[Adopted as Ch. 2, Subch. I, of the 1998 Code; amended by Ord. No. 2015-28]
A.
The County Board of Supervisors of Washington County shall consist of 21 supervisors to be elected from 21 supervisory districts, which are hereby established and numbered as set forth in Subsection C below.
[Amended 11-10-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-7]
B.
Each supervisory district shall be represented by one supervisor
to be elected from that district who shall serve for a two-year term,
commencing with the 2022 spring elections for County Board of Supervisors.
[Amended 11-10-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-7]
C.
The supervisory districts of the County Board of Supervisors are
numbered and described as follows:
[Amended by Ord. No. 2017-1; 4-17-2018 by Ord. No. 2017-44; 12-11-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-15; 11-10-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-7]
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District 1
That portion of the City of West Bend consisting of Wards 1,
2, 20 and 21.
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District 2
That portion of the City of West Bend consisting of Wards 3,
17, 18 and 19.
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District 3
That portion of the City of West Bend consisting of Wards 12,
13, 14, 15, and 16.
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District 4
That portion of the City of West Bend consisting of Wards 5,
6 and 11.
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District 5
That portion of the City of West Bend consisting of Wards 7,
8, 9 and 10.
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District 6
The entire Town of Barton, consisting of Wards 1, 2, 3 and 4
and the entire Town of Farmington, consisting of Wards 1, 2, 3, 4
and 5.
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District 7
The entire Town of Kewaskum consisting of Wards 1 and 2 and
that portion of the Village of Kewaskum consisting of Wards 1, 2,
3, 4 and 5 and that portion of the Town of Wayne consisting of Wards
1, 2 and 3.
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District 8
The entire Town of Addison, consisting of Wards 1, 2, 3, 4,
5 and 6, and that portion of the Town of Wayne consisting of Ward
4 and that portion of the Town of West Bend consisting of Wards 1,
2 and 3.
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District 9
That portion of the City of Hartford consisting of Wards 4 and
5 and the entire Town of Hartford consisting of Wards 1, 2, 3 and
4.
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District 10
That portion of the City of Hartford consisting of Wards 6,
7, 8 and 9.
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District 11
That portion of the City of Hartford consisting of Wards 1,
2, 3 and 10.
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District 12
The entire Town of Erin, consisting of Wards 1, 2, 3, 4 and
5, and that portion of the Village of Richfield consisting of Wards
1 and 3.
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District 13
That portion of the Village of Richfield consisting of Wards
2, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
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District 14
That portion of the Town of Polk consisting of Wards 1, 2, 3,
5 and 6 and that portion of the Village of Richfield consisting of
Ward 4 and that portion of the Town of West Bend consisting of Wards
4, 5 and 6.
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District 15
That portion of the Town of Polk consisting of Ward 4, and the
entire Village of Slinger consisting of Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8 and 9.
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District 16
That portion of the Village of Germantown consisting of Wards
9, 12 and 13 and that portion of the Village of Richfield consisting
of Ward 9.
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District 17
That portion of the Village of Germantown consisting of Wards
2, 4, 8 and 14 and that portion of the City of Milwaukee consisting
of Ward 318.
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District 18
That portion of the Village of Germantown consisting of Wards
3, 6, 7, 10 and 11.
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District 19
That portion of the Town of Jackson consisting of Ward 7 and
the entire Village of Newburg consisting of Wards 1 and 2 and the
entire Town of Trenton consisting of Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
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District 20
That portion of the Village of Jackson consisting of Wards 1,
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10.
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District 21
The entire Town of Germantown consisting of Ward 1 and that
portion of the Village of Germantown consisting of Wards 1 and 5 and
that portion of the Town of Jackson consisting of Wards 1, 2, 3, 4,
5, and 6 and that portion of the Village of Jackson consisting of
Wards 9 and 11.
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D.
The Executive Committee shall adjust the supervisory district descriptions
herein pursuant to § 59.10(3)(c), Wis. Stats., upon notification
by the County Clerk of new municipal ward information due to incorporation,
annexation, detachment or consolidation.
[Added by Ord. No. 2011-12]
[Amended by Ord. No. 2016-15; 12-12-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-23; 2-13-2018 by Ord. No.
2017-32]
A.
