On the agenda: Buffalo County meeting — Data Center (May 18)

Notice of Public Meeting
COUNTY BOARD AGENDA
Committee:

County Board of Supervisors

Date:

Monday, May 18, 2026

Time:

4:30 P.M.

Location:

3rd Floor County Board Room, 407 S. 2nd Street, Alma, WI 54610

Remote Access:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/230326243188259?p=bGDyT9W8IjGpB45Jbh

This meeting is open to the public, but portions of the meeting may be closed if this notice indicates that the committee may
convene in closed session.
The following matters may be reviewed, discussed and acted upon by the County Board of Supervisors at this meeting.
Please note that deviations from the order shown may occur.
BUFFALO COUNTY BOARD MEETING

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18.
Date: May 12, 2026

Call to Order
Roll Call of County Board of Supervisors
Pledge of Allegiance
County Clerk Verification of Open Meetings Law Compliance
Approve Agenda
Approve Minutes of Previous Meeting
Public Comment
Library Presentation
Confirmation of Committee Assignments
Ordinance #26-05-01 An Ordinance to Amend “Buffalo County
Subdivision Ordinance”
Ordinance #26-05-02 An Ordinance to Amend Ordinance #18-0701 “Buffalo County Zoning Ordinance”
Committee Chair Reports
County Board Chair Report
County Administrator Report
Correspondence
Future Agenda Items
Next Meeting Date and Time: June 22, 2026, at 7:00 P.M.
Adjournment

Dennis Bork, Chair

_______________________________
By: Lisa Schmitt, County Clerk
Board Members: If unable to attend, please contact the Chair. If the Chair is unavailable, please contact the County Clerk’s Office at 608-685-6209. If the
Chair and the County Clerk are not available, please call the Administrative Coordinator at 608-685-6234.
Persons with Disabilities: Buffalo County shall attempt to provide reasonable accommodations to the public for access to its public meetings, provided
reasonable notice of special need is given. If you require special accommodations to attend this meeting, please contact the County Clerk’s Office at 608685-6209.
Public Access to the Courthouse: The South Entrance will be the only access to the building after 4:00 p.m. on Monday – Thursdays and after 12:00 p.m.
on Fridays.
Persons who are members of another governmental body, but who are not members of this committee, may attend this meeting. Their attendance could
result in a quorum of another governmental body being present. Such a quorum is unintended, and they are not meeting to exercise the authority, duties, or
responsibilities of any other governmental body.

BUFFALO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS APRIL SESSION
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 9:00 A.M.

The Board met. Mr. Bork in the Chair.
Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 9:00 a.m.
Roll Call and Certification of Buffalo County Board of Supervisors: Roll call was taken and all
the members were present. Mr. Michaels left the meeting at approximately 10:40 a.m. Ms.
Schmitt, County Clerk, certified the results of the April 7, 2026, election at the Board of Canvass
meeting on April 9, 2026, and stated that all individuals named in the roll call were duly elected.
Others present in person at the meeting: Mr. Lee Engfer and Ms. Lisa Schmitt. Joining online
were Ms. Leslie Sendelbach, Ms. Julie Vollmer, Ms. Ana Rolbiecki, Ms. Carri Renchin, Mr.
Christopher Murray, and Brommerich News.
Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
County Clerk Verification of Open Meetings Law Compliance: Ms. Schmitt verified that
proper notice of the meeting was given in compliance with Wisconsin Open Meetings Law at
least 24 hours prior to this meeting.
Swearing in of Buffalo County Board of Supervisors: Ms. Schmitt administered the Oath of
Office to all board members present and had them sign the Oath of Office to be notarized and
filed in the County Clerk’s Office.
Approve Agenda: Mr. Bork confirmed that the agenda is approved, as there was no opposition to
the same.
Approve Minutes of Previous Meeting: Mr. Taylor made a motion to approve the minutes of the
previous meeting, seconded by Ms. McDonough. Carried.
Public Comment: None.
Election of Chairperson: Ms. Schmitt assumed the role of chairperson and declared the floor
open for nominations for County Board Chairperson to serve for a two-year term. Mr. Michaels
nominated Mr. Bork. Mr. Stanton nominated Mr. Taylor. Ms. Schmitt called for any other
nominations and as there were no other nominations, declared nominations closed. Mr. Bork
and Mr. Taylor each spoke. The results of voting were as follows: Mr. Dennis Bork – 7 votes, Mr.
Mike Taylor – 6 votes. Mr. Bork was elected to the position of County Board Chairperson.
Election of Vice-Chairperson: Ms. Schmitt declared the floor open for nominations for County
Board Vice-Chairperson to serve for a two-year term. Mr. Stanton nominated Mr. Weiss. Ms.
Schmitt called for any other nominations and as there were no other nominations, asked for a
motion to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot. Mr. Lindstrom made a motion to

