Kenosha County committee members voted to approve a one-year lease with the State of Wisconsin for the property at 11312 Burlington Road, a residential house the county purchased earlier this year.

The lease, presented by facilities staff, would allow the state to place up to three program participants at the address and pays the county $3,500 per month. "We are going to be receiving $3,500 a month," a facilities presenter said, adding the amount was higher than earlier estimates.

Committee members asked whether the county would pay property taxes on the house; facilities staff replied that because the county owns the property, there would be no property tax liability for the county and that the state would be responsible for affiliated costs if they existed. Committee members also asked about the length of residents' stays; county staff said the state had indicated average program stays of three to five years but that individual placements vary.

Supervisor Gertson moved approval of the lease; Supervisor Kirby seconded. After questions about inspections, repairs and liability were answered by facilities staff and county counsel, the committee voted in favor. "The home is move in ready. The state did hire a home inspector to come through after we did our inspection," facilities staff said. Committee members confirmed the county had replaced a leaking water heater in-house and had addressed other minor repairs.

Committee members asked whether the $3,500 monthly payment was tied to the number of residents; counsel and staff said the payment is based on the property, not the number of occupants. On liability, county counsel told the committee that the county would be the landlord and that the state is responsible for the individuals placed in the home.

The lease does not automatically renew at year end; staff said it could be renewed by agreement but that the state's preference was a one-year term to preserve flexibility.

The committee approved the lease unanimously.

Less critical details: committee members expressed lingering concerns about long-term commitments if residents remain several years and noted they expected to revisit the matter if circumstances changed. No formal amendments were proposed at the meeting.