League of Women Voters Candidates Forum recorded March 10, 2026

The City of Stevens Point hosted a League of Women Voters Candidates Forum on March 10, 2026, featuring candidates for Portage County Supervisor districts 1, 8, 12, and 14. The forum focused on key local issues including water quality protection, county infrastructure projects, and community safety. Candidates discussed the county's $142.2 million budget, highlighting concerns about balancing environmental protections with agricultural and corporate interests. A significant procurement topic was the recent $160 million borrowing approved for constructing a new jail and renovating the county courthouse, which is expected to increase property taxes. Candidates emphasized the need for responsible financial stewardship, multi-year budgeting, and seeking state and federal grants to offset costs. They also addressed the prioritization of future capital projects, including the full courthouse remodel, and the importance of maintaining infrastructure to avoid escalating expenses. While the forum covered broader community issues such as immigration enforcement and homelessness, the procurement-related discussions centered on managing large-scale county capital improvement projects and fiscal responsibility in budgeting for these initiatives.