Over the coming weeks, we’ll take a closer look at each standing committee, the issues they oversee, and how community members can engage in their work.

During the standing committee process:
➡ Supervisors dig into the details
➡ The public can begin to share input and testimony
➡ Amendments and changes are proposed
➡ Recommendations are made to the full county board

The board has seven standing committees, each focused on specific policy & oversight areas:
✅ Executive Committee
🩺 Health & Human Needs
🌽 Environment, Agriculture & Natural Resources
⚖ Public Protection & Judiciary
🚧 Public Works & Transportation
💲 Personnel & Finance
📍 Zoning & Land Regulation

🔗 Register to attend, to speak, or to indicate a position:
board.danecounty.gov/meetings/att...

📄 View the meeting agenda:
dane.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=...

County board meetings are open to the public, and community participation is encouraged.

🗣️ Ways to participate:
Members of the public are welcome to:
➡ Attend and listen
➡ Register to speak on an agenda item
➡ Indicate position on an agenda item without speaking

Participation is available in person, via Zoom, or by phone.

➡️ Over the next several weeks in our County Government 101 series, we'll take a closer look at each standing committee and the areas they oversee.

Committees take a closer look at the resolution or ordinance amendment, hear public input, and make recommendations before the full board considers final action. Committees are where much of the detailed review happens – and where the public has the first opportunity to share feedback.

4️⃣ Referral to Committees
After introduction, the county board chair refers the item to one or more of the county board’s standing committees. Referrals are made based on each committee's oversight responsibilities and policy focus.

3️⃣ Introduction into the Legislative Information Center
Once finalized, the proposal is formally introduced and entered into Dane County’s Legislative Information Center, where community members can track items, view agendas, and access meeting materials.

2️⃣ Drafting the Proposal
Sponsors work with county board office staff, the county controller, corporation counsel, and sometimes other department staff to develop the legislation. This may include legal review and preparation of a fiscal note to outline any financial impact.

1️⃣ Sponsorship
The process begins when one or more county board supervisors decide to introduce a resolution or ordinance amendment. These supervisors are called sponsors, and they might bring forward an idea based on community needs, county operations, or policy goals.

Resolutions can have real long-term impact by setting policy direction, making major investments, or formally documenting county values and decisions.

Resolutions are commonly used to:
➡️ Approve contracts, grants, and county projects
➡️ Accept funding or authorize spending
➡️ Guide county work and initiatives
➡️ Recognize observances and historic moments
➡️ Express the county’s formal position on an issue
➡️ Communicate with other governments

✅ Resolutions
Resolutions are drafted by county board and other department staff and are used to express the county’s policy priorities and positions. Resolutions do not amend the county's code of ordinances, but they are one of the county board’s most common and important tools.

Ordinances are changed through an ordinance amendment. All county ordinances are drafted and reviewed by Dane County Corporation Counsel and are compiled in the Dane County Code of Ordinances, which is available online at: danecounty.gov/ordinances

Ordinances can be used to:
➡️ Set rules for how county government operates
➡️ Establish standards or requirements the county must follow
➡️ Regulate certain activities (like land use and development)
➡️ Set legal duties or responsibilities

✅ Ordinances
Ordinances are Dane County’s local laws. They create countywide rules that are intended to be general, consistent, and long-lasting, meaning they apply across the county and remain in effect unless they are changed later.

The Dane County Board of Supervisors reaffirms its commitment to adopting practices that reduce salt pollution and protect Dane County’s infrastructure, lakes, streams, and drinking water for future generations and encourages county residents to adopt similar practices