Marathon County’s Human Resources, Finance and Property Committee voted to authorize county representatives to sign a mutual release and lease-termination agreement with the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point for the Wausau campus, while preserving both parties’ ability to pursue environmental contamination claims.

County staff described the draft agreement as reflecting a cooperative “parting of friends” while noting one key concession: the university inserted language stating the mutual release does not apply to any claim, demand, action or liability relating to environmental contamination at the university center facilities. County counsel and staff said that language leaves each party “all rights, defenses, and obligations available under applicable law” for environmental conditions discovered now or in the future.

Deputy Administrator Homan emphasized logistical steps tied to the transition, citing plans for facility walk-throughs and inventories so the county can identify equipment it wishes to retain and ensure hazardous materials are removed safely. Homan specifically cited a chemistry lab as an example of where UW would move hazardous materials out before turnover.

Supervisors asked whether the release could unintentionally foreclose claims that arise from pre-2027 occurrences but are filed later. Court counsel (Brian) explained the state’s sovereign-immunity framework and the state claims board process, saying a release is final but some remedies ultimately involve state processes.

Vice Chair Marshall and Supervisor Lemmer raised concerns about fiscal exposure if utilities or other costs shift when UW reduces occupancy; staff estimated a rough ballpark of $400,000 for six months of utilities under some scenarios and said that figure would be refined during the transition.

Chair Gibbs moved to approve and authorize signatures by appropriate county officials, asking staff to convey the committee’s concerns about the mutual release language to UW before full county board consideration. The motion passed unanimously.

The agreement allows UW to occupy and be responsible for the campus space through the end of next year and sets a walk-through process to inventory and address personal property and hazardous materials. The committee’s approval authorizes county signatures but asks staff to continue negotiations and communications with UW prior to final board action.