The Rock County Board of Supervisors voted to establish an ongoing Rock County Youth and Governance Program, advancing a resolution that had been pulled from the consent agenda for discussion.

Supporters said the program gives local young people direct exposure to county government; critics questioned the need for a standing committee and the requested $5,000. Max Wilson, a junior at Milton High School participating in the program, told the board, "I would urge you all to support, the resolution to make it a permanent program." The board approved the measure after a motion by Supervisor Sutter, seconded by Supervisor Mawhinney; two supervisors voted no and the motion passed.

The program has operated for about a year under an ad hoc structure. Supervisor Wilson, who chaired the ad hoc committee, described the request for $5,000 as seed funding to cover orientation costs, a planned trip to Madison, participant meals and materials, shirts and modest per diems for supervising supervisors. "If we can get by with less, we certainly will," he said. Wilson said the extension office vacancy limited administrative support for recruitment and applications this year, which contributed to the ad hoc approach.

Opponents on the board questioned creating another committee and asked whether the program could be handled by an existing committee or funded from administrative community-initiative lines. Supervisor Schwartz said, "The idea that we need another committee that spend money on, it just seems to seems to be a little little too much." Supervisor Cullen asked for specifics on the $5,000 and what expenses had already been incurred; Wilson said much of the first-year expenses were covered by individual and group donations and that the requested amount would support the January trip to Madison and orientation costs.

Supporters emphasized civic engagement and outreach to younger residents. Supervisor Soderlund cited low survey response rates among 19- to 25-year-olds and urged investing in methods to engage that age group through the program. Supervisor Holman said watching program participants in meetings provided lessons beyond classroom civics.

The board directed the county administrator to schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss committee placement and next steps for program oversight and recruitment. The resolution establishing the ongoing program was approved and will be implemented under the ad hoc structure pending further discussion on committee assignment.

Votes at a glance: motion to establish the ongoing Rock County Youth and Governance Program — motion by Supervisor Sutter, second by Supervisor Mawhinney; two "nay" votes were recorded; outcome: approved.