Marathon County Board of Supervisors Discusses Resolution Against Future COIVD Related Mandates

Friday, September 22nd, 2023 -- 10:00 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) Marathon County Supervisors spent about 25 minutes discussing a proposed resolution against further COVID-19 related mandates.

Supervisor Stacey Morache, who drafted the resolution, says her proposal is not politically motivated, she just doesn't want people who aren't elected officials making decisions for everyone.

"As county board members, we all took a sworn oath to support the United State Constitution as well as the State of Wisconsin Constitution. Both of these documents make it abundently clear that citizen's rights shall not be infringed upon. To be abundently 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 and healthy."

Morache says the resolution could also be seen as a vote of confidence for small businesses, some of whom closed because of COVID-related shutdowns.

"Owning and operating your business is no small feat and if economic devleopment is truly one of our county's goals, we need to support them every way possible and that includes helping them stay open."

Corporation Counsel Michael Purner noted that the resolution doesn't come with any tangible action, instead it serves as a message to other entities.

"Becaue the county doesn't have the statutory authority granted by the state to act in this area except by expressing its position on policy to, for instance, as the resolution calls for, the Department of Health Services. It doesn't have the force of law to overturn anything, but it's a statement and declaration."

Supervisors also took nearly an hour of public comment from residents before the meeting. No vote was taken on the potential resolution- that's expected during Tuesday's business meeting. No public comment will be allowed during that meeting.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.