Marathon County logo. MWC file photo.
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Marathon County Board of Supervisors took nearly an hour of public comment on a proposed resolution against any further COVID-19-related mandates from the state.
District 6 Supervisor Stacey Morache says her resolution is not meant to be divisive or politically motivated. Instead, her goal was to preserve freedom of choice. “To be abundantly clear this resolution does not take away your right to wear a mask, get boosters, or stay home; If those are tools you feel will keep you safe.
“As County Board members, we all took a sworn oath to support the United States Constitution [and] the State of Wisconsin Constitution. These documents make it abundantly clear that citizen’s rights should not be infringed upon,” added Morache.
County Corporation Counsel Michael Puerner confirmed that the document does not have enforceable action or change any current ordinances. “In effect, this is a declaration to other government entities. It does not have the force of law to overturn anything, but it is a statement about these policy positions.
“The county does not have the statutory authority granted by the state to act in this area except by expressing its position on policy to, as the resolution calls for, the Department of Health Services,” added Puerner.
Nineteen residents gave public comments at the start of the meeting. That included Lincoln County Supervisor Steve Osness, who says they are considering a similar resolution. Others told personal stories of how lockdowns, vaccine mandates, and other elements of the response to the virus impacted their lives or their loved ones.
All of the speakers were in support of the resolution.
No action was taken during Thursday’s meeting. A vote on the resolution is expected during next Tuesday’s business meeting. Public comment will not be part of that agenda.
Comments