It shall be the duty of the Chairperson to open and preside over
meetings of the County Board by taking the chair and calling the members
to order; to announce the business before the County Board and the
order in which it is to be acted upon; to receive and submit all motions
presented by the members; to put to vote all questions which are regularly
moved, or which necessarily arise in the course of proceedings, and
to announce the result. In the absence of the Chairperson, the ranking
Vice Chairperson shall serve in this capacity. The County Board Chair
shall establish office hours upon election.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original Sec. 2.03(2) of the 1998 Code, regarding
authorization to sign orders and contracts, etc., which immediately
followed this subsection, was repealed 10-9-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-12.
B.
It shall be the duty of the Chairperson to authenticate by his or
her signature, when necessary, all the acts, orders and proceedings
of the County Board.
C.
It shall be the duty of the Chairperson to name, when directed to
do so in a particular case or when it is a part of his or her general
duty in accordance with these rules, the members who are to serve
on committees.
D.
The Chairperson shall be authorized to represent and stand for the
County Board, declaring its will, and in all things obeying its commands.
Every officer of the County Board is subordinate to the Chairperson,
and all that relates to the prompt and correct discharge of official
duty is under his or her supervision.
E.
The County Board Chairperson shall be an ex officio member of all
committees on which he or she does not serve as a member. As an ex
officio member, the Chairperson shall not have the authority to cast
a vote. However, in the event that a quorum is not present or there
is a tie vote at any meeting in which the Chairperson is serving as
an ex officio member, the Chairperson shall sit as voting member so
as to establish a quorum or break a tie. In the absence of the Chairperson,
the ranking Vice Chairperson may serve in this capacity.
[Amended 10-9-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-12]
F.
The Chairperson shall vote on a call for "ayes" and "noes" and his
or her name shall be recorded with those of the other members.
G.
The Chairperson shall have the authority to clear any disturbance
or disorderly conduct and have all persons removed except members
and officers of the County Board.
H.
The Chairperson shall be authorized to establish and appoint special committees under § 15-34, subject to the approval of the County Board at its next regular meeting, if established by resolution or ordinance, or upon report to the County Board, if established at the Chair's order.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Original Sec. 2.03(10) of the 1998 Code, regarding
a fifth member of the Board of Trustees for the Samaritan Campus,
which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 10-9-2019
by Ord. No. 2019-12.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2016-7; Ord. No. 2017-7]
A.
Meetings of the Washington County Board of Supervisors shall be held
and conducted in accordance with the provisions of § 59.11,
Wis. Stats., under § 59.11(1)(a), an annual meeting on the
second Wednesday of October; under § 59.11(1)(c), an organizational
meeting in even-numbered years on the third Tuesday of April; and
under § 59.11(2), special meetings as provided therefor.
Regular meetings shall be held on the second Wednesday of each month
unless a majority of the County Board shall designate an alternate
date for the following month, or unless the County Board adjourns
subject to the call of the Chairperson.
[Amended 1-9-2018 by Ord.
No. 2017-29; 10-9-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-12]
B.
The hour for County Board meetings shall be 7:30 a.m. for morning
sessions, 1:30 p.m. for afternoon sessions and 6:00 p.m. for evening
sessions, unless a different hour shall be prescribed by the County
Board.
[Amended 10-9-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-12]
C.
The hour for standing committee meetings shall be 7:30 a.m., unless
a different hour shall be prescribed by the Committee Chair, with
the exception that the public hearing meeting for the proposed biennial
operating budget shall be held at 6:00 p.m.
[Amended 2-13-2018 by Ord. No. 2017-33; 10-9-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-12; 2-9-2022 by Ord. No. 2021-10]
D.
A majority of all members elected to the County Board must be present
to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Members, except
those presiding over the meeting, may appear by video conferencing
or telephonically. An appearance by such means shall constitute an
appearance for purposes of establishing a quorum. Members appearing
by video conferencing or telephonically shall be authorized to participate
in the meeting in the same manner as if they were physically present.
In the absence of a quorum, those personally present, via video conferencing
or telephonically may order a call of the house, as hereinafter provided,
to compel the attendance of absent members, or they may take a recess
or fix the time to which to adjourn and adjourn.
[Amended 8-12-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-4]
E.
