Votes at a glance: Rock County Board approves ARPA allocations, wage changes and labor agreement

At its Dec. 12 meeting the Rock County Board of Supervisors approved a set of administrative, budgetary and personnel items by recorded votes.

Key votes and outcomes:

- ARPA allocation to tornado victims and Health Net (11a): Motion by Towns; second by Bridal. Board agreed to split remaining ARPA funds 50/50 between tornado victims and Health Net and amend the 2024/2025 budgets. Roll-call: 26 yes, 0 no, 3 absent — approved.

- Traffic-code amendment (11c): Staff presented speed‑zone changes tied to development on County G (south of Janesville) and to a rail crossing on County M (outside Milton). Motion by Wilson; second by Towns. Roll-call: 26 yes, 0 no, 3 absent — approved.

- Ratification of 2024–25 labor agreement with the Deputy Sheriffs Association (11f): Motion by Schwartz; second by Bridal. Agreement includes an across-the-board 6% increase effective June 1, 2024 (retroactive) and a 2% increase effective Jan. 1, 2025. Membership ratified the contract; board roll-call: 26 yes, 0 no, 3 absent — approved. The resolution referenced Wisconsin statutes applicable to collective bargaining during explanation.

- 2025 base wage rates for non-represented employees: Motion by Towne; second by Gorman. Resolution implements the 3% across-the-board increase included in the 2025 budget for non‑bargained employee groups. Roll-call: 24 yes, 2 no, 3 absent — approved.

Consent agenda items including minutes, appointments and several department budget amendments were approved earlier in the meeting by voice vote.

These items passed as part of the board's routine business; most were approved unanimously or by large margins, and some changes reflect budget allocations already included in the 2025 fiscal plan.