close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot in favor of Mr. Weiss for County Board Vice
Chairperson, seconded by Mr. Taylor. Carried.
Mr. Bork resumed the position of chair for the remainder of the meeting.
Resolution #26-04-01 A Resolution to Declaire Primary Authorized Financial Institution:
Mr. Engfer said that most recently the county has been doing banking with Bank of Alma. There
has been a need to look at other options, and Alliance Bank has been selected to be the primary
bank to be used by the county. This resolution was supported by the Finance Committee, with
Mr. Bruegger abstaining from the decision at the Finance meeting. Mr. Engfer answered
questions from the board. Mr. Taylor made a motion to declare Alliance Bank as the primary
financial institution for Buffalo County, seconded by Mr. Ruff. Carried, with Mr. Bruegger
abstaining due to a conflict of interest.
Resolution #26-04-02 A Resolution to Establish Petty Cash for the Register of Deeds: This
resolution will allow the Register of Deed’s office to operate more efficiently and to easily
provide change for cash payments. The amount to be kept in the fund is $200. Mr. Taylor made a
motion to establish the petty cash fund for the Register of Deed’s office, seconded by Ms.
McDonough. Carried.
Annual Training: Mr. Engfer provided training to the County Board Supervisors.
Committee Chair Reports: No reports given. Each supervisor introduced themselves to the new
District 8 supervisor, Dan Schultz, who represents the City of Alma.
County Board Chair Report: Mr. Bork asked about the new agenda format. Ms. Schmitt and Mr.
Engfer explained that the ‘review/discussion/action’ information is now placed before the
numbered agenda items.
County Administrator Report: Mr. Engfer reported as follows –
• There was a Wisconsin Town’s Association meeting last night. Mr. Steve Wall, Emergency
Management Director, spoke at the meeting and Mr. Gil Adams, the new Highway
Commissioner, was also present. Mr. Engfer informed the municipalities present at that
meeting that they need to reach out to Mr. Briar Golden, in the Land Management
Department, if they want their opinion heard regarding the Comprehensive Land Use
Plan.
• Positive feedback has been received from several townships regarding our new
corporation counsel.
• An update was given on the recent tornado activity in the county and the emergency
response to the situation. There were no personal injuries, despite extensive damage to
property.
• An updated county website should be going live in the next few months.
• The audit is currently ongoing.
• The south end of the county will have road construction taking place on Highway 35
shortly, along with sidewalk ramp work in the City of Fountain City.

Correspondence: None
Future Agenda Items: Mr. Engfer reported there will be a Records Retention Ordinance coming
forward soon.
Next Meeting Date and Time: The next meeting will be Monday, May 18, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.,
instead of 7:00 p.m.
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 10:52 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Schmitt
County Clerk

Buffalo County Ordinance
Drafted By: Cale Severson
Month/Year: May 2026
Committee: Land Mgt. Comm.

Department: Zoning
Fiscal Impact: Yes/No

Ordinance # ____________________
An Ordinance to Amend “Buffalo County Subdivision Ordinance”
Whereas, the Buffalo County Land Management Committee has reviewed suggested
changes to the ordinance as shown on the attachment, and;
Whereas, Sections 7.5 (2)(b), 7.5(3) and 7.5(4) are outdated and are getting struck off, to
conform with DSPS 385,
Now, Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Buffalo County Board of Supervisors hereby adopts
and ordains the Buffalo County Subdivision Ordinance amendments as outlined in the
attached Exhibit A.
Adopted at a duly called and noticed meeting of the Buffalo County Board of Supervisors on
this 18th day of May, 2026.
ATTEST:
_________________________
Buffalo County Clerk

_________________________
Buffalo County Chairperson

Land Management Committee:
_________________________
Max Weiss

__________________________
Robert Sendelbach

_________________________
Steve Nelson

__________________________
Chris Lindstrom

_________________________
William Bruegger

__________________________
Joe Bragger

EXHIBIT A
(2) Lot area, width, and area free of limiting conditions based on percolation
characteristics:
a. The shape of individual lots may render portions unusable for
installing private sewage disposal systems or providing adequate
separating distances between them and watercourse for
waterwells. Therefore, any part of a lot less than thirty (30) feet
wide shall not be used in computing the minimum lot area.
b. The subdivider shall carry out soil tests in the manner required by
SPS 385 Chapter H 65, Wisconsin Administrative Code. Lots shall be of
the following minimum areas, widths, and shall have the specified
minimum areas free of limiting conditions to meet the
requirements of Chapter H 65, Wisconsin Administrative Code.
To avoid problems with soil absorption fields and to protect the
health and safety, the Division of Health has adopted Chapters H
62 and H65, Wisconsin Administrative Code, which relate to
private waste disposal and subdivisions not served by public
sewers, respectively. In addition, the Division of Health has
developed subdivision guidelines as provided in Sections 236.13
(2m) and 144.025 (2)(q), Wisconsin Statutes. Required lot width,
area, and minimum area free of limiting conditions are determined
by percolation tests.
A minimum lot area of 20,000 square feet is required by this
ordinance for unsewered lots with private water supplies to
provide room for the necessary separation distances to prevent the
concentration of nutrients and pollutants in the ground water.

