COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
59.10
59.10
Boards: composition; election; terms; compensation; compatibility. The boards of the several counties shall be composed of representatives from within the county who are elected and compensated as provided in this section. Each board shall act under
sub. (2),
(3) or
(5), unless the board enacts an ordinance, by a majority vote of the entire membership, to act under
sub. (1). If a board enacts such ordinance, a certified copy shall be filed with the secretary of state.
59.10(1)(a)(a) Number of supervisors and apportionment of supervisory districts. In each county with a population of at least 500,000,
sub. (2) (a) and
(b) applies. In counties with a population of less than 500,000 and more than one town,
sub. (3) (a) to
(c) applies. In counties with one town only,
sub. (5) applies.
59.10(1)(b)
(b)
Terms. The term of office of supervisors is 2 years. A board may determine whether the terms shall be concurrent or staggered. Supervisors shall be elected at the election to be held on the first Tuesday in April next preceding the expiration of their respective terms and shall take office on the 3rd Tuesday in April following their election. If the board determines that supervisors shall serve staggered terms, the board shall, by ordinance, provide for a division of supervisors into 2 classes, one class to be elected for one-half of a full term and the other class for a full term and thereafter the supervisors shall be elected for a full term. The board shall publish the ordinance as a class 1 notice, under
ch. 985, before publication of the notice of the election at which supervisors are to be elected.
59.10(1)(c)
(c)
Compensation. The method of compensation for supervisors shall be determined by the board.
59.10(1)(d)
(d)
Vacancies. A board may determine the procedure for filling a vacancy.
59.10(2)
(2) Milwaukee County. In each county with a population of at least 500,000:
59.10(2)(a)
(a)
Composition; supervisory districts. Within 60 days after the population count by block, established in the decennial federal census of population, and maps showing the location and numbering of census blocks become available in printed form from the federal government or are published for distribution by an agency of this state, but no later than July 1 following the year of each decennial census, the board shall adopt and transmit to the governing body of each city and village wholly or partially contained within the county a tentative county supervisory district plan to be considered by the cities and villages when dividing into wards. The plan shall specify the number of supervisors to be elected and shall divide the county into a number of districts equal to the number of supervisors, with each district substantially equal in population and consisting of contiguous whole wards. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the board shall develop and adopt the tentative plan in accordance with
sub. (3) (b) 1. The board shall adopt a final plan by enacting an ordinance in accordance with
sub. (3) (b) 2. to
4.
59.10(2)(b)
(b)
Election; term. Supervisors shall be elected for 4-year terms at the election to be held on the first Tuesday in April next preceding the expiration of their respective terms, and shall take office on the 3rd Monday in April following their election.
59.10(2)(c)
(c)
Compensation. Each supervisor shall be paid by the county an annual salary set by the board. The board may provide additional compensation for the chairperson.
Section 66.0505 applies to this paragraph.
59.10(2)(d)1.1. `Number of supervisors; redistricting.' The board may, not more than once prior to November 15, 2010, decrease the number of supervisors after the enactment of a supervisory district plan under
par. (a). In that case, the board shall redistrict, readjust, and change the boundaries of supervisory districts, so that the number of districts equals the number of supervisors, the districts are substantially equal in population according to the most recent countywide federal census, the districts are in as compact a form as possible, and the districts consist of contiguous whole wards in existence at the time at which the redistricting plan is adopted. In the redistricting plan, the board shall adhere to the requirements under
sub. (3) (b) 2. and
3. with regard to contiguity and shall, to the extent possible, place whole contiguous municipalities or contiguous parts of the same municipality within the same district. In redistricting under this subdivision, the original numbers of the districts in their geographic outlines, to the extent possible, shall be retained. The chairperson of the board shall file a certified copy of any redistricting plan adopted under this subdivision with the secretary of state.
59.10(2)(d)2.
