Chairwoman Nicholson Applauds Renewed Partnership with the Wisconsin Counties Association
MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors approved (14-2, Clancy, Czarnezki) a measure to re-join the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) today, after the WCA made a new commitment to proactively address issues of diversity, transparency, and accountability.
Prior to the vote, Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson expressed her support for rejoining the WCA and encouraged other Supervisors to join her in voting Yes.
“We can’t do everything we want by ourselves. Renewing our membership with the WCA means that we’ll have an ally and a partner as we tackle big challenges like solving our revenue crisis and achieving racial equity. I was proud to introduce the racial equity resolution at the WCA as a member of their board, and while I know there is certainly more work to be done, engagement is the path to a stronger relationship.”
When setting and adopting Milwaukee County’s 2021 budget last November, the Board voted to withhold approximately $36,000 in annual dues to the WCA due to concerns over the organization’s lack of diversity, operational transparency, and perceived conflicts of interest.
The Committee on Intergovernmental Relations considered a resolution to re-join the WCA in January but the Board remained sharply divided when debating the measure on February 4. Nicholson then successfully motioned (15-1, Weishan) for Corporation Counsel to communicate a detailed proposal for deeper engagement with the WCA on specific areas of concern.
The WCA’s response was received on February 22.
With today’s Board action, the County is authorized to allocate $35,835 from a contingency fund to pay Milwaukee County’s 2021 dues to the WCA.
Supervisors Willie Johnson, Jr., Sequanna Taylor, and Chairwoman Nicholson will continue to represent Milwaukee County on the WCA board of directors.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
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