In a recent public hearing focused on the 2025 budget, community members raised significant concerns regarding funding allocations and procedural compliance. The meeting, which was limited to 30 minutes, featured several speakers who addressed various aspects of the proposed budget.

Doug Kurzweil, a resident from Hayward, questioned the necessity of a $50,000 allocation to the Hayward Lakes Association, suggesting that the organization, now part of the Visitor and Convention Bureau (VCB), no longer requires taxpayer support given its current revenue from room taxes. He also highlighted a proposed $120,000 increase in the conservation and development budget, speculating that it may be related to staffing needs in the zoning department. Kurzweil expressed concern that the $35,000 increase in the Health and Human Services (HHS) budget would be insufficient to enforce a new ordinance under consideration.

Linda Zilmer, a Birchwood resident, raised procedural issues, noting that the public notice for the hearing did not meet the required 15-day notice period. She advocated for a more detailed breakdown of departmental budgets and employee positions, emphasizing the need for transparency in understanding operational needs. Zilmer also called for a study on ambulance service response times, citing concerns over personnel compensation and the adequacy of current funding.

Mindy Simons, the new executive director of the Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau, expressed gratitude for the county's ongoing support for tourism initiatives, reinforcing the importance of such funding for the community.

The discussions highlighted a need for further examination of budgetary allocations and procedural adherence, with calls for additional hearings to ensure comprehensive community input before finalizing the budget.