2. `Election; term.' Any redistricting plan enacted under
subd. 1. becomes effective on the first November 15 following its enactment, and first applies to the spring election following the plan's effective date. Any redistricting plan enacted under
subd. 1. shall remain in effect until the effective date of a redistricting plan subsequently enacted under
par. (a). Supervisors elected from the districts created under
subd. 1. shall serve for 4-year terms and shall take office on the 3rd Monday in April following their election.
59.10(3)(a)(a)
Classification; maximum number of supervisors. Counties with a population of less than 500,000 and more than one town are classified and entitled to a maximum number of supervisors as follows:
59.10(3)(a)1.
1. Counties with a population of less than 500,000 but at least 100,000 shall have no more than 47 supervisors.
59.10(3)(a)2.
2. Counties with a population of less than 100,000 but at least 50,000 shall have no more than 39 supervisors.
59.10(3)(a)3.
3. Counties with a population of less than 50,000 but at least 25,000 shall have no more than 31 supervisors.
59.10(3)(a)4.
4. Counties with a population of less than 25,000 and containing more than one town shall have no more than 21 supervisors.
59.10(3)(a)5.
5. If the population of any county is within 2% of the minimum population for the next most populous grouping under this paragraph, the board thereof, in establishing supervisory districts, may employ the maximum number for such districts set for such next most populous grouping.
59.10(3)(b)1.1. Within 60 days after the population count by block, established in the decennial federal census of population, and maps showing the location and numbering of census blocks become available in printed form from the federal government or are published for distribution by an agency of this state, but no later than July 1 following the year of each decennial census, each board shall propose a tentative county supervisory district plan setting forth the number of supervisory districts and tentative boundaries or a description of boundary requirements, hold a public hearing on the proposed plan and adopt a tentative plan. The proposed plan may be amended after the public hearing. The board shall solicit suggestions from municipalities concerning the development of an appropriate plan. The board shall transmit to each municipal governing body in the county the tentative plan that is adopted. Each district shall consist of whole wards or municipalities. Each district shall be designated to be represented by one supervisor, and all districts shall be substantially equal in population. In the tentative plan, the board shall, whenever possible, place whole contiguous municipalities or contiguous parts of the same municipality within the same district. If the division of a municipality is sought by the board, the board shall provide with the plan a written statement to the municipality affected by each proposed division specifying the approximate location of the territory from which a ward is sought to be created for contiguity purposes and the approximate population of the ward proposed to effectuate the division.
59.10(3)(b)2.
2. Within 60 days after every municipality in the county adjusts its wards under
s. 5.15, the board shall hold a public hearing and shall then adopt a final supervisory district plan, numbering each district. Wards within each supervisory district created by the plan shall be contiguous, except that one or more wards located within a city or village which is wholly surrounded by another city or water, or both, may be combined with one or more noncontiguous wards, or one or more wards or portions of wards consisting of island territory as defined in
s. 5.15 (2) (f) 3. may be combined with one or more noncontiguous wards or portions of wards within the same municipality, to form a supervisory district.
59.10(3)(b)3.
3. In this paragraph, a district which includes territory connected to other territory from corner to corner is contiguous.
59.10(3)(b)4.
4. The chairperson of the board shall file a certified copy of the final districting plan with the secretary of state.
59.10(3)(c)
(c)
Changes during decade. After the enactment of a plan of supervisory districts under
par. (b), a municipal incorporation, annexation, detachment or consolidation may serve as a basis for altering between federal decennial censuses the boundaries of supervisory districts, in the discretion of the board. The number of supervisory districts in the county shall not be changed by any action under this paragraph. Any plan of county supervisory districts enacted under
par. (b) may be amended under this paragraph but shall remain in effect as amended until superseded by another plan enacted by the board under
par. (b) and filed with the secretary of state.
59.10(3)(d)
(d)
Election and term of supervisors. Supervisors are county officers, shall be elected for 2-year terms at the election to be held on the first Tuesday in April in even-numbered years and shall take office on the 3rd Tuesday in April of that year.
