September 14–20, 2026
The County Board acted on flood repairs, jail staffing, and budget shifts this week, while all five upcoming federal bills deal with matters outside Brown County.
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At the airport and around the county. The biggest local move this week came after flooding damaged Austin Straubel International Airport. The Brown County Board declared a flood damage emergency, which lets the county start repairs right away rather than waiting weeks for the normal approval process. That action is now in effect. Separately, the board adopted a set of mid-year budget adjustments, shifting money between departments to keep the books balanced. What that means in practice: some county services, such as parks, public health, or road maintenance, may see changed staffing or resources as the year winds down.
At the jail. The board also approved a staffing agreement tied to double-celling at the Brown County Jail, housing two inmates per cell instead of one. The agreement adjusts how many workers are on duty to match that higher occupancy. Both the jail agreement and the airport emergency declaration are now in effect, adopted by a voice vote Wednesday, September 16.
Local business and agriculture. The board approved a lease for Pioneer Metal Finishing, an industrial metal shop that will operate on county property. It also authorized bond financing for Zirbel Dairy Farms in Glenmore. The dairy bonds are a revenue tool issued through the Public Finance Authority, not a direct draw on county tax dollars. Both measures were adopted Wednesday, September 16.
In the courts. The board passed a resolution asking for two additional judges in Brown County's circuit court. More judges on the bench could shorten wait times across criminal, family law, and civil cases. That request is now adopted and moves forward through the state court system.
The board also approved routine vendor payments to keep county operations running without interruption.
On the federal side, a new law (S 307) sets national standards requiring federal prisons to prevent, track, and respond to sexual assault against correctional staff and other prison workers. It is now law. That primarily affects people who work in or are held in federal Bureau of Prisons facilities.
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Coming up next week:
Federal watershed grants. S 4041 cleared its Senate committee and is headed to a full Senate floor vote, though no firm date is set yet. The bill raises the annual grant cap for local watershed groups from $100,000 to $150,000, allows grants to run up to five years, and opens applications year-round. If your area has a watershed council or conservancy, this changes how much and how often it can apply.
Federal mining access. HR 3872 also cleared committee and awaits a Senate floor vote. It opens all federally acquired lands to hardrock mineral leasing, covering gold, copper, and similar metals. No floor date is confirmed yet.
Several other federal bills on the Senate calendar this week, covering an Alaska Native land exchange, an Arizona forest transfer for veterans, and a Gateway Arch private-events pilot in St. Louis, deal with matters specific to those regions and don't touch Brown County.
See what's up for a vote now · Find your representatives