storyhill.net, Sept. 18, 2006

County review of SEWRPC relationship urged

Sept. 18 -- A special committee would be established to review the county's relationship with the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission to determine whether the county should stop funding the agency, under a resolution to be considered Tuesday.

The county is supposed to kick in $834,360 to fund SEWRPC next year, tops among the seven member counties. The Milwaukee contribution is 25% more than the $669,060 that Waukesha County -- the next largest contributor -- is supposed to kick in.

All seven member counties get three votes on the commission, even though their populations and financial contributions differ signifcantly.

SEWRPC is the planning body that recommended massive freeway expansion projects that would have most negative impacts on Milwaukee; it also has been accused of gross conflicts of interest in its freeway and water diversion studies.

The other member counties and their contributions include:

  • Racine County, $195,755;
  • Kenosha County, $182,140;
  • Washington County, $173,245
  • Walworth County, $170,245
  • Ozaukee county, $145,440.

Supervisor John Weishan's resolution calls for the special committee to examine the county / SEWRPC relationship "both on a technical and political level."

"The funds allocated by Milwaukee County to SEWRPC may be best kept in Milwaukee County for an agency that serves the interests of Milwaukee County and its residents," he said.

The resolution will be considered by the County Board's Parks Committee at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 201-B of the Courthouse.

Under the proposal, the special committee would include:

  • The director of the Department of Transportation and Public Works or a designee.
  • The Parks director or a designee.
  • The Department of Administrative Services director or a designee.
  • The corporation counsel or a designee.
  • County Board staff or designee.

The committee would report back with findings and recommendations by March 2007.