Tom Warne Report, 9 December 2011
A new law in Wisconsin prohibiting counties from sharing personnel and equipment used for roadwork may be reversed under a proposal from a state lawmaker, who says the amendment is costing taxpayers. The state law approved over the summer prevents counties from contracting work in other regions unless the project extends into a bordering county. Supporters of the amendment said the measure was necessary because of contracts, which were unfairly resulting in private contractors bidding against crews subsidized by state funding.
“It just makes sense for counties to cooperate,” said Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma, who proposed the bill change. “Road equipment is expensive; certain county workers have special skills and experience. Working together brings costs down for taxpayers.” She said the new law also prohibits counties from working for cities within the county if the city has a population above 5,000. “If my bill does not pass, all this cooperation will grind to a halt.”
The measure will be considered in the 2012 legislative session begins in January.
