governor for greater local control for Wisconsin counties. The resolution was sponsored by the Land Use/UW-Extension Committee.

The push for local control has been a consistent theme in county government across Wisconsin, particularly around land use regulations, zoning authority, and state mandates that affect county budgets and operations.

Committee Leadership Elections

In what has become a routine but significant organizational item after the spring elections, the board held elections for committee chairs and vice chairs across five standing committees:

Administration Committee . Chair and Vice Chair elections
– Forestry & Parks / Buildings & Grounds Committee . Chair and Vice Chair elections
– Health and Human Services Board . Chair and Vice Chair elections
– Land Use & UW-Extension Committee . Chair and Vice Chair elections
– Law Enforcement Committee . Chair and Vice Chair elections

Committee leadership matters because chairs set agendas, control the flow of information, and decide which items get attention. The Law Enforcement Committee chair, for instance, oversees discussions about sheriff’s office budgets, personnel, and policy , the same committee that just passed the habitual animal offender ordinance at its May 9 meeting.

District 5 Vacancy

The board addressed the ongoing vacancy in County Board Supervisor District 5. Two options were on the table: appoint someone to fill the remainder of the term, or hold a special election on November 3, 2026.

The vacancy creates a representation gap for District 5 residents, and the decision between appointment and special election has implications for democratic representation. An appointment fills the seat quickly but bypasses voter input; a special election gives District 5 residents a voice but takes time.

County Administrator’s Report

County Administrator Nicholas Trimner presented the 2026/2026 financial summary and updates. The report provides a snapshot of county finances midway through the fiscal year and typically covers revenue collection, expenditure tracking, and any budget concerns.

Appointments

The board made several citizen appointments to county boards and commissions:

Veterans Service Commission (term ending 12/31/2028): Charles Lovelace
– Nutrition Advisory Council (terms 5/1/2026, 4/30/2028): Robin Nielsen, David Schmidt, Dani Hoffman
– Transportation Coordination Committee (terms 5/1/2026, 4/30/2028): Patricia Stephan (County Supervisor), Marty Stephan, Johnathan McArthur (City of Phillips Alderperson), Jason McMillan (Transportation Provider)
– Ogema Library Board (term 5/1/2026, 4/30/2029): Allen Schnepf
– Park Falls Library Board (term 5/1/2026, 4/30/2029): Bob Kopisch
– Price County Library Committee (term 5/1/2026, 4/30/2029): Paula Houdek, Karen Tesmer, Jess Wear
– Phillips Library Board (term 5/1/2026, 4/30/2029): Paula Houdek

Employee Recognition Laura Palzkill was also recognized at the meeting.

What’s Next

The next County Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the County Board Room. The agenda will likely follow up on the Bug Tussel presentation, the District 5 vacancy decision, and any committee reports from the newly elected chairs.

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*This report is based on the official agenda for the April 28, 2026 Price County Board of Supervisors meeting, obtained from the Price County Agenda Center. Meeting agendas and minutes are available at co.price.wi.us/agendacenter. A recording of the meeting is available on the Price County WI Government YouTube channel.*

Have information about Price County government? Contact us at [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Price County Board of Supervisors meet?

The Price County Board of Supervisors meets the third Wednesday of each month at the Price County Courthouse in Phillips. Agendas are posted at co.price.wi.us. Meetings are open to the public per Wisconsin open meetings law.

How do I contact Price County government offices?

The Price County Courthouse is at 104 S. Eyder Avenue in Phillips, WI 54555. The main phone number is (715) 339-2300. Individual department contacts are available on the Price County website at co.price.wi.us.

Where can I find Price County meeting agendas and minutes?

Meeting agendas, minutes, and schedules are posted on the Price County website at co.price.wi.us/agendacenter. Agendas are typically posted at least 24 hours before meetings per Wisconsin open meetings law.

What services does the Price County Sheriff’s Office provide?

The Price County Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement, dispatch, jail operations, and civil process services. The office is located at the Price County Courthouse in Phillips and can be reached for non-emergencies at (715) 339-3614.

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