Richland County Supervisors Hire A New Administrator

Beginning April 21st, Richland County will have a new administrator. The Richland County Board of Supervisors approved the hiring of current Health & Human Services Director, Tricia Clements, as the new County Administrator at Tuesday’s County Board meeting. County Board Chair, Dave Turk, said that this of course will leave an opening for the Health & Human Services Director.

The board also approved Brittany Paulus as the new administrator of Pine Valley Community Village. Angela Wall has been serving as the Interim Director.

Interim County Administrator, Derek Kalish, reminded the board and public that anyone interested in serving District 3, which is vacant following the death of Marty Brewer, should submit a letter of interest. All letters of intent are due by 4:00 Friday, March 28. More information can be found on the Richland County Government website. He also reported that they have reposted an opening for the county Finance Administrator. Kalish reported that the candidate who accepted the position backed out at the last minute.

Richland County Highway Commissioner, Josh Elder, reported that work on the west bridge to the campus will begin next month. The cost of replacing the bridge can be covered by the state grant of $2 million available to campuses that are closed.

The Richland County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution covering short term rental property. The resolution was brought forward to ensure that the quality of short-term rentals operating within the County is adequate for protecting public health, safety and general welfare by establishing: minimum standards of space for human occupancy and parking; adequate level of maintenance, and the responsibilities of owners and property managers operating or managing these rental properties for tourists or transient occupants. The cost to a short term rental owner will be $25 per year, and will not take affect until January 1, 2026.

The Richland County Campus Reconfiguration Committee met to discuss how to move forward with various aspects of the campus and grounds Tuesday before the County Board meeting. Symons Recreation Complex provides Richland County with spaces and programs for physical activity, social interaction, and promotes the overall well-being of the community. The outdoor spaces consisting of the county’s tennis courts, soccer field, and walking trails are in close proximity to Symon’s Recreation Complex. Use of the county’s tennis courts, soccer field, and walking trails enhance the overall user experience of Symon’s Recreation Complex and provide additional opportunities for outdoor fitness-related activities. The Campus Reconfiguration Committee asked the Richland County Board of Supervisors to give oversight and associated responsibilities of the county’s tennis courts, soccer field, and walking trails to the Director of the Symons Recreation Complex. The full board of supervisors approved the request.

In other action taken by the board last night, the board approved:

A resolution requesting no federal or state cuts to Medicaid.

The creation of a New Code of Ethics Committee made up of citizens to meet if an ethics concern arises within the board of supervisors.

Applying for the 2026 Farmland Preservation Grant.

Authorization for the Land Conservation Department to apply for a Joint Allocation Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

And gifts to the Symons Recreation Complex from the Symons Recreation Complex Foundation totaling $21,545.