DHS Board Meeting

The Waupaca County Department of Human Services Board met September 2, 2026, to discuss the 2027 budget and departmental operations. The County Finance Director reported a projected $286,223 increase in operating levy capacity (about 1.14%) and noted significant cost pressures, including a $788,510 increase in contracted services, a proposed 2.5% salary-schedule adjustment, and a 12% health-insurance increase. The board discussed possible use of fund balance and whether the County might issue debt to address broader budget and infrastructure pressures, but took no action approving borrowing or a final budget. Staff will continue refining the budget and report back, potentially at a special meeting before October.

The board voted to award the meal-service RFP to Schueller’s for Waupaca and New London, effective January 2027, following a proposed $1-per-meal rate increase; the specific award rates were unclear in the transcript. It also approved recommending a resolution to accept a $1,400 memorial donation for forwarding to the Finance Committee and County Board. Staff updated the board on potentially offering the vacant Birth to Three speech-therapist position as either a county position or a contract, and on moving child-support administration into Human Services; neither change was finalized. No other contract awards or purchasing approvals were identified.