Letter: County exec encourages community, civic involvement
To the Editor-
The leaves are changing color, the kids are back in school, crops are being harvested, and we went from air conditioning to heating in the span of a week. It must be autumn in Portage County.
And with autumn comes budget season. Prior to holding this office, I didn’t know that the sound of geese flying south is accompanied by the sound of calculators and budget presentations.
We are working hard here at the county to walk the fine line of maintaining scores of public programs and services, compensating our employees for the excellent service they provide, and being mindful of the fiscal responsibility we hold to our citizens.
One of the primary issues affecting Portage County is also a nationwide topic of concern—employee recruitment and retention, and this also holds true at the county government level. To combat the threat of brain-drain, and to contend with both public and private sector competition, I authorized wage increases for the departments with the greatest income disparities, including the health care center, sheriff’s department, parks, and facilities, and are currently undergoing a salary study to make sure we remain competitive in the market as an employer and service provider.
It’s in my nature to be prudent and responsible with other people’s money. I do not consider the taxpayers’ money to be “the government’s” once it is collected. I understand that it is ours – We The People’s money. Therefore, it would be irresponsible of me not to voice any concerns that I see as we go forward. And I always encourage citizens to attend committee meetings, learn who their supervisors are, and be involved in the areas that impact them the most.
The referendum to increase our tax levy to fund the Portage County Healthcare Center passed with flying colors in April. However, that doesn’t mean that we hide disagreeable facts moving forward. We face problems and overcome them. We don’t avoid talking about them. Truth can stand up to scrutiny and challenge.
The overall dynamic of caring for the elderly in our society is changing dramatically with the availability of home health care, community-based residential facilities (CBRFs), assisted living centers (ALCs), and residential care apartment complexes (RCACs), of which we have an adequate supply in our area. Our Portage County Healthcare Center has once again received a five-star rating (the highest rating possible) from the State of Wisconsin, for which I give their talented and dedicated staff heartfelt congratulations.
Unfortunately, despite wage increases, we are still having difficulty hiring enough qualified individuals to keep the healthcare center fully staffed. This directly affects their ability to take in new admissions and creates operational challenges moving forward.
I may disagree with decisions at times, but I wholeheartedly support the direct legislative process and the authority of our elected board supervisors to make educated determinations on behalf of their constituents. I am confident that everyone working together will combine their talent, knowledge, and efforts to provide workable solutions.
Right now, inflation and supply chain issues are affecting everyone at every income level. For some, it is an inconvenience. For others, it is life-altering. As you go about your daily life, please take the time to look around you and notice the struggles and concerns of others. Portage County has many resources to offer, but our number one resource is our citizens. We care about each other here. Time after time I have heard from people who visited our community and decided to make Portage County their permanent home because of how welcomed they felt here.
We have the power to make positive change in each other’s lives. You can help someone today: by donating to one of our many food pantries, becoming a foster parent, or even just holding open a door for someone. During a time when many are in need, let’s all make an effort to reach out and help our neighbors.
John Pavelski
Portage County Executive
