The Marathon County Human Resources, Finance and Property Committee on Nov. 1 recommended using an additional $194,678 in General Transportation Aid to help fund an over-budget Highway HH culvert replacement and forwarded the 2026 budget and property tax levy resolution (R-79-25) to the County Board for final action.

Chair Gibbs moved the recommendation to approve Amendment 3, which would apply the newly identified GTA increase to the culvert/bridge replacement project; Supervisor Hart seconded the motion. The committee took a roll call; the clerk recorded Supervisor Marshall voting “No” while several other members recorded affirmative votes. The chair announced the motion carried, 4–2, and that the item will be considered by the full Board tomorrow.

The committee also considered Vice Chair Marshall’s competing amendment, which proposed using the extra GTA to reduce the county tax levy and ease tax-burden pressure on property owners. Marshall argued that the additional revenue should be used to ‘‘remain affordable for our residents in Marathon County’’ and noted seniors were receiving a Social Security increase that partially offsets levy pressure. Infrastructure committee members and Chair Gibbs countered that applying the funds to the culvert would fund a known shortfall and could improve the county’s six-year GTA average, potentially increasing future returns to the county.

The committee handled two disallowance motions earlier in the meeting. Staff recommended disallowing a claim filed by (listed in the packet) CRSSA Clark based on immunity and signage marking the road closed; Supervisor Poole moved to disallow and Supervisor Lemmer seconded; the motion carried by voice vote. The committee also approved disallowance of a claim filed by David Herr after staff noted a report alleging Mr. Herr was ‘‘making donuts in the parking lot’’ that may have contributed to a gate failure; Chair Gibbs moved to disallow and Supervisor Lemmer seconded; that motion also carried by voice vote.

Later in the agenda Chair Gibbs moved to recommend adoption of Resolution R-79-25, the 2026 budget and property tax levy resolution as presented; Supervisor Lemmer seconded and the committee approved the recommendation by voice vote. Chair Gibbs thanked Administrator Leonard, Sam in finance and department heads for their work on the budget.

What’s next: The committee’s recommendations, including Amendment 3 and Resolution R-79-25, will be considered at the full County Board meeting. No final Board action on those items occurred in this committee meeting.