Price County Board Preview: Ordinances, Bridge Aid, and the

Last updated: May 2026 Read more Price County stories from across the web.

The Price County Board of Supervisors meets Tuesday, May 19, at 9:00 a.m. in Room 101 of the County Courthouse, 126 Cherry Street, Phillips. The agenda runs long this month: two ordinance amendments, a bridge aid resolution for the Town of Eisenstein, a discussion of United Together Against Violence proposals, and the start date for the District 5 special election office.

Here is what to expect and why it matters.

Two Ordinance Amendments on the Docket

The board will hold public hearings on two changes to Chapter 223 of the Price County Code of Ordinances, both originating from the Law Enforcement Committee.

Section 223-44.1, Habitual Animal Offender. This amendment targets repeat animal control violators. The Law Enforcement Committee approved the language at its April 9 meeting and forwarded it to the full board for a public hearing. According to Sheriff’s Office data presented at that meeting, 65 of 635 total law incidents. Roughly 10 percent , were animal control calls. The amendment would establish consequences for property owners or keepers whose animals generate repeated complaints, a gap in the current code that has frustrated neighbors and deputies alike.

Section 223-19 . Definitions. This companion amendment updates definitions within Chapter 223 to support the habitual offender provision and bring the code into alignment with current state standards.

Both items were advanced by motion of Supervisors Kopisch and Stephan at the April 9 Law Enforcement Committee meeting. The public hearing is scheduled at the start of the board meeting, so residents who want to weigh in should arrive by 9:00 a.m. or join remotely.

Town of Eisenstein Bridge and Culvert Aid

The board will consider a resolution for bridge and culvert aid to the Town of Eisenstein, specifically for infrastructure on Forest Road 149 and Cedar Rapids Road. Under Wisconsin law, counties can provide financial assistance to towns for bridge and culvert projects that serve the public interest. The Executive Committee reviewed this resolution at its May 14 meeting, and it now heads to the full board.

Bridge and culvert aid is a routine but essential part of county government in northern Wisconsin, where spring thaw and heavy rain routinely damage rural road infrastructure. A similar resolution was passed in 2025 for the Town of Lake on Hamilton Road over Smith Creek.

District 5 Special Election: Setting the Start Date

At the April 28 meeting, the board voted unanimously to fill the District 5 vacancy by appointment, with the seat going to a special election on November 3, 2026. District 5 covers the Town of Fifield and the Town of Eisenstein (Ward 2).

The vacancy was created when Supervisor Jason Hastings resigned on April 22, 2026. In a resignation letter shared with constituents, Hastings cited concerns about constitutional governance and transparency , a letter that generated significant community discussion.

The May 19 agenda includes an item to set the special election office start date, which will determine when candidates can begin filing nomination papers for the fall election. If you live in Fifield or Eisenstein and are interested in running, this date matters.

United Together Against Violence Proposals

United Together Against Violence (U.T.A.V.) is on the agenda for discussion. The organization has submitted proposals to the board, though the agenda does not specify the content. We previously analyzed the U.T.A.V. request in detail , the group has identified four items backed by 148 sources that could reshape how the county approaches violence prevention and community safety.

This agenda item is listed under “miscellaneous” rather than “resolutions,” which suggests the board may discuss rather than vote on the proposals at this meeting. Residents who want to learn more or provide input should consider attending.

Committee Elections Settled in April

At the April 28 reorganizational meeting, the board elected committee leadership for the 2026, 2027 term:

Administration Committee: Chair Dennis Wartgow, Vice Chair Paula Houdek
Forestry & Parks / Buildings & Grounds: Chair Doug Erickson, Vice Chair Michelle Drobnik
Health and Human Services Board: Chair Paula Houdek, Vice Chair Robert Kopisch
Land Use & UW-Extension: Chair Robert Kopisch, Vice Chair Doug Erickson
Law Enforcement: Chair Larry Palecek, Vice Chair Dennis Wartgow

These are the people shaping policy across county government. Knowing who holds the gavel on each committee matters if you want to influence decisions about forestry, public health, law enforcement, or land use.

Bug Tussel: A 90-Day Clock Is Ticking

The April 28 meeting featured a presentation from Bug Tussel Vice President Jesse Lane, who addressed the stalled broadband and communications tower project. Here is where things stand:

The project, originally estimated at 18 months, is now two years old with minimal visible progress.
Approximately $15 million in bond funding is allocated but tightly controlled , most of it has not been drawn.
The county’s emergency radio system is approaching end-of-life and needs replacement within two years.
Lane acknowledged poor communication and said Bug Tussel has undergone leadership and staffing changes.
The county expects a critical decision point within 90 to 120 days , roughly late summer or early fall.

This is a big deal for broadband access and public safety in Price County. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed at its April 9 committee meeting that it has met with Motorola for pricing options on a new radio system and is working with Bug Tussel on tower placement. If Bug Tussel cannot deliver on its timeline, the county will need alternate plans for both broadband and emergency communications , plans that could cost taxpayers significantly more.

New Behavioral Health Position Approved

The board unanimously approved a resolution creating up to two additional full-time or part-time Behavioral Health social worker positions focused on Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS). The state’s mandate to eliminate CLTS waitlists has driven caseloads to what the administration described as “unreasonable levels,” contributing to worker burnout and service delays. The fiscal impact to the county is expected to be minimal because the CLTS program is cost-neutral by structure.

If you or someone you know needs behavioral health services in Price County, the county’s Health and Human Services Department is the point of contact.

Appointments on the Agenda

The May 19 meeting includes several appointments:

Sally Huml to the Health and Human Services Board (term through May 31, 2029)
Susan Stanke to the Transportation Coordination Committee (term through April 30, 2027, filling a vacancy)
Land Information Council: members listed as provided

The 2026 Annual Report of Wages will also be filed , a routine but useful transparency measure that shows what the county pays its workforce.

How to Attend

In person: County Board Room 101, Courthouse, 126 Cherry Street, Phillips, WI 54555.

Online: Join via Webex at the county’s Webex link.

By phone: Call 1-408-418-9388, Conference Code 2491 714 0894.

All meetings are recorded and uploaded to the Price County YouTube channel for later viewing.

Why It Matters

County board meetings can feel procedural, but the decisions made in Room 101 affect daily life in Price County , broadband access, bridge repairs, animal control enforcement, behavioral health staffing, and how tax dollars are spent. The May 19 meeting is particularly dense, with ordinance changes that could affect pet owners and property owners across the county, a bridge aid decision for Eisenstein, and the first public discussion of U.T.A.V. proposals at the full board level.

If you cannot attend, the meeting minutes will be posted to the county’s AgendaCenter page after approval at the next meeting. See also: five questions the board needs to answer on June 16. The next regularly scheduled board meeting is June 16, 2026.

Sources: Price County Board of Supervisors meeting minutes, April 28, 2026; Price County Board of Supervisors agenda, May 19, 2026; Price County Law Enforcement Committee minutes, April 9, 2026; Price County Executive Committee agenda, May 14, 2026; Price County Review; MyNorthernWisconsin.com; NewsBreak.

Sources

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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