For the organizational meeting held in even-numbered years, the order
of business shall be:
(1)
Call to order and silent prayer or invocation and pledge of allegiance.
(2)
Affidavit of posting of the meeting.
(3)
Roll call by the County Clerk.
(4)
Administration of oath of office by the County Clerk.
(5)
Adoption of rules of order.
(6)
Election of Chairperson.
(7)
Election of the First Vice Chairperson.
(8)
Election of Chairs of standing committees.
(9)
Election of Second Vice Chairperson.
(10)
Follow order of business as outlined for other meetings beginning
with the reading of minutes.
F.
The order of business for all other meetings shall be as follows:
G.
On the opening day of the annual meeting of the County Board, the
members shall set the date on which shall be held the election of
committee, board and commission members and other elective positions
whose election is not otherwise provided for by law.
A.
The County Board shall, in accordance with § 59.11, Wis. Stats., organize at the April meeting in even-numbered years by electing a Chairperson, First Vice Chairperson and Second Vice Chairperson as prescribed herein. A session of the County Board shall commence beginning at the April meeting in even-numbered years and shall conclude when adjourned sine die as set forth in § 15-6P.
[Amended 2-13-2018 by Ord. No. 2017-32]
B.
The Chairperson shall appoint three members of the County Board to
serve as Sergeants-at-Arms, whose duties shall be to assist the Chairperson
in the preservation of order of all persons present during sessions
of the County Board, to assist in the location and return of members
in the event of a call of the house, and, when the County Board is
resolved into an executive session, to vacate the room of all persons
other than County Board Supervisors and others who are entitled to
remain.
C.
The County Attorney shall serve as the County Board Parliamentarian
to advise the Chairperson and County Board members regarding the proper
conduct of County Board business in accordance with these rules and
in the most recent edition of Robert's Rules of Order.
[Amended 2-13-2018 by Ord. No. 2017-32]
D.
All committee appointments required to be made by the Chairperson
shall, in accordance with § 59.13(1), Wis. Stats., be made
by the Chairperson prior to May 1 in even-numbered years, unless a
different date for appointment is specifically prescribed. The Chairperson
shall file the list of committee appointments in the County Clerk's
office as soon as made, and the County Clerk shall forthwith mail
a copy thereof to each County Board member.
E.
The Chairperson of the County Board shall appoint each supervisor
to a minimum of one standing committee. Once appointed, a supervisor
shall only be removed from a standing committee by a vote of 2/3 members-elect
of the Board.
[Amended 2-9-2022 by Ord. No. 2021-10]
F.
In order to exercise maximum flexibility with regard to supervisory
terms, compensation and vacancies, the Washington County Board of
Supervisors hereby elects to self-organize as authorized by § 59.10,
Wis. Stats.
[Amended 2-10-2004 by Ord. No. 2003-37]
G.
Election as Chairperson to any of the County Board's standing committees
shall disqualify that member for service as Chairperson on any of
the other standing committees.
[Amended 2-13-2018 by Ord. No. 2017-32]
H.
To the extent permitted by state law, all committee appointments
made by the Chairperson shall have terms which coincide with the term
of the County Board. Except as set forth below, committee terms shall
begin on May 1 of the starting year of the appointment and shall end
on April 30 of the ending year of the appointment, two years later.
(1)
The Executive Committee term shall begin on the third Tuesday of
April of the starting year and end on the third Tuesday of the ending
year, two years later.
(2)
Representatives of the HOME Program Committee shall serve a three-year
term coinciding with the three-year planning cycle of the Multi-County
HOME Consortium Board.
[Amended 2-13-2018 by Ord. No. 2017-32]
(3)
According to § 46.23(4)(c), Wis. Stats., members of the
Human Services Board shall serve a term of three years arranged as
nearly as practical so that one-third of the members' terms shall
expire each year.
(4)
A County Board Supervisor whose term ends is no longer eligible to
serve on any committee to which he or she was elected or appointed
as a County Board Supervisor representative.
A.
In the absence of the Chairperson, First Vice Chairperson and Second
Vice Chairperson at any meeting of the County Board, the members present
shall elect a Chairperson Pro Tempore whose office shall cease on
the return of the Chairperson or either Vice Chairperson.
B.
