County Board Size Discussion

1. County Board Size Discussion February 15, 2011 Jay Shambeau, County Administrator

2. Task at Hand... The first step in the decennial redistricting process is to determine the appropriate county board size for the next decade. There is no right or wrong number. The current Calumet County board members have the statutory authority to determine the most appropriate size.

3. County Board Size History 2011 – 2020 To Be Determined 2001 – 2010 21 Supervisors 1991 – 2000 21 Supervisors 1971 – 1990 19 Supervisors 1966 16 Supervisors 1963 24 Supervisors 1920 17 Supervisors 1851 (Pop. 1,743) 4 Supervisors Source: County Clerk’s Office Records

4. Population Restrictions s.59.10 < 500,000 but at least 100,000 = 47 max. < 100,000 but at least 50,000 = 39 max. < 50,000 but at least 25,000 = 31 max. < 25,000 = 21 max. (There is no minimum) Calumet County has the flexibility to increase the board size to 31 supervisors.

5. Wisconsin Board Size Data Average size of county boards in Wisconsin is 23.3 WI boards range from 7 (in Menominee) and 11 (Walworth and Waushara) to 38 (Marathon). National average is 6.23 (includes commissioner model). Average constituents represented in Wisconsin is 3,338 (based on 2009 population est.) Source: WI Counties and UW Extension

6. 2005 -- WI Act 100 Provides authority for county boards to reduce the size once between decennial redistricting. County Board directed or citizen initiated through petition and referendum process.

7. Wisconsin Board Size Trends Thirteen counties have recently reduced their board size (referendum or choice). Several counties are currently considering reducing their board size through the normal decennial redistricting process. A few counties including Fond du Lac County (18 to 25) are considering increasing their board size.

8. Why Might Boards be Shrinking? County Boards no longer serve as both the executive and legislative branches in county organizations. County executive form of governance created in 1960 and county administrator created in 1985 by state legislature. Constituent demand for less government.

9. Why Discuss at this Time? Decennial redistricting process requires this as first step in the process. Committee reductions/mergers have occurred to allow for this as a possibility. Committee on Rules recommendation for 17 board members. Ample time to hold “Listening Sessions” on this topic to receive constituent input.

10. Recent Committee Mergers Board of Health – Human Services Board Civil Rights – ADRC/LTS Information Services – Finance and Audit Emergency Management – PPP Long Term Support, Senior Resource Center, Transportation Coordination Study – ADRC/LTS

11. Other Committee Mergers Discussed Salary and Personnel with Finance and Audit/Information Services. Land and Water Conservation with Planning and Zoning. Committee to Inspect the Jail with Protection of Persons and Property.

12. Representation by the Numbers 1980 population of 30,867 resulted in 1,625 constituents/supervisor. 1990 population of 34,291 resulted in 1,633 constituents/supervisor. 2000 population of 40,631 resulted in 1,935 constituents/supervisor.

13. What is the ideal number? 2010 population of 46,958. Source: Wisconsin Demographic Services Center. Increase to 25 supervisors to maintain approximately 1,900 constituents/supervisor. Maintain 21 supervisors results in 2,236 constituents/supervisor. Decrease to 17 supervisors results in 2,762 constituents/supervisor. Other ratios…..

14. Next Steps Host three listening sessions tentative: (Stockbridge, Brillion, and Appleton). Committee on Rules March meeting for listening session information review. March 2011County Board meeting discussion and take action on board size determination. County Board to continue to provide direction for redistricting process.

15. County Board Supervisor Discussion and Questions