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The League has been a champion of government transparency since our founding in 1920. It is one of our core principles and a vital part of our mission.

Members of our local League’s Observer Corps (OC) volunteer to monitor local government boards and committees. Their purpose is to understand and shine a light on issues of importance to our area, especially those related to positions adopted by the LWV of Wisconsin. The League Lens shares a snapshot of what is happening in county, municipal, and school district governance as reported by our OC members.

We welcome new members to our Observer Corps team. If you have an interest in observing a La Crosse area government entity—municipal, county, or school district—visit our Observer Corps page for more information about how to get involved.

SEPTEMBER 2025 LEAGUE LENS

Virginia Crank, Editor - 10/6/2025

School District of La Crosse Board of Education Meeting: September 8 Video
School District of La Crosse Board of Education Meeting: September 22 Video

The September La Crosse School Board meetings showcased two successful district programs: the summer school program, which includes foundation, high school and enrichment classes, and La Crosse Promise, which provides support to Central and Logan students as they plan for their paths after high school.

The Board also discussed their petition to the Department of Public Instruction to begin the school year in the third week of August, noting that changing the start date to align with private schools in the area will save the district significant transportation costs.

After reviewing the wide range of capital improvement projects that took place over the summer, the Board voted to award Fowler and Hammer the bid for construction of the State Road Elementary addition, which should be completed by Sept. 1, 2026. Hintgen Elementary is expected to merge with State Road in 2027, and the Hogan site is still in the design phase, with all district administrative offices now located at Central High School.

The District’s budget plan was proposed at the Sept. 8 meeting and approved at the Sept. 22 meeting.

Observers: Jean Hammons and Rosemary Bodnar

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City of La Crosse Common Council September 11 Meeting: Video and Materials
Special Meeting with the La Crosse County Board on Pathways Home
Board of Estimates: September 4 Operating Budget Meeting

In their September meeting, the Common Council awarded contracts for work on the Riverpoint District Phase 4 project and City Hall renovations on the fifth floor.

A motion “not to approve” the proposal from Mayor Washington-Spivey for the addition of a Director of Operations to city staff was referred for 30 days by a vote of 9-4. Reasons for the referral included interest in gaining more information about the proposed position and providing the public with time to become better informed about the position.

Notable actions in the consent agenda included approval for

the addition of Washburn Neighborhood to the Downtown Neighborhood Association Paint and Fix Up Grant Program
a use agreement for Green Island to the Coulee Region Tennis Association
fire protection services for the Town of Medary
use of TIF funds to acquire additional property adjacent to the Riverpoint project

In addition to the regular Common Council meeting the Common Council met with the La Crosse County Board on September 11 for a special informational meeting on the progress of the Pathways Home project.

In September, the Board of Estimates—composed of council persons from the Finance and Personnel Committee, the finance director, and the mayor— began public meetings on the city Operating Budget. Finance Director Hawkins reported that loss of funds from the American Rescue Plan program, spending caps from the state, and increasing costs require that city staff, under the direction of the mayor, make cuts of around 3% in order to balance the city's budget. Budget meetings of the Board of Estimates and Common Council will continue into October.

Observer: Nora Garland

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Campbell Town Board Agenda and Minutes

In their September meeting, the Town of Campbell supervisors heard an update on the progress on the Town's municipal water system; the well was expected to be completed and tested on yield this month (September). Financing for the project was discussed, and several updates to Town policies are needed to be in compliance with USDA-RD funding requirements.

The supervisors also heard an update on the incorporation process with a special meeting called for the following Tuesday to approve the application and submit it along with the $30,000 fee. Because of this incorporation process, the supervisors continue to discuss updates to other policies and procedures in order to align with neighboring municipalities.

Observer: Stephanie Davis

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La Crosse County Board Meeting Minutes

The County Board’s September meeting included the passing of an ordinance reducing the fine for possession of small amounts of marijuana and drug paraphernalia from $100 to $1. The board also gave preliminary approval of a $1.8 million balanced budget for 2026, including new positions for the Shelby Sheriff’s Department and increased funding for medical costs in the La Crosse jail. They also approved a $5,000 grant for eight EMS teams to provide naloxone and related training and supported continued funding for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.

Observer: Mary Faherty

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La Crosse County Judiciary and Law: September 9 Minutes

The September meeting of the Judiciary and Law Committee focused on reports from representatives of three programs. The La Crosse Jail Ministry requested increased county funding(1-2%), with the jail chaplain highlighting the ministry’s work with 97 community volunteers and various religious and personal support services. The Human Services Clinical Therapist described his role in addressing inmates’ mental health needs, noting that he works with both chronic and acute concerns, conducting over 500 personal visits and over 200 suicide assessments in 2024. The third report was from the Civilian Review Board, indicating that the website is active and had received two official reports (at the time of this meeting); they are also working on marketing materials to promote their website.

Observer: Chris Haskell

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Criminal Justice Management Council

The September CJMC meeting featured a presentation from the Civilian Review Board focusing on updates on their website and marketing materials. At the time of this meeting, they had received four reports from the public on the website and had been able to respond with guidance within 48 hours.The committee also heard from the Sheriff’s Department staff about jail operations and inmate population trends and about a new grant for treatment and alternative diversion programs, where judges can refer individuals before they are charged. This program integrates well with the Pathways Home project.

Observer: Peter Nelson

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