Pursuant to the authority of § 59.11(4), Wis. Stats., a
call of the house may be ordered:
(1)
When no quorum is present, if 1/5 of the members-elect are present,
they may, by a majority of the members present, order a call of the
house and compel the attendance of absent members. After the call
is ordered, a motion to adjourn, or to dispense with further proceedings
in the call, cannot be entertained until a quorum is present, or until
the Sergeants-at-Arms report that in their opinion no quorum can be
obtained on that day.
(2)
When a quorum is present, a call of the house takes precedence of
everything except that a call of the house cannot be made after the
voting on a question has commenced. When a quorum is present, a call
of the house requires a majority vote of the members present for its
adoption. After a call is ordered, no member shall be permitted to
leave the room until further proceedings in the call are dispensed
with and no motion is in order except to adjourn.
C.
Committees shall not, without special leave of the County Board,
absent themselves for meetings during the sitting of the County Board.
D.
Any member not answering to the roll call of members present shall
be marked present upon arrival unless a member shall raise an objection
showing good cause. The Chairperson shall announce the presence of
the member, which shall be noted in the minutes.
E.
Any member desiring to absent himself or herself from the balance
of a County Board meeting at any time after the roll call of members
present has been taken must advise the County Clerk that he or she
is leaving, and the County Clerk shall enter such fact upon the proceedings
of that meeting.
F.
All questions shall be put in this form: Those who are of the opinion
(as the case may be) say "Aye"; those of the contrary opinion say
"No." In doubtful cases of a voice vote, the Chairperson or any member
may call for a division of the County Board by a roll call vote or
electronic voting. In all cases where the County Board is evenly divided,
the question shall be lost. Unless otherwise provided in this section
or by state statute, adoption of any questions shall require a majority
vote of the members present.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. IV)]
G.
When a manual roll call vote is taken, all members present shall
be required to vote in their alphabetical order. In calling the roll
on any vote, the County Clerk shall rotate the alphabetical order
so that the member voting first shall have his or her name called
last on the next succeeding vote, and this sequential rotation shall
be continued from meeting to meeting.
H.
A member has the right to change his or her vote up to the time the
vote is finally announced by the Chairperson, and such member shall
rise to get the floor in order to change his or her vote prior to
the announcement of the vote by the Chairperson. Thereafter a member
shall not be allowed to change his or her vote even by unanimous consent.
[Amended 2-13-2018 by Ord. No. 2017-32]
I.
Appropriations. Definition: An appropriation is the setting aside
of public revenue of a certain sum of money for a specified purpose
in such a manner that the County is authorized to use that money,
and no more, for that purpose and no other.
[Amended 3-13-2018 by Ord. No. 2017-38; 8-8-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-2; 10-9-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-12; 2-9-2022 by Ord. No. 2021-10]
(1)
Transfers and appropriations authorized under § 65.90(5)(ar),
Wis. Stats., requiring County Board approval shall be made upon the
recommendation of the appropriate standing committee and by resolution
adopted by a vote of 2/3 of the members-elect.
(3)
Any issuance of tax anticipation notes under § 67.12, Wis.
Stats., shall require a vote of 3/4 of the members-elect.
(4)
The issuance of bonds, upon the recommendation of Executive Committee,
shall be subject to the requirements of § 67.045, Wis. Stats.
Where issued as authorized under § 67.045(1)(a), (b), (c),
(d), or (e), a simple majority vote shall be required. In all other
circumstances, the resolution shall require a vote of at least 3/4
of the members-elect.
(5)
Additional employment positions that increase the total number of
the requesting department's employees and result in an increase to
the following year's budget shall require a vote of 2/3 of the members-elect.
(6)
The use of undesignated fund balances and the transfer of funds from
any fund shall be made upon recommendation of the appropriate standing
committee and by resolution adopted by a vote of 2/3 of the members-elect.
The transfer of funds from one department to another department shall
be made upon recommendation of the standing committee representing
the department from which the funds will be transferred and by resolution
adopted by a vote of 2/3 of the members-elect.
(7)
Adoption of the Biennial Operating Budget and the annual Capital
Improvement Plan shall require a vote of 2/3 of members-elect.
(8)
Appropriation of funds not provided for in the adopted Biennial Operating
Budget or Capital Improvement Plan shall require a vote of 2/3 of
members-elect.
J.
