UW-Platteville is moving out. The University notified the Richland County Board yesterday that “after careful consideration, and despite tremendous efforts expended by Richland County and the Universities of Wisconsin over these past many months, UW-Platteville will completely vacate the Richland County campus by July 1, 2024.”

Jeff Buhrandt, vice President of University Relations, added, “As you know, Governor Evers has recently signed into law legislation authored by Representative Kurtz and Senator Marklein which would provide $2 million to any county where a branch campus has been closed. Once we finalize the end of our MOU, it is our understanding that Richland County would be eligible for these funds which can be used to redevelop the campus facilities to better serve the community. This potential investment by the State of Wisconsin represents the full consideration of the costs expressed by Richland County.”

Richland County Administrator, Candace Pesch, responded, “Richland County is dismayed and disheartened to share the correspondence received from the Universities of Wisconsin today. Despite ongoing attempts to negotiate a mutually agreeable end to our partnership, the Universities of Wisconsin has made the unilateral decision to completely vacate the Richland County Campus by July 1, 2024 with no compensation or settlement agreement in place. It is disappointing that the Universities of Wisconsin System is shirking their responsibilities. At no time, under any circumstance, did the legislature indicate that receipt of the $2 million grant would absolve the UW Universities System of their obligations to affected counties. Richland County, which had previously relied on the contractual relationship between the parties, is now facing a potential economic crisis due to the Universities’ decision.”

The County Board of Supervisors will consult further with partners and counsel to determine and evaluate all available options going forward. If you have questions regarding these developments call County Administrator Candace Pesch at 608-649-3001.