Last updated: May 2026
The Price County Executive Committee held its May 14, 2026, meeting at the Price County Courthouse, covering a packed agenda that included financial reports, an audit update, election preparations, a culvert aid request, auditor proposals, and a broadband progress report. Committee Chair Brian Briner called the meeting to order with members Michelle Dronik, Paula Hodic, Larry Palachek, and Jordan Spacic present.
Treasurer’s Report: County Finances on Solid Ground
Treasurer Renee walked the new committee members through her monthly reports, explaining the financial and treasurer’s documents they’ll receive each month. The county maintains investment accounts through LGIP, local CDs, and PMA investments, with various checking account balances and loan/debt service tracked on the bottom of the reports.
When asked about the county holding money earning interest rather than spending it down, County Administrator Nick explained that the county follows state-recommended best practices by keeping roughly three months of operating expenses in reserve. At the end of in 2026, the county had about 36% of its annual spending in cash — well within normal range. He also addressed the concept of fiscal arbitrage, noting that Price County has never had an issue because they borrow money only when projects are ready to go, rather than borrowing early and letting funds sit.
For context, the county spends roughly $34 million annually, or about $2 million per month. Of that total, only about $12 million comes from the local tax levy — the rest is state and federal funding, permits, stumpage, and other revenue sources.
Delinquent Taxes and INREM Process
The county has collected $27.3 million of the $34.9 million in overall real estate taxes, with $880,000 currently showing as delinquent. For the 2022 INREM (in rem) process, the county is down to just 42 properties with unpaid taxes. Certified mail notices went out on May 1, and the last date of redemption is July 2. Of the certified mailings, three were returned as undeliverable, while 35 have been signed for. Renee noted that people are paying early this year, with the county ahead of schedule compared to in 2026.
Register of Deeds: April by the Numbers
Register of Deeds Sylvia reported that April saw 265 documents recorded (slightly below average due to the 30-day lag between sales and recording), with approximately $6.09 million in straight sales passing through the office. The office processed 58 vital record applications and issued 242 vital records. Sylvia noted that realtors indicate business is picking up as the winter months end, so the office expects to get busier through December.
Administration: Financial Reports and Rising IT Costs
Nick presented the monthly financial reports, noting that the county is 33% through the year and has collected 48.56% of expected revenues ($5.2 million of the budgeted $10 million general fund). The county has spent $3.7 million, or 34% of the budget , roughly 1% ahead of where they’d expect to be percentage-wise.
A significant concern: one software maintenance renewal jumped from $36,000 to $70,000 in a single year , nearly doubling. Nick attributed this to cybersecurity costs, noting that providers have had to invest heavily in security infrastructure and talent. The county has been moving systems to the cloud for better protection, which in some cases has actually saved money by reducing local server costs (each server costs $15-20,000/year to maintain).
The county also pays $6 per employee per month for Microsoft 365 email, up from roughly $1.40 three years ago. Nick noted they’re telling the state that operating costs are climbing rapidly while levy limits restrict how much they can raise to cover those costs.
On health insurance, the county is
On health insurance, the county is in the black for the first time in a couple years. Two new programs are helping: Health 360, which lets employees shop around for medical procedures (saving the county up to $40,000 per procedure, with the employee getting 25% of savings up to $5,000), and Better Health, a wellness program that has helped 35 employees reduce or eliminate maintenance medications like cholesterol and blood pressure drugs. BetterHelp has also replaced the old EAP, resulting in more engagement and fewer sick days.
2026 Audit Update
The county is approximately 50% through its 2026 audit. Prefield work was completed in December, and field work wrapped up in late April with seven auditors on-site. The single audit (reviewing federal and state grants) starts next week and will be conducted online this year. The final audit report is expected at the September board meeting.
WCA Resolutions and Election Updates
Clerk Meredith reported that the deadline for submitting Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) resolutions is June 22 at 4:30 PM. The WCA annual conference will be held September 20-22 at the Kalahari in Sauk County. These resolutions give counties a way to lobby the state legislature through the WCA platform.
On elections: Two non-candidacy notices have been filed (sheriff and clerk of courts). One candidate has filed for clerk of courts, one for coroner, and two Republican candidates have filed for sheriff. With two sheriff candidates, an August 11 partisan primary is likely. Nomination papers (200 signatures each) are being reviewed for duplicate signatures. Work on the District 5 special election is also underway.
Resolutions Approved
Town of Eisenstein Bridge and Culvert Aid: The committee approved a $15,500 municipal tax levy commitment for a new culvert at the intersection of Forest Road 149 and Cedar Rapids Road, affecting Camp Creek. The motion passed unanimously.
District 5 Special Election: A resolution was approved to hold a special election for the County Board of Supervisors District 5 vacancy. Nomination papers will be available May 14, with a June 10 filing deadline and a special election on August 12 (coinciding with the partisan primary). The estimated cost is $8,500-$9,500.
Auditor RFP: Three Firms Submit Proposals
The committee reviewed proposals from three firms responding to the county’s request for proposals for financial auditing services. Baker Tilly, the current auditor for approximately the past 10 years (preceded by Wipfli for about 28 years), submitted a proposal along with two other firms. Baker Tilly’s proposal includes a 5% additional fee for their software system, which is a sister company to the county’s financial software and provides smooth data integration.
Nick emphasized that cost is not the primary scoring factor , government accounting experience and qualifications carry more weight. He noted that other counties have chosen the lowest bidder only to find they weren’t qualified for government audits. The committee will invite all three firms to present at the June executive committee meeting (10-15 minutes each).
Broadband Update
Nick provided an update on county broadband efforts funded through ARPA. BrightStar is building a tower near Spirit, and the county is working on a tower site agreement at Timm’s Hill. NER and Bug Tussel are also involved, though Bug Tussel has been slower to move. The goal is to build redundancy and ensure coverage for emergency services across the county.
Personnel and Announcements
The deputy clerk position has been filled, and a new hire has joined Health and Human Services. Nick will be attending the NACo conference in Washington, D.C. from May 31 through June 5.
The full meeting is available for viewing on the Price County WI Government YouTube channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Price County Executive Committee meet?
The Price County Executive Committee typically meets monthly at the Price County Courthouse in Phillips. Meeting dates and agendas are posted at co.price.wi.us/agendacenter at least 24 hours in advance per Wisconsin open meetings law.
How does the Price County budget process work?
Price County’s annual budget is developed by county committees and departments, reviewed by the Executive Committee, and approved by the full Board of Supervisors typically in November. The budget covers county services, roads, law enforcement, and infrastructure projects.
What broadband initiatives is Price County pursuing?
Price County has been working to expand broadband access through partnerships with providers and state grant programs. As of 2026, UTAV and other providers have proposed building infrastructure to serve underserved areas. Coverage maps and project updates are available from the county.
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. Past minutes are also available in the County Clerk’s office.
📊 Price County Data & Demographics
Live stats on population, income, housing, employment, and more — updated monthly from Census data.