The Pierce County Board meeting July 23 was a bit uneventful, but the board conducted important business nonetheless related to emergency disaster relief and opioid settlement funds.
The board, …
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The Pierce County Board meeting July 23 was a bit uneventful, but the board conducted important business nonetheless related to emergency disaster relief and opioid settlement funds.
The board, on first reading, approved a resolution declaring a state of emergency in Pierce County due to torrential rain and river flooding that occurred throughout early summer 2024.
Corporation Counsel Brad Lawrence said Pierce County Sheriff Chad Koranda and Emergency Management Director Christine McPherson contacted him about torrential downpours in the area June 21 and the desire to have a “slow, no wake zone” on the entire Mississippi River bordering the county. This was part of an effort with Goodhue and Dakota counties in Minnesota to protect the lives of people traveling on the water and prevent them from causing potential damage to structures and boats due to high water levels. The order was in place June 21 through July 10.
In order to apply for state disaster funds for infrastructure needs caused by the flooding, the county must approve a resolution declaring a state of emergency, Lawrence said. The Wisconsin Disaster Fund is a state-funded reimbursement program intended to assist local government recoup costs incurred while responding to natural disasters. The state reimburses municipalities up to 70% of eligible costs.
The resolution states the rainfall in Pierce County in June approached the wettest year on record since 1938. The high river levels may have caused damage to roads, bridges and other county infrastructure. Approving this resolution will allow the county to apply for state funding.
The board also approved a resolution authorizing Pierce County to enter into a settlement agreement with The Kroger Co. Attorneys representing Pierce County, along with 66 other Wisconsin counties, filed lawsuits against opioid manufacturers on the county’s behalf. Lawrence said counties have been litigating opioid cases for seven years and are now looking to settle with smaller, regional pharmacies.
The board approved the following committee appointments:
