Many topics discussed at Richland Center City Council Meeting

RICHLAND CENTER, Wis (WRCO / WRCE) – Greater Richland Tourism Director, Marty Richards, gave his annual report to the City of Richland Center at Tuesday night’s council meeting. He stated that outdoor exploration is the area’s strength, year-round. Outdoor exploration is a growing segment.

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism now has an Office of Outdoor Recreation. In 2023 the outdoor recreation industry grew 9.4% in Wisconsin, outpacing the overall state economy. Area tourism in 2024 dealt with late winter months, and no snow except 10 days in February. Flooding in the spring and early summer. Summer and fall were strong, which brought on strong colors in the fall. An early winter again brought on a lack of snow. Although the weather was adverse, Richland County grew one percent in Direct Visitor Spending in 2024, a record four years in a row of growth. Direct Visitor Spending increased to a record $27,400,000 in 2024. Richland County outpaced many of the surrounding counties. Challenges for Greater Richland Tourism include the weather and managing the Pine River, and the lack of available lodging and dining options.

In action items, the council approved:
To award the annual leachate line jetting work to Superior Jetting at a cost of approximately $3,950.

To award the 2025 Street Overlay Project, using chip seal, to Fahrner Asphalt Sealers at a cost of $2.56 a square yard for Single Seal and $5.05 a square yared for Double Seal with the expenditure amount not to exceed $72,500.

To award the Church and East Court Parking Lot Repaving Project to D.L. Gasser Construction at a cost of approximately $32,340.

The engine replacement for a John Deere end loader, at an approximate cost of $33,000.

The repair of a Ferris mower at a cost of approximately $4,100.
And to accept the donation of dugouts for the Krouskop Park softball fields.

Richland Center Police Chief, Billy Jones, also reminded those in attendance of the community’s National Night Out scheduled for Tuesday, August 5, at the Richland County Fairgrounds, put on by law enforcement, the fire department, ambulance, and Partners for Prevention of Richland County.

He also asked the council to consider moving next month’s meeting to a different night so they can participate in this community event.

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