59.10(3)(e)
(e)
Vacancies. If a vacancy occurs on the board, the board chairperson with the approval of the board shall appoint a person who is a qualified elector and resident of the supervisory district to fill the vacancy for the unexpired portion of the term to which the person is appointed and until his or her successor is elected and qualified.
59.10(3)(f)
(f)
Compensation. Each supervisor shall be paid a per diem by the county for each day that he or she attends a meeting of the board. Any board may, at its annual meeting, by a two-thirds vote of all the members, fix the compensation of the board members to be next elected. Any board may also provide additional compensation for the chairperson.
59.10(3)(g)
(g)
Mileage. Each supervisor shall, for each day that he or she attends a meeting of the board, receive mileage for each mile traveled in going to and returning from the meetings by the most usual traveled route at the rate established by the board under
s. 59.22 as the standard mileage allowance for all county employees and officers.
59.10(3)(h)
(h)
Limitation on compensation. Except for services as a member of a committee as provided in
s. 59.13 no supervisor shall be paid for more days' attendance on the board in any year than is set out in this schedule: in counties having a population of less than 25,000, 20 days; at least 25,000 but less than 100,000, 25 days; at least 100,000 but less than 500,000, 30 days.
59.10(3)(i)
(i)
Alternative compensation. As an alternative method of compensation, in counties having a population of less than 500,000, including counties containing only one town, the board may at its annual meeting, by a two-thirds vote of the members entitled to a seat, fix the compensation of the supervisors to be next elected at an annual salary for all services for the county including all committee services, except the per diem allowance for services in acquiring highway rights-of-way set forth in
s. 84.09 (4). The board may, in like manner, allow additional salary for the members of the highway committee and for the chairperson of the board. In addition to the salary, the supervisors shall receive mileage as provided in
par. (g) for each day's attendance at board meetings or for attendance at not to exceed 2 committee meetings in any one day.
59.10(3)(j)
(j)
Supplementary compensation. The board, in establishing an annual salary, may enact an ordinance providing for a per diem for all committee meetings attended in excess of 40 committee and board meetings.
59.10(4)
(4) Compatibility. No county officer or employee is eligible for election or appointment to the office of supervisor, but a supervisor may also be a member of a committee, board or commission appointed by the county executive or county administrator or appointed or created by the county board, a town board, a mosquito control district, the common council of his or her city, the board of trustees of his or her village or the board of trustees of a county institution appointed under
s. 46.18.
59.10(5)
(5) Counties having only one town. In all counties containing one town only, the board shall consist of the members of the town board and one supervisor from every village. A supervisor from a village shall be elected at the time the other village officers are elected. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum of the county board. Each supervisor shall receive compensation and mileage as provided in
sub. (3) (f) and
(g). The chairperson of the board elected under
s. 59.12 (1) may be, but need not be, the same person who is elected chairperson of the town board under
s. 60.21 (3) (a).
59.10(6)
(6) Enforcement of division requirement. If a county fails to comply with
sub. (2) (a) or
(3) (b), any municipality located in whole or in part within the county or any elector of the county may submit to the circuit court for the county within 14 days from the expiration of either 60-day period under
sub. (2) (a) or
(3) (b) a proposed tentative or final plan for creation of supervisory districts in compliance with this section. If the court finds that the existing division of the county into supervisory districts fails to comply with this section, it shall review the plan submitted by the petitioner and after reasonable notice to the county may promulgate the plan, or any other plan in compliance with this section, as a temporary supervisory district plan until superseded by a districting plan adopted by the board in compliance with this section.
59.10 History
History: 1971 c. 134,
211,
304;
1973 c. 118 ss.
2 to
4,
7;
1973 c. 334 s.
57;
1973 c. 336;
1975 c. 93 s.
113;
1975 c. 116,
200;
1977 c. 427;
1979 c. 34,
89,
122,
260;
1981 c. 4,
390;
1983 a. 29;
1983 a. 192 ss.
