Power Line Impact Funding Guidelines

Purpose

To establish clear and consistent guidelines for the allocation of Power Line Impact Funds in Taylor County. These updated guidelines are designed to ensure that funds are used equitably, transparently, and for the benefit of the public.

Policy

The Taylor County Board affirms its authority to revise funding guidelