A resolution to authorize a short-term loan to pay Venture Architects for design work on the Justice Center project turned largely into a debate on the project itself as several supervisors and citizens voiced concerns over the project’s $30 million cost. The resolution to borrow $900,000 from the Bank of Norwalk on a one-year loan at an interest rate of 2.65 percent passed by a vote of 11-9, but not before opponents questioned the future costs and the methods of the project.

“Who says this is the best plan,” Supervisor Keith Kenyon said. “If you approve this (loan) tonight, you are committing to the whole $30 million.”

Supervisor Rick Irwin initially wanted the resolution to be ruled out of order, as the Building Committee voted to send the resolution to the County Board by a 3-1 vote with two supervisors abstaining. He argued that the resolution stated that it was approved by a majority of supervisors present, and that only three of six supervisors voted for approval. Corporation Counsel Kerry Sullivan Flock said that according to Robert’s Rules of Order, the resolution needed only a majority of those present and voting, thus making a 3-1 vote valid.

As discussion continued, questions about zoning approval with the City of Sparta were raised. Supervisor Harv Simmons said the Eau Claire City Council Tuesday voted against rezoning property east of the downtown courthouse in Eau Claire to build a jail. Simmons said, in a similar fashion, the City of Sparta has not yet approved a permit to build the Monroe County Justice Center on the city’s east side. He suggested the County Board work on a zoning plan with the city before proceeding.

"Eau Claire County recently approved $2 million and found out that no licensing has been done," Simmons said. "They have just blown $2 million."

Thomas Poweleit of Venture Architects told the County Board that the City of Sparta is responsible for the zoning, but that approved plans need to be given to the city. He said the drawings need to be finished and given state approval before proceeding. The plans are 51 percent complete, and the county owes Venture Architects for design fees. Supervisor Teresa Pierce said that the bills from Venture Architects need to be paid so that a finished product can be presented to the City of Sparta to obtain the needed permits.

“This $900,000 at least gets us our plan -- even if we don’t build we will at least have a plan to get us to the future,” Pierce said. “We can’t get bids until we have a plan. We can’t get permits until we pay the man (Poweleit) to get us a plan.”

Frustrations were aired by several members of the County Board and the public concerning the economy and the cost of the project. Several members of the public were recognized the board, and the delivered emotional appeals against the project.

“I think we just need to resist the persuasion to follow this course of action," Dennis Clinard of Sparta said. “Fiscal responsibility is what this is all about.”

Questions of an alternative project in downtown Sparta and putting the project to a referendum were also raised, but attempts to delay the resolution came up short in the end.

The County Board also voted to approve two new positions for the Sheriff’s Department. The board approved a third bailiff position necessary for a third circuit court judge that is scheduled to be seated in Monroe County in August 2010. The resolution passed by a 15-5 vote after opponents questioned if the county could reconsider approving a third judge.

"I would hope the board would bring this back and tell the state we don’t want a third judge," Supervisor John Rusch said.

Proponents of the resolution raised the issue of the large caseload in Monroe County. Supervisor Julie Radke said that the two judges in Monroe County will work 17-hour days and the case load continues to back up. Supervisor Jim Shilling added that other counties in the state are also in need of a new judge.

“If we pass on this, we will go down to the bottom of the list, and there are about 45 other counties on that list,” Shilling said.

Another new position approved was a grant-funded patrol officer position. The position will enable the Sheriff’s Department to establish an Electronic Monitoring Program oversight position. Salary and benefits will be covered by grant funding from the for 2010-2012, but the county is required to maintain the position for one year following the three-year grant. The estimated cost is $71,000 for salary and benefits in 2013, and a projected $38,000 in equipment costs will also be necessary. The resolution for the new position passed by a 14-7 vote.