115,
303 (1), (2);
1983 a. 484;
1983 a. 532 s.
36;
1985 a. 29,
304;
1989 a. 56 s.
258;
1991 a. 5,
316;
1993 a. 490;
1995 a. 16 s.
2;
1995 a. 201 s.
100; Stats. 1995 s. 59.10;
1997 a. 35;
1999 a. 150 s.
672;
2001 a. 107;
2003 a. 32.
59.10 Cross-reference
Cross-reference: See s.
17.21 (5) for provision as to filling vacancies on county boards in counties over 500,000.
59.10 Cross-reference
Cross-reference: See s.
59.20 (1) for county supervisor residency requirements.
59.10 Cross-reference
Cross-reference: See s.
66.0505 for restrictions on changes in compensation of county board members.
59.10 Annotation
The trial court properly voided a city's supervisory district plan and adopted the county's plan even though the county did not adopt the plan within 60 days of receiving census data as required by sub. (3). County of La Crosse v. City of La Crosse,
108 Wis. 2d 560,
322 N.W.2d 531 (Ct. App. 1982).
59.10 Annotation
Sub. (3) (a) does not establish a separate minimum for each class of county. The constitutionality of sub. (3) (a) is discussed. 60 Atty. Gen. 327.
59.10 Annotation
A vacancy on a county board due to resignation may be filled by appointment by the county board chairperson when the board is not in session. 61 Atty. Gen. 1.
59.10 Annotation
An incumbent county supervisor must resign before the county board may consider his or her appointment as highway commissioner. 61 Atty. Gen. 424.
59.10 Annotation
A county board supervisor risks violations of s. 946.13 if he is appointed as counsel for indigent defendants. 62 Atty. Gen. 62, 118.
59.10 Annotation
Under sub. (3) (c) alteration of county supervisory district boundaries between decennial censuses is authorized only when ward boundaries originally relied upon in reapportioning the county have been subsequently altered by incorporation, annexation, detachment, or consolidation. 63 Atty. Gen. 544.
59.10 Annotation
Section 59.06 (2) (intro.) [now 59.13 (2) (intro.)] does not prohibit payment of additional mileage under s. 59.03 (3) (g) [now 59.10 (3) (g)]. 68 Atty. Gen. 73.
59.11
59.11
Meetings; adjournment; absentees. 59.11(1)(a)(a) Every board shall hold an annual meeting on the Tuesday after the 2nd Monday of November in each year for the purpose of transacting business. Any board may establish by rule an earlier date during October or November for the annual meeting and may by rule establish regular meeting dates throughout the year at which to transact general business. When the day of the meeting falls on November 11, the meeting shall be held on the next succeeding day.
59.11(1)(b)
(b) The annual meeting may be adjourned by the clerk, upon the written request of a majority of the supervisors, to a day designated in the request, but not less than one week nor more than 3 weeks from the Tuesday after the 2nd Monday of November. Upon such an adjournment being made, the clerk shall give each supervisor written notice of the time and place to which the annual meeting has been adjourned.
59.11(1)(c)
(c) The board, except in counties with a population of 500,000 or more, shall meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each April to organize and transact business. At this meeting the board may transact any business permitted at the annual meeting, including the appointment of all county commissions and committees. The meeting may be adjourned in the same manner as the annual meeting.
59.11(2)
(2) A special meeting of the board shall be held:
59.11(2)(a)
(a) Upon a written request of a majority of the supervisors delivered to the clerk, specifying the time and place of the meeting. The time shall not be less than 48 hours from the delivery of the request. Upon receiving the request the clerk shall immediately mail to each supervisor notice of the time and place of the meeting. Any special meeting may be adjourned by a vote of a majority of all the supervisors. The board by ordinance may establish a separate procedure for convening the board in a "declared emergency" as defined by county ordinance.
