Details of the 2024 audit for Richland County released

RICHLAND CENTER, Wis. (WRCO / WRCE) – Bill Moilein (moy-lean) of Johnson & Block CPAs gave a presentation of the 2024 audit for Richland County at last night’s (Tuesday) County Board meeting. Highlights of the audit include: The County’s 2024 governmental funds total fund balance increased by nearly $128,000. The General Fund increased by over $2.1 million.

The General Fund’s total fund balance was $11.9 million as of December 31, 2024. This represents approximately six months of expenditures. Tax certificates at December 31, 2024 totaled $680,000 compared to $579,500 in 2023. County-wide sales tax revenue was basically unchanged from 2023 at $1.6 million. Pine Valley Community Village recorded operating revenues of $9.9 million and experienced an operating loss of $1.1 million in 2024.

This loss was partially offset by a County property tax levy of $665,000. He also reported that the County’s local property taxes have remained consistent, decreasing one percent over the last five years. The County’s valuation over the past eight-year period has increased by approximately 74%, which is comparable to surrounding counties. It was also noted that In 2024 and 2023, Health and Social Services and Public Safety expenditures were approximately 62% and 67% of total governmental expenditures, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, general obligation debt limitation totals were $98.8 million; debt subject to limitation totals $26.2 million.

Richland County has approximately 73% of its debt capacity remaining.

The Richland County Board of Supervisors approved the creation of new job positions. These new positions were created in the 2026 budgeting process. They are: Administrative Secretary, Human Resources Director, Radio Tower Technician, CYS Lead Worker, and  Coordinated Services Lead Worker.

The county board of supervisors also approved:

For the Richland County Department of Health and Human Services to award Opioid Settlement Fund Grants to the Richland County Treatment Court in the amount of $5,000 for prevention efforts, treatment and recovery efforts and to connect people to resources and expanding resources; and $17,000 for attendance at the 2026 National All Rise Conference in order to gain knowledge from other rural communities on best practices to better support the individuals served.

The Natural Resources Standing Committee to apply for and accept a Lake Monitoring & Protection Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

An amendment to the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Deputy Sheriffs Association.

Changes to the Rural Functional Classification System in Richland County.
And to continue legal counsel with Abt Swayne Law, LLC.

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