Letter: Waupaca County Board needs to cut costs

To the editor: On Nov. 10 at 9 a.m., the Waupaca County Board held a public hearing on its 2016 proposed budget. There were four citizens who addressed the board. I was one. After thanking the board for reconsidering the work to be done on County Road I and agreeing to widen it, I made the following points: 1. Since the meeting was held on a weekday morning, most working folks were unable to attend. I also noted that since all board meetings are held at 9 a.m., most board members are retired. Chairman Richard Koepen not only heads the board, at a salary of $13,000 plus over $12,000 in meeting and travel pay, but heads his own company and also runs the taxi for Clintonville while attending some 170 meetings for the county. 2. I pointed out Koeppen and Duane Federwitz, the representatives from Clintonville, who travel the farthest to the meetings, received the highest payments for meetings and travel. I mentioned a group of Clintonville residents traveled to a number of Highway Committee meetings recently, and we car pooled. One of our group, a former County Board member, said he and others car pooled to save taxpayer expense. The total cost of the County Board is about $173,000. I made the unpopular suggestion that the board size be cut in the interest of economy. 3. I noted there was a $500,000 item in the budget labeled highway future expense. I understand there is a special committee headed by Mr. Federwitz that is working on plans for a new county highway building. When the item was discussed, we were told it was for highways. However, I have been told that can include buildings. A number of people including Mr. Koeppen commented on the sorry condition of some of our roads. Nothing was said about the proposed building. I appreciate the effort that goes into putting such a budget together and thank the staff and elected officials for their efforts. The only change that was made at the meeting was a motion to set aside $200,000 for increased security at the courthouse. If you are interested in the workings of your county government, you may want to suggest the board meet at a time that is more accessible to younger folks who are still employed. Mary-Beth Kuester, Alderwoman, District Four Clintonville