59.11(2)(b)
(b) For the purposes and in the manner prescribed in
s. 31.06, with the right to adjourn the special meeting from time to time by a vote of a majority of all the supervisors entitled to a seat. The clerk shall mail written notice of the special meeting, specifying the time, place and purpose of the meeting, to each supervisor not less than 2 weeks before the day set for the meeting.
59.11(3)
(3) All meetings shall be held in the county at places that are designated by the board. The board shall give adequate public notice of the time, place and purpose of each meeting.
59.11(4)
(4) The board shall sit with open doors, and all persons conducting themselves in an orderly manner may attend. If any supervisor misses or leaves a meeting of the board without good cause or without being first excused by the board, the chairperson may issue a warrant requiring the sheriff or some constable immediately to arrest and bring the supervisor before the board. The expenses of the arrest shall be deducted from the pay of the member unless otherwise directed by the board. The board may punish its members for infraction of its rules by imposing the penalty provided in the rules.
59.11(5)
(5) The board may appropriate funds to broadcast by radio or television, or to tape and rebroadcast, any meeting of the board held under this section.
59.11 History
History: 1971 c. 68,
307;
1975 c. 41,
109;
1983 a. 192;
1995 a. 201 ss.
105,
233; Stats. 1995 s. 59.11.
59.11 Annotation
A county clerk can adjourn a regular meeting of the county board when requested by majority of the elected members of the board. 61 Atty. Gen. 352.
59.12
59.12
Chairperson; vice chairperson; powers and duties. 59.12(1)(1) The board, at the first meeting after each regular election at which members are elected for full terms, shall elect a member chairperson. The chairperson shall perform all duties required of the chairperson until the board elects a successor. The chairperson may administer oaths to persons required to be sworn concerning any matter submitted to the board or a committee of the board or connected with their powers or duties. The chairperson shall countersign all ordinances of the board, and shall preside at meetings when present. When directed by ordinance the chairperson shall countersign all county orders, transact all necessary board business with local and county officers, expedite all measures resolved upon by the board and take care that all federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to county government are enforced.
59.12(2)
(2) The board at the time of the election of the chairperson shall also elect a member vice chairperson, for the same term, who in case of the absence or disability of the chairperson shall perform the chairperson's duties. The board at the time of the election of the chairperson may also elect a member 2nd vice chairperson, for the same term, who in case of the absence or disability of the chairperson and vice chairperson shall perform the duties of the chairperson. The board may provide for the payment of additional compensation to the vice chairpersons.
59.12(3)
(3) In case of the absence of a chairperson for any meeting the members present shall choose another member to be temporary chairperson.
59.12 History
History: 1977 c. 259;
1983 a. 192 ss.
120,
303 (1);
1985 a. 29;
1995 a. 201 s.
106; Stats. 1995 s. 59.12.
59.12 Annotation
A county board cannot adopt a resolution that infringes on the power of a succeeding board to elect its chairperson and vice chairperson. 61 Atty. Gen. 108.
59.13
59.13
Committees; appointment; compensation. 59.13(1)(1) The board may, by resolution designating the purposes and prescribing the duties thereof and manner of reporting, authorize their chairperson to appoint before June 1 in any year committees from the members of the board, and the committees so appointed shall perform the duties and report as prescribed in the resolution.
59.13(2)
(2) Except as provided under
sub. (3), committee members shall receive such compensation for their services as the board allows, not exceeding the per diem and mileage allowed to members of the board and the committee members shall receive such compensation, mileage and reimbursement for other expenses as the board allows for their attendance at any school, institute or meeting which the board directs them to attend. No supervisor shall be allowed pay for committee service while the board is in session, nor for mileage except in connection with services performed within the time limited under this subsection. The number of days for which compensation and mileage may be paid a committee member in any year, except members of committees appointed to have charge of the erection of any county building, and except as otherwise provided by law, are limited as follows:
59.13(2)(a)
(a) In counties containing less than 25,000 population, to 20 days, not more than 10 of which shall be for services on any one committee, except that the board may increase the number of committee meetings under
par. (b) and similarly fix the compensation of the members for the additional meetings.
