Budget 2027: First Look

The La Crosse County Board got a first look at the County’s proposed 2027 budget last week. The $209 million spending plan is flat compared to this year, which means the County is working hard to keep spending in check (inflation is running at 3.4%).

Some highlights in the proposed 2027 budget include:

• $500,000 to replace 51 voting machines, most more than a decade old, to upgrade security and reliability.
• A 1% across-the-board pay raise, on top of an average 3% step increase for most County staff.
• $150,000 for a new County website to make accessing and understanding services easier for the public.
• $280,000 to support three new crisis positions in Human Services to improve coordination and access to long‑term support.
• 12.5 miles of highway construction projects, an increase over the miles completed this year.

We'll share more on the budget next month ahead of a public hearing and vote by the County Board in November.

Highway Drivers Test Their Skills

Retired Highway Department staff (pictured below) returned last week to serve as judges for our annual Highway Safety Day. Our current crew was put through their paces on a challenging snowplow course, an important part of getting ready for the winter driving season, when our plow drivers will be out keeping the county moving. The day also included additional key training for Highway staff.

Human Services Team Beats Target

Our Human Services Administrative Support team’s three office assistants have handled 16,000 calls to the 784‑HELP line in the first eight months of 2026. They answered approximately 98% of all calls, exceeding our 95% target. With an average handling time of just 1 minute and 6 seconds, callers are being connected to services quickly and reliably. This is a great example of the high level of customer service we aim to provide to meet the public’s needs.

Owl Rescued at Veterans Memorial

A great horned owl fell out of a tree at Veterans Memorial Park in West Salem on Tuesday. Our Grounds Crew, Sheriff's Office, and the Coulee Region Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation team worked together to safely bring the owl in for a checkup to make sure there were no serious injuries. Staff at Coulee Region Humane Society reported on Wednesday that the owl is eating and doing very well.

La Crosse County is seeking individuals to serve on the Civilian Review Board (CRB). Experience in system navigation is a plus but not necessary as there is a team of people available to assist in problem solving.

The length of term is two years and the CRB meets monthly for approximately one hour. Reports are shared among the members of the CRB. It’s estimated the time commitment is between 3-6 hours/month. Learn more about the CRB at lacrossecounty.org/crb.

If you are interested in serving on the CRB please email County Board Chair Tina Tryggestad at ttryggestad@lacrossecounty.org by Friday, Oct. 30, and include a brief explanation of why you would like to serve and how your experience would make you a good fit.

County Staff Lead on Environmental Health

County Environmental Health staff attended the annual Wisconsin Environmental Health Association conference last week, learning from peers about protecting communities from risks such as rabies, water pollution, and food safety. Our staff also presented on La Crosse County’s Environmental Housing Complaint inspection program.

The Environmental Health team, part of the La Crosse County Health Department, carries out important work to keep the community safe, including restaurant inspections, water testing, and much more.

Marilyn's 20 Year of Volunteer Service Recognized

Marilyn Horn, who has volunteered at our Register of Deeds Office since 2009, recently received the 2026 Governor’s Service Award, in recognition of her 20 years of volunteering in our community. Marilyn volunteers through Seniors RISE. Well done, Marilyn!

County Careers

La Crosse County currently has a range of job openings for people interested in supporting our community. Current openings include:

• Fleet Support Technician
• Social Service Specialist - Housing Support Services
• Public Safety Communications Specialist
• Custodian

Help us spread the word about these opportunities. View all our job openings here.