Restrictive covenant. The restrictive covenant memorialized as Document #1554825 and recorded in the Office of the Washington County Register of Deeds, to which the County-owned 283-acre parcel of land located in the City of Hartford, Wisconsin, is subject, shall only be terminated by court order. The County shall not move the court for such an order without first passing a resolution by a vote of 3/4 of members-elect. This rule shall not be subject to suspension as provided under § 15-6T.
[Added 3-9-2022 by Ord. No. 2021-12[1]]
K.
In all questions where a roll call vote has been requested or is
required, the names of all members voting thereon shall be published
in the proceedings of the County Board showing which members voted
for and against the question.
L.
Reconsideration.
[Amended 4-21-2020 by Ord. No. 2019-19]
(1)
Subject to § 15-6L(2), following the adoption or defeat of any question, it shall, at any time on the same calendar day or at the next meeting of the County Board, be in order for any member whose vote was prevailing to move the reconsideration of said question. A motion for reconsideration brought at the next meeting must be properly noted on the County Board's agenda to comply with Wisconsin's Open Meeting Law[2] or it will not be permitted.
[2]
Editor's Note: See § 19.81 et seq., Wis. Stats.
(2)
When a question has been decided in the affirmative, it shall at
any time be in order for any member of the County Board who voted
on the prevailing side:
(a)
To move for reconsideration at the same meeting;
(b)
To give the County Board Chairperson and the County Clerk no
later than two business days of the conclusion of the meeting at which
the question was decided, written notice of an intent to reconsider.
Business days do not include any day on which the Herbert J. Tennies
Government Center is closed. After receipt of such notice, the County
Clerk shall withhold presentation of the resolution or ordinance to
the County Executive.
(3)
A resolution or ordinance which has been vetoed shall be reconsidered
at the next meeting of the County Board following the receipt of the
vetoed resolution or ordinance from the County Executive. A resolution
or ordinance is deemed received when it has been personally presented
by the County Executive to the County Clerk and the County Board Chairperson.
The question of the matter for reconsideration shall be presented
to the County Board by the County Board Chairperson. A two-thirds
vote of members-elect is required to override a veto. The original
resolution or ordinance to be reconsidered following a veto shall
not be subject to amendment. In addition to a vote to override the
veto, the following subsidiary motions are in order:
(4)
A new resolution or ordinance that is intended to overcome the County
Executive's objection may be adopted by the County Board.
M.
All resolutions (except retirement and memorial resolutions), ordinances
and petitions (except petitions for rezoning) introduced by any member
or by a committee shall be signed by such member or by the Chairperson
of the committee introducing the same. Such signature does not constitute
an endorsement. All resolutions, ordinances and petitions must be
reviewed by the County Attorney for proper form and legality before
being submitted to the County Board. The County Board Chair shall
place all resolutions, ordinances, or motions that are voted on and
passed by a standing committee and that are referred to the County
Board for action on the agenda of the next scheduled meeting of the
County Board. The County Board Chair may place resolutions, ordinances,
or motions that are voted on but are not passed by a standing committee
on the agenda of the next scheduled meeting of the County Board. The
County Board Chair shall have the authority to place on any County
Board meeting agenda any resolution, ordinance, or petition that has
not been considered by a standing committee if, in his or her sole
discretion, he or she deems that convening a meeting of the standing
committee that would typically consider such resolution, ordinance,
or petition is for any reason impractical. All resolutions and ordinances
shall be read, upon request, by any member for a reading. All resolutions
and ordinances carrying an appropriation shall be referred to the
Finance Department for its analysis. Resolutions and ordinances adopted
by the Board shall be presented by the County Clerk to the County
Executive no sooner than two business days from the conclusion of
the meeting. Business days do not include any day on which the Herbert
J. Tennies Government Center is closed.
[Amended 2-13-2018 by Ord. No. 2017-32; 10-9-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-12; 4-21-2020 by Ord. No. 2019-19; 8-12-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-5; 2-9-2022 by Ord. No. 2021-10]
N.
When a motion is made and seconded, it shall be stated by the Chairperson
or County Clerk prior to debate. Once stated, it shall not be withdrawn
without the unanimous consent of members present. If any member objects,
the Chair may put the request to withdraw the motion to a vote. Any
County Board member may require a motion, except to adjourn, postpone
or commit, to be submitted in writing.
