STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) - Portage County is making progress on a long and detailed comprehensive planning project. County Executive Patty Dreier says they realized a couple of years ago the county needed to set priorities for the long haul. Dreier says they really don’t have a long term comprehensive plan, and every strong organization needs one.
The county’s comprehensive plan covers economic development, facilities planning, streamlining county services, and maintaining a skilled county workforce.
Dreier says this project helps them lay out the map, so they can plan financially and organizationally for the long term. “Right now, and to this point in time, Portage County government hasn’t had a strategic plan. Then, it’s the flavor of the day if we’re not careful, and it depends on who comes into office.”
Work on the plan started in the county committees back in 2011 by identifying issues, mandates, and collecting data from previous county studies.
During the past four months, Portage County has been working with a Madison consultant to assemble the information. The County Board had their first look at the comprehensive plan Tuesday. Dreier says there is still a ways to go before it’s completed.