59.13(2)(b)
(b) In counties with a population of 25,000 or more, to 30 days for services on committees, except that the board may, by a two-thirds vote of the members present, increase the number of days for which compensation and mileage may be paid in any year and fix the compensation for each additional day.
59.13(3)
(3) A supervisor in a county with a population of 500,000 or more may not accept any compensation in addition to his or her regular salary for serving as a member of any committee, board or commission appointed by the county board or by the county executive.
59.13 History
History: 1983 a. 192 s.
303 (1);
1985 a. 29;
1995 a. 201 s.
107; Stats. 1995 s. 59.13.
59.13 Annotation
A county board may not delegate appointment of committee members to a committee of the board. 61 Atty. Gen. 214.
59.13 Annotation
Section 59.06 (2) (intro.) [now 59.13 (2) (intro.)] does not prohibit payment of additional mileage under s. 59.03 (3) (g) [now 59.10 (3) (g)]. 68 Atty. Gen. 73.
59.13 Annotation
County board resolutions creating special or standing committees under this section or creating rules of procedure relative to executive matters or the administration of law are subject to veto in counties under 500,000. 68 Atty. Gen. 182.
59.13 Annotation
A county board's power to delegate authority concerning property transactions to its committees is discussed.
74 Atty. Gen. 227.
59.13 Annotation
Except in self-organized counties under s. 59.03 (1) [now s. 59.10 (1)], a county board may not establish multiple per diem compensation for attendance at more than one committee meeting on the same day on days when the county board is not in session.
79 Atty. Gen. 122.
59.14
59.14
Publication of ordinances and proceedings. 59.14(1)(1) Whenever a board enacts an ordinance under this chapter the clerk shall immediately publish it as a class 1 notice, under
ch. 985; and the clerk shall procure and distribute copies of the ordinance to the several town clerks, who shall file it in their respective offices.
59.14(2)
(2) The board shall, by ordinance or resolution, provide for publication in one or more newspapers in the county as a class 1 notice, under
ch. 985, a certified copy of all its proceedings had at any meeting, regular or special; said publication to be completed within 60 days after the adjournment of each session.
59.14(3)
(3) The board may at any meeting, regular or special, provide by resolution for the publication in pamphlet form by the lowest and best bidder therefor, of a sufficient and designated number of copies of its duly certified proceedings, for general distribution.
59.14(4)
(4) The board may order public notices relating to tax redemption and other affairs of the county to be published in a newspaper printed in any other than the English language, to be designated in such order, whenever the board considers it necessary for the better information of the inhabitants of the county, and it shall appear from the last previous census that one-fourth or more of the adult population of the county is of a nationality not speaking the English language, and that there shall have been a newspaper published in the county continuously for one year or more in the language spoken by that nationality; but all of the notices shall also be published in a newspaper published in the English language as provided by law. The compensation for all of the publications shall be paid by the county ordering the publications, and shall be the same as that prescribed by law for publication in the English language; and no extra charge shall be allowed for translation in any case. No irregularity, mistake or informality in any such publication shall affect the validity or regularity of any tax redemptions or other legal proceedings.
59.14 History
History: 1987 a. 378;
1995 a. 201 s.
244; Stats. 1995 s. 59.14.
59.14 Annotation
Sub. (1) is discussed in reference to the effect of the failure to distribute and the requirements of distribution and publication. 62 Atty. Gen. 81.
59.14 Annotation
Codification and publication of ordinances is discussed. 70 Atty. Gen. 124.
59.15
59.15
Neglect of duty. Any supervisor who refuses or neglects to perform any of the duties which are required of the supervisor by law as a member of the board, without just cause therefor, shall for each such refusal or neglect forfeit not less than $50 nor more than $200.