(3) Fill
Percolation tests and soil borings in fill shall be conducted as required by
Chapter H 65 Wisconsin Administrative Code
(4) Option of detailed absorption tests:
If a subdivider chooses, he may carry out detailed soil absorption field
tests on a proposed lot as provided in Chapter H 65 Wisconsin
Administrative Code. The location of at least three required percolation
tests over the site of the proposed absorption field shall be accurately
recorded on the subdivision plat. An absorption field may be located on
the site of the proposed field without further tests, unless further test are
deemed necessary by the Zoning Administrator or county planning
agency and if installation is within five (5) years of the initial tests.

Buffalo County Ordinance
Drafted By: Cale Severson
Month/Year: May 2026
Committee: Land Mgt. Comm.

Department: Zoning
Fiscal Impact: Yes/No

Ordinance # ____________________
An Ordinance to Amend Ordinance #18-07-01 “Buffalo County Zoning Ordinance”
Whereas, the Buffalo County Land Management Committee has reviewed suggested
changes to the ordinance as shown on the attachment;
Now, Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Buffalo County Board of Supervisors hereby adopts
and ordains the Buffalo County Zoning Ordinance amendments as outlined in the attached
Exhibit A.
Adopted at a duly called and noticed meeting of the Buffalo County Board of Supervisors on
this 18th day of May, 2026.
ATTEST:
_________________________
Buffalo County Clerk

_________________________
Buffalo County Chairperson

Land Management Committee:
_________________________
Max Weiss

__________________________
Robert Sendelbach

_________________________
Steve Nelson

__________________________
Chris Lindstrom

_________________________
William Bruegger

__________________________
Joe Bragger

EXHIBIT A

11.

Data Center
A. Data Centers will only be allowed in an industrial zoning district as a conditional
use.
1. Applications for such uses shall provide the following
(a) A utility coordination letter that shows proof of grid capacity and total MW
demand
(b) A water usage disclosure statement that provides annual and daily water
demand
(c) Water source (municipal vs. ground water)
(d) Cooling type shall be identified and described, including a water discharge
plan and expected water replacement intervals for closed-loop or evaporative
systems
(e) A natural vegetation barrier plan. A natural vegetation barrier consisting of
trees, bushes or other natural vegetation such as evergreens that has the capability
to effectively shield the site visually. None of which shall be on the States invasive
species list.
(f) An emergency operations plan detailing procedures for fire protection,
hazardous materials management, backup power operations, and coordination with
local emergency response agencies.
(g) A decommissioning plan
(h) A construction schedule or phasing plan for build out
(i) Chemical disclosure identifying types of treatment chemicals used onsite
2. Data centers shall be located a minimum of 500 feet from any dwelling unit other
than that of the owner or operator of the establishment
3. Data centers shall be located a minimum of 100 feet from property lines
4. No data center shall produce a sound level at its property boundary that exceeds
55 decibels.

5. Generator testing shall only be allowed during weekdays between the hours of
8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Exceptions to the decibel limits during the hours of 8:00 am 5:00 pm may be authorized by the committee if determined appropriate.

May 2026 Financial Report

Tina Anibas, Buffalo County Treasurer

Investment Notes

4/8/2026 Closed Land Grants LGIP
4/15/2026 From WISC PMA to General $425,000
4/17/2026 From WISC PMA to General $100,000
4/22/2026 From WISC PMA to General $100,000
4/23/2026 From WISC PMA to General $400,000
GENERAL CASH
WAUMANDEE CDARS/CDS
TOTAL GENERAL FUNDS
CAPX CDARS
TAX DEED
LAND RECORDS
VEHICLE REPLACEMENT
HEALTH INSURANCE
DEBT SERVICE
RECYCLING
ORTHO/LIDAR
OPIOID FUNDS
COMMUNITY BLOCK GRANT FUNDS
LAND INFO GRANTS
2021 AMERICAN RESCUE FUNDS
2024 NOTE FUNDS
TOTAL OTHER FUNDS
SALES TAX 2026 YEAR TO DATE
YEAR TO DATE INTEREST
TOTAL RECEIPTS
TOTAL DISTRIBUTED
UNPAID TAX REPORT PAYABLE
2023-2024 Delinquent
2025 Delinquent
2025 Postponed
TOTAL OUTSTANDING TAXES

Jan

$9,316,326.19
$1,000,000.00
$10,316,326.19
$675,000.00
$8,673.19
$235,922.63
$46,496.23
$79,489.92
$200,946.99
$98,364.47
$61,190.63
$218,596.84
$26,997.37
$0.00
$276,524.77
$709,049.15
$2,637,252.19
$107,628.12
$92,848.39
$2,330,233.58
$2,000,261.41
$190,653.13
$438,345.79
$5,088,818.27
$5,717,817.19