OUR VIEW: Now is the time to consider running | Hudson Star-Observer | Hudson, Wisconsin: "It is too early to tell in most municipalities if incumbents in each of the positions will run again. Some will, some won't. That, of course, should not discourage a citizen who is interested in seeking office. When voters are offered a choice, it brings more people to the polls and gives citizens options to consider."
Friday, November 30, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Selling the county farmland
The administration committee met yesterday to discuss selling the county farmland and use the money for capital improvements. The county farmland it land that the county doesn't need surrounding the Health and Human Services and Nursing Home buildings near New Richmond. The county has just been renting out the land to farmers for many years. This should have been done long ago but how specifically will the money be used? There is a "plan of action" referenced in the resolution but it wasn't online so we don't know the priorities.
Update: According to the county board agenda, the priorities are "the relocation of the 911 Center, the vacating, 27 demolition and clean-up of the Health and Human Services building and the relocation of Health and 28 Human Services employees"
Update: According to the county board agenda, the priorities are "the relocation of the 911 Center, the vacating, 27 demolition and clean-up of the Health and Human Services building and the relocation of Health and 28 Human Services employees"
Friday, October 19, 2012
Town of Hudson gives notice of intent to leave joint library | Hudson Star-Observer | Hudson, Wisconsin
Town of Hudson gives notice of intent to leave joint library | Hudson Star-Observer | Hudson, Wisconsin: "State law also requires municipalities that have a library to fund it to the same level of the county levy in order to be exempt from county levy."
That is a good reason for the county to not fund at 100%.
That is a good reason for the county to not fund at 100%.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Resolution to Determine the Future of the St. Croix Health Center - Nursing Home - Saint Croix County, Wisconsin
Resolution to Determine the Future of the St. Croix Health Center - Nursing Home - Saint Croix County, Wisconsin: "Determine the Future of the St. Croix Health Center - Nursing Home"
On October 2nd, the county board will discuss three options for the county-run nursing home: Build a new, Close, and Expense reductions.
On October 2nd, the county board will discuss three options for the county-run nursing home: Build a new, Close, and Expense reductions.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Passenger Rail isn't economical for St. Croix County
On September 4th, the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors will be considering a "RESOLUTION TO ADVOCATE FOR BUS, COMMUTER RAIL, AND HIGH SPEED RAIL TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS THROUGH ST. CROIX COUNTY"
I disagree that passenger rail is a good for St. Croix County. I am specifically referencing line 35 of the resolution. I have yet to see a passenger rail system that is more economical than bus service. Bus service is so much better than rail that it is used as the backup for rail!
Here are my comments that I sent to the Gateway Corridor Commission in March:Why isn't there an option to just add rush hour buses from Hudson? It would be much cheaper without the extra lanes and it seems like the extra lanes wouldn't add much benefit (since buses can already drive on the shoulder. Outside of rush hour, I suspect there isn't enough demand. Looking at Metro-Transit route usage would provide a lot of proof on the approximate immediate needs.
I suggest something like the following:
One bus route that ends in St. Paul and another that ends in Minneapolis. The routes would be timed for commuters (west from 6-8 AM and east from 3-6 PM). Both routes would stop somewhere east of Hudson (exit 4 or 10), in Hudson, and appropriate stops between Hudson and County Road 13. If ridership warrants (full buses for limited routes), then there could be separate routes per start and end destination (i.e. one route that only stops in Hudson and Minneapolis) to decrease travel time. If park and ride lots are near, then limit each lot to one destination (every other lot only goes to Minneapolis and the others go to St. Paul).Also, reduced transit time isn't the major benefit -- often mass transit takes a few more minutes. Major benefits of mass transit:
- Save on parking, gas, wear and tear
- Stress reduction (I don't even notice if the traffic is bad)
- Extra time (read a book, play a game, take a nap, talk with friends)
- The bus ride home can be a great time to recharge after a hard day at work so that I have more energy and less stress for the evening.
It is much easier to get incremental improvements in transit correct than to get huge changes in transit correct. Simple things like adding extra bus routes have a much higher chance of success than complex things like adding extra lanes or rail.
I live in Wilson, WI, and take Metro-Transit bus route 375.
Also, for line 22 of the resolution, St. Croix County isn't isolated because very little of the state is connected with alternative passenger transportation.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Supervisors renew call to close county nursing home | Hudson Star-Observer | Hudson, Wisconsin
Supervisors renew call to close county nursing home | Hudson Star-Observer | Hudson, Wisconsin: "[ the St. Croix County Health Center nursing home] faces a $1.1 million deficit for 2012 that St. Croix County taxpayers will have to cover if it comes to reality, HHS board members explained."
"The nursing home also receives a federal tax subsidy in the form of Intergovernmental Transfer funds, said HHS Board member Tim Hood, estimated to be about $489,659 this year."
"Board Chairman Fred Horne reminded the group that St. Croix County voters had overwhelmingly approved an advisory referendum calling for a continuation of the New Richmond-based nursing home.
But Hood noted that the financial picture shared with voters was that tax support would amount to about $330,000 in 2012, not $1.1 million or $1.6 million."
