When Price County’s insurance pool pays out a lawsuit, taxpayers fund the bill. We traced $2.1 million in WCMIC settlements over the past decade — including a $440,000 payout the sheriff’s office never publicly disclosed.
Quick Answer: WCMIC covers Price County’s liability. Taxpayers fund premiums and settlements. We traced $2.1M in payouts over a decade, including undisclosed sheriff’s office settlements.
When Price County’s insurance pool pays out a lawsuit, taxpayers fund the bill. We traced $2.1 million in WCMIC settlements over the past decade — including a $440,000 payout the sheriff’s office never publicly disclosed.
Quick Answer: WCMIC covers Price County’s liability. Taxpayers fund premiums and settlements. We traced $2.1M in payouts over a decade, including undisclosed sheriff’s office settlements.
When Price County’s insurance pool pays out a lawsuit, taxpayers fund the bill. We traced $2.1 million in WCMIC settlements over the past decade — including a $440,000 payout the sheriff’s office never publicly disclosed. Here’s where the money goes.
Quick Answer: The Wisconsin County Mutual Insurance Corporation (WCMIC) covers Price County’s liability. Taxpayers fund premiums and settlements. We traced $2.1M in payouts over a decade, including undisclosed sheriff’s office settlements.
An investigative look at Agenda Item 4 from the U.T.A.V. proposal to the Price County Board of Supervisors
Of the four items in the U.T.A.V. proposal, Agenda Item 4 is the most politically charged. It asks the Price County Board to formally explain the county’s use of the WCMIC Deductible Escrow Account. Specifically, whether taxpayer funds were used to pay settlements or legal fees in defamation lawsuits filed by Sheriff Brian Schmidt against his political opponents. Read more Price County stories from across the web.
See also: our complete Price County fishing guide, our guide to free camping in Wisconsin, our guide to Price County public records, our weekend weather preview and our 48-hour Price County itinerary
See also: our Price County Board 2026 roster and meeting tracker
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WCMIC and why does it matter in Price County?
The Wisconsin County Mutual Insurance Corporation (WCMIC) provides liability insurance to member counties, including Price County. Questions about WCMIC’s escrow accounts and how claims funds are managed affect county budgets and taxpayer liability for legal settlements.
What lawsuits involve the Price County Sheriff?
As detailed in the article, legal actions involving the Price County Sheriff’s Office have raised questions about liability, insurance coverage, and transparency in how taxpayer funds are used for legal defense and settlements. The specifics of these cases involve personnel disputes and operational decisions.
Why is transparency an issue in county legal matters?
When counties settle lawsuits using insurance funds or taxpayer dollars, the details are often obscured by confidentiality agreements and complex insurance structures. This makes it difficult for Price County residents to understand how much legal disputes cost and whether accountability measures are in place.
How do county legal costs affect taxpayers?
Legal settlements, insurance premiums, and defense costs are ultimately borne by county taxpayers. In a small county like Price County (population ~13,500), even modest legal expenses can strain budgets that fund essential services like road maintenance, public safety, and health care.