# Marathon County Environmental Resources Committee Meeting - 9/29/26

The Marathon County Environmental Resources Committee met on September 29, 2026. The committee considered a potential addition to Cherokee Park: approximately 14 wooded acres, with an assessed value of $4,450 per acre. A motion to pursue the acquisition and forward it to the HR, Finance, and Property Committee carried; the exact acreage remains subject to survey, and the proposed funding source is the county’s parkland and dedication account, which had a reported balance of $344,043. The committee also voted to accept a donated 1990, 19-foot pontoon boat for the county fishing program, valued at approximately $4,000, at no cost to the county, and forward the matter for further consideration. No contract awards or bid approvals were identified. The budget update noted that park expenditures will increase as construction of a new landfill cell proceeds, potentially continuing into 2027, but provided no project cost.

The committee approved several zoning changes and town ordinances, generally forwarding zoning matters for County Board consideration; one McMillan County zoning petition was postponed pending the town’s resolution. It also approved town wind-energy, solar-energy, and data-facility ordinances under a revised process in which towns assume responsibility for the ordinances’ legality while the county checks required process documentation. Staff began research on a possible county data-center ordinance, including potential effects on water and electricity use, noise, and decommissioning. The proposed 2027 county budget was delivered, with opportunities and deadlines for amendments announced.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Environment, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 29, 2026

### Sources
- [Marathon County Environmental Resources Committee Meeting - 9/29/26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSSFoE_EWhA) - Marathon County Board Meetings