"With new nursing homes being constructed, including the new Deerfield Gables in New Richmond, resident numbers could be down at the county nursing home making the financial picture even worse."
"operational costs at the county-owned nursing home are much higher than the average governmentally-owned nursing home in the upper Midwest. Much of the higher-than-average costs are associated with wages and a benefits package that are much higher than similar facilities in nearby communities"
"The nursing home also receives a federal tax subsidy in the form of Intergovernmental Transfer funds, said HHS Board member Tim Hood, estimated to be about $489,659 this year."
"Board Chairman Fred Horne reminded the group that St. Croix County voters had overwhelmingly approved an advisory referendum calling for a continuation of the New Richmond-based nursing home.
But Hood noted that the financial picture shared with voters was that tax support would amount to about $330,000 in 2012, not $1.1 million or $1.6 million."
"With new nursing homes being constructed, including the new Deerfield Gables in New Richmond, resident numbers could be down at the county nursing home making the financial picture even worse."
"operational costs at the county-owned nursing home are much higher than the average governmentally-owned nursing home in the upper Midwest. Much of the higher-than-average costs are associated with wages and a benefits package that are much higher than similar facilities in nearby communities"
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Excess county land
According to the UNOFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE ST.CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Regular Meeting – April 17, 2012:
"Supr. Malick requested Thompson’s progress on selling excess county-owned land. Thompson reported the County has identified 290 parcels of county-owned land consisting of approximately 1900 acres with 189 parcels (290 acres) being Highway Department related, 39 parcels are conservation related, and 17 parcels are in use by county/tax deed related. Thompson reported he will be dealing with the excess Government Center property and the Health and Human Services land which includes approximately 600 acres of farmland."
It sure would be nice if the county sold the excess land to allow them to be more productive.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
County Nursing Home Support
On Tuesday the ballot will ask if county tax dollars should pay for operating expenses for the county-run nursing home on New Richmond.
In my research on the issue, I can't find one good reason that the county should run a nursing home.
Why should the county run a nursing home?
Because it only costs $300,000 in operating costs? If it isn't needed then why spend it?
Because it is 5-star? There are other highly-rated nursing homes in the county -- including Glenhaven.
Because it is only a small amount per person helped per day per parcel? Well we don't know if those people need that help and we know others need help -- it would be better to help those that have lost their homes or jobs!
Because it provides unique, needed services? Other local nursing homes provide the same services.
Because the county is responsible to care for some people? The county can take care of those people by paying for their care at other nursing homes and save money.
Because we need those beds? There are plenty of open beds available at county nursing homes.
Why should the county *not* run a nursing home?
The ballot only mentions operating expenses -- once you add capital expenses and non-scheduled maintenance the costs are much higher.
Even with pay reductions, the labor costs are significantly higher (~40%) than other regional government-run nursing homes (not even counting privately run nursing homes). It isn't as efficient and cost-effective as it should be.
It isn't providing any service that isn't already provided by other local nursing homes -- it isn't meeting a need.
Its support comes from the whole county but its benefits are focused in the New Richmond area.
I have at least one friend and one relative that work at the nursing home but I can't ask the county residents to provide so much extra support just for their sakes.
In my research on the issue, I can't find one good reason that the county should run a nursing home.
Why should the county run a nursing home?
Because it only costs $300,000 in operating costs? If it isn't needed then why spend it?
Because it is 5-star? There are other highly-rated nursing homes in the county -- including Glenhaven.
Because it is only a small amount per person helped per day per parcel? Well we don't know if those people need that help and we know others need help -- it would be better to help those that have lost their homes or jobs!
Because it provides unique, needed services? Other local nursing homes provide the same services.
Because the county is responsible to care for some people? The county can take care of those people by paying for their care at other nursing homes and save money.
Because we need those beds? There are plenty of open beds available at county nursing homes.
Why should the county *not* run a nursing home?
The ballot only mentions operating expenses -- once you add capital expenses and non-scheduled maintenance the costs are much higher.
Even with pay reductions, the labor costs are significantly higher (~40%) than other regional government-run nursing homes (not even counting privately run nursing homes). It isn't as efficient and cost-effective as it should be.
It isn't providing any service that isn't already provided by other local nursing homes -- it isn't meeting a need.
Its support comes from the whole county but its benefits are focused in the New Richmond area.
I have at least one friend and one relative that work at the nursing home but I can't ask the county residents to provide so much extra support just for their sakes.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Candidates for County Board
Contests develop for 12 seats on St. Croix County Board.
The old district 8 is now in the following districts (info from article):
District 15: Incumbent Karen Meyer, Roberts, is being challenged by David Peterson, town of Kinnickinnic, and Donald Schumacher, rural Baldwin.
District 16: Incumbent Joe Hurtgen, Woodville, is the lone candidate.
District 19: Incumbent William Peavey, Woodville, is being challenged by Roger Bauer.
The old district 8 is now in the following districts (info from article):
District 15: Incumbent Karen Meyer, Roberts, is being challenged by David Peterson, town of Kinnickinnic, and Donald Schumacher, rural Baldwin.
District 16: Incumbent Joe Hurtgen, Woodville, is the lone candidate.
District 19: Incumbent William Peavey, Woodville, is being challenged by Roger Bauer.
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