8/12/2026 Finance Committee

Waupaca County Finance Committee meeting, August 12, 2026: The committee discussed a proposed vehicle-leasing program for the Sheriff’s Office, starting with 10 squad vehicles and potentially including one Medical Examiner vehicle under the same arrangement. The proposal cited preliminary costs of approximately $176,987 for the vehicles and a one-time $94,500 equipment charge; it also estimated about $150,000 in proceeds from selling 15 current squads. Members compared the approach with the county’s typical spending of roughly $900,000 annually to purchase nine squads. The lease would include vehicle outfitting but not computers, radios, or maintenance, and the county would retain responsibility for repairs. Members favored starting on a limited basis, tracking resale proceeds and continuing to account for the expense in the capital plan. A motion to enter the lease program was made and seconded, and a vote was called, but the transcript does not clearly capture the outcome. The contract was expected to require County Board approval because its value exceeds $50,000, with final pricing and contract review still pending.

The committee also reviewed county finances, including operating cash, revenues, expenditures, and the approximately $3 million in courthouse renovation costs awaiting reimbursement; no related procurement action was recorded. A proposed resolution opposing the Wisconsin Counties Association’s lobbying for authority to raise county sales taxes was discussed, but members recommended sending it to legal counsel for review before further committee consideration. No vote on that proposal is shown.