[Amended 2-13-2018 by Ord. No. 2017-32; 10-9-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-12]
O.
A motion to adjourn shall always be considered in order and is not
debatable; provided, however, that a motion to adjourn shall not be
received when the County Board is voting on another question. A call
for the previous question and a motion to lay on the table shall be
decided without debate.
P.
Adjournment of the County Board sine die puts an end to all business
unfinished at the close of the session. Such business may be introduced
at the next session the same as if it had never been before the County
Board. A motion to adjourn sine die will not be in order prior to
the close of the final meeting of the session held in April immediately
prior to the organizational meeting.
[Amended 2-13-2018 by Ord. No. 2017-32[3]]
[3]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed original Sec.
2.06(16) of the 1998 Code, regarding petitions for the construction
or repair of roads or bridges, which immediately followed this subsection.
Q.
Election procedure.
(1)
The following procedure shall be used for the election of officers
of the Board, the Executive Committee and all other elections conducted
by the County Board. Under this procedure, only one office shall be
filled on one series of ballots.
(a)
Candidates may express interest by written or oral representation
prior to election.
(b)
Nominations may be by verbal declaration from the floor or 25
written expression of interest. No other names shall be considered
or recognized as a candidate other than 29 those nominated.If there
is only one nominee, that nominee shall be declared elected. All 32
nominations are subject to the consent of the nominee.
[Amended 3-13-2024 by Ord. No. 2023-14]
(c)
If there is more than one nominee, an election shall be held.
The election shall be by written ballot. The nominee who receives
a majority of the votes cast shall be declared the winner.
[Amended 3-13-2024 by Ord. No. 2023-14]
(d)
In the event that no nominee receives a majority of the votes
cast, a second election ballot shall be taken of the two candidates
who receive the highest total number of votes cast in the first election
ballot, and the candidate receiving the majority of the votes cast
shall be declared elected. In case of a tie on the second election
ballot, lots shall be drawn by the two candidates.
(2)
Election of Executive Committee. The person elected the County Board
Chair shall be the chair of the Executive Committee. The following
election procedure shall be used for the election of the four remaining
members of the Executive Committee.
[Amended 2-9-2022 by Ord. No. 2021-10]
(a)
Four remaining seats on the Executive Committee shall be filled
by electing the Chairperson of each of the remaining standing committees:
Land Use and Planning, Human Services, Public Works and Public Safety.
(b)
The election of standing committee Chairpersons shall be conducted
in random order. The County Clerk shall draw the name of the committee
to be elected immediately prior to conducting the election for each
committee's chairperson.
(c)
Candidates may be nominated by verbal declaration from the floor
or written expression of interest. All nominations are subject to
the consent of the nominee.
(d)
The Chairperson shall close nominations after inquiring three
times whether there are any other candidates. Upon closing nominations,
no other nominees will be accepted.
(e)
The Clerk shall announce the names of the nominees.
(3)
Election of First and Second Vice Chairperson. The election of the First and Second Vice Chairperson shall be conducted in accordance with § 15-6Q(1). Only the four standing committee chairs elected pursuant to § 15-6Q(2) shall be eligible for First and Second Vice Chairperson on the County Board.
[Amended 2-9-2022 by Ord. No. 2021-10]
R.
When any member is about to speak in debate or deliver any matter
to the County Board, he or she shall respectfully address himself
or herself to the Chairperson and confine himself or herself to the
question under debate and avoid personality. The Chairperson may limit
the time allotted to any member, but shall give due consideration
to the time available and the nature of the matter under discussion.
Any time limitation shall be announced in advance, if possible.[4]
[4]
Editor's Note: Original Sec. 2.06(19) of the 1998 Code, prohibiting
reading newspapers or magazines while the County Board is in session,
which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 2-13-2018
by Ord. No. 2017-32.
S.
Any member may ask for the privilege of the floor for a non-County
Board member to address the County Board, and if no supervisor objects,
the Chairperson shall grant the privilege to such non-County Board
member. If a member objects, any County Board member may move that
the privilege of the floor be granted and any member may second such
motion. If the motion is adopted by a majority vote of the members
present, the Chairperson shall grant the privilege of the floor to
the non-County Board member and shall limit the time that such person
can address the Board. This procedure shall not apply to non-County
Board members' appearance scheduled as part of a meeting agenda.
