The Rock County Board of Supervisors on Thursday approved a resolution directing county administration to apply to the stategrants for local projects program for funding to help pay for the fairground grandstand reconstruction and a park shelter. The board rejected a separate amendment to add a proposed Rock County Jail solar project after extended debate and questions about safety, roof condition and long-term maintenance.

The resolution, as amended, directs the county administrator to submit grant applications for the fairground grandstand and the park shelter. The board voted 16-9 to approve the amended resolution; an amendment to add the jail solar project failed 9-16 on a roll-call vote.

Supporters of including a solar project argued the county could take advantage of a narrow window of federal tax incentives that would materially shorten the payback period on a roughly $300,000 installation. "If we got this grant, the cost is even lower," Supervisor Gorman said during debate, saying the county could "get $300,000 worth of panels for a $100,000" outlay after available credits and incentives.

Opponents — and Sheriff Fell, who was invited to speak after the board briefly closed debate — said the jail site raised operational and safety questions that had not been fully vetted. "I have concerns with that," the sheriff told supervisors, citing roof leaks, security, maintenance responsibility and the need for jail-inspector review before committing to rooftop work.

County staff and committee members said the jail project had been considered earlier because newer roofs and prior studies made it appear more "shovel-ready," but they also told the board other county buildings or parking-canopy installations could be explored. Administrator Light told the board that applying for the grant is an initial step only: "Applying is just one step out of many. It doesn't mean you're going to accept any of them," he said, noting that accepting an awarded grant and building a project would require further board approvals and, for some projects, a two-thirds vote.

Members also debated process and notice: several supervisors said the finance committee made substantive edits shortly before the board meeting and asked whether the amended resolution and its title had been circulated in compliance with Wisconsin open-meetings requirements. Corporation counsel and staff explained the county's agenda publication process and said the title was posted in time to comply with notice rules.

The board first considered an amendment to restore a park shelter that finance committee members had removed; that amendment passed 16-9. The separate amendment to add the Rock County Jail solar project failed 9-16 in a later roll-call vote. With the park shelter restored, the board passed the overall resolution directing administration to submit applications for the fairground grandstand and the park shelter.

If awarded, the grants would require the county to commit matching funds; staff said the applications and any awards would return to the board for further action and appropriation. County counsel also noted the state may require an ownership interest or security interest in funded property to ensure continued public use consistent with the grant terms; staff said officials would seek legal clarity before accepting any award.

Next steps: applications were due the day after the meeting. If Rock County is awarded funds, the board will vote whether to accept the grants and appropriate county matching funds.