By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Crawford County Supervisors anticipate approving 2026 budget next month
Crawford County Administration Building

By Steve Van Kooten


After months of number crunching and a seemingly unending battery of challenges and obstacles, Crawford County supervisors expect to approve the county’s 2026 budget on Nov. 12, according to Finance Committee Chair Gary Koch.

The county expects to hold a public hearing at the County Administration Building on the 12th at a time to be determined. The County Board of Supervisors will vote to approve the budget immediately after the hearing.

During the public hearing, Koch will present details about the budget, including increases in expenses (such as new positions for the county jail), levy limit and state-shared revenue.

The Finance Committee will finalize their recommendations at their next meeting on Oct. 22.


Driftless Development

Three representatives from Driftless Development, Inc. appeared at the Oct. 9 Finance Committee meeting to make a contribution request to the county.

DDI is an economic development organization working in Southwest Wisconsin and centered in Crawford County.

“Economic development is really important,” said DDI Board President Sasha Kozelka. “It truly is the long game.”

Mark Lee, DDI executive director, said Crawford County is the organization’s largest funder, contributing $60,000 in 2025 plus $6,000 for the Alice in Dairyland contest.

Lee listed some of DDI’s recent work, including a $90,000 specialty crop grant, $14,000 in tourism grants to 14 local businesses and its partnerships with the UW-Extension, the Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to tackle different issues facing the county.

According to Lee, Alice in Dairyland raised approximately $60,000. After paying expenses, half of that money was a surplus and redistributed to area organizations, including the school districts.

The contest created a $200,000 economic impact on Gays Mills and a $2 million impact on Prairie du Chien from increased tourism.

“Every county dollar gets multiplied as part of our mission,” said Lee.

Koch said “it appears” the county will be able to meet DDI’s ask based on the budget; however, the committee will not make a final determination on contribution requests until Oct. 22.


Other business

• The Prairie du Chien Historical Society requested a $4,500 contribution from the county.