[Amended 2-13-2018 by Ord. No. 2017-32]
T.
Except as provided in the most recent edition of Robert's Rules of
Order, any rule of order may be suspended by the County Board on motion
duly made, seconded and carried by 2/3 of all votes cast. The motion
to suspend the rules may be made at any time when no question is pending
or while a question is pending, provided it is for a purpose connected
with that question.
[Amended 2-13-2018 by Ord. No. 2017-32]
U.
The rules of parliamentary procedure, contained in the most recent
edition of Robert's Rules of Order, shall govern the County Board
in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not
inconsistent with these Rules of Order or with the laws of the State
of Wisconsin.[5]
[Amended 2-13-2018 by Ord. No. 2017-32]
V.
As more particularly directed by the Chairperson, attendance, voting,
abstention and recognition of supervisors may be handled by an automated
system. These rules of procedure shall apply to all electronic procedures,
except where specifically provided in the subsection. Where there
is conflict between this subsection and the rules of procedure, this
subsection shall be controlling.
[Amended 2-13-2018 by Ord. No. 2017-32]
(1)
Under the direction of the County Board Chairperson, the County Clerk shall operate an electronic attendance system. Supervisors shall mark themselves present when directed and shall not absent themselves unless authorized in Subsection E above, whereupon the supervisors shall make the appropriate electronic notification. The electronic record shall constitute the official record of the quorum.
(2)
Unless otherwise directed by the County Board Chairperson, the electronic
voting system shall be used and shall constitute the official record
of the vote under the following circumstances:
(3)
Unless otherwise directed by the Chairperson, all votes on the main
question for resolutions or ordinances, or pertaining to any amendments
to resolutions or ordinances, shall be taken and recorded electronically.
(4)
All minor votes, including the consent agenda, approval of minutes,
committee appointments, filing or referral of petitions or letters,
acceptance of reports, including the financial approval report, and
adjournment, shall be made by voice vote unless otherwise directed
by the Chairperson.
(5)
Elections shall follow the procedures of Subsection P above in all circumstances where signed ballots are required. In the discretion of the Chair, electronic elections may be conducted where the system permits and where no member objects.
(6)
While the electronic system is in operation, members shall not rise
to address the Chair, but shall use the electronic system. Supervisors
are required to use the microphone system at either their assigned
seat or at a podium, unless otherwise authorized by the County Board
Chairperson.
W.
Motion to rescind. Following the adoption of any question, it may
be in order for any member to move to rescind a previously adopted
action. If the motion to rescind is requested at the same meeting
following the adoption of an action, the motion will require a 2/3
vote of members elect for passage. If the motion to rescind is requested
at a meeting subsequent to adoption of an action, the motion will
require a majority vote of members for passage.
[Amended 2-9-2022 by Ord. No. 2021-10]
X.
It shall be the duty of the Chairperson to decide points of order.
He or she shall decide questions of order, subject to an appeal to
the County Board by any member, on which appeal, no member shall speak
more than once unless by leave of the County Board. On an appeal being
taken, the question shall be: "Shall the decision of the Chair stand
as the judgment of the County Board?" which question, and the action
of the County Board thereon, shall be entered in the minutes.
[Added 2-13-2018 by Ord.
No. 2017-32]
Amendments to these rules of order shall be reviewed by the
Executive Committee, shall be introduced in the manner provided for
resolution and ordinances, and shall require a two-thirds vote of
the members-elect for adoption.
A.
It is the express policy of the Washington County Board of Supervisors
that the public is entitled to the fullest and most complete information
regarding the affairs of government as is compatible with the conduct
of governmental business.
B.
Pursuant to Subch. V of Ch. 19, Wis. Stats., all meetings of the
County Board, any committee thereof, or other boards, councils or
commissions operating under the jurisdiction of the County Board shall
be publicly held in places reasonably accessible to members of the
public and shall be open to all citizens at all times unless otherwise
expressly provided by law. During a closed meeting of the County Board,
the Sergeants-at-Arms shall keep the doors of the County Board room
closed and the room vacated of all unauthorized persons.
[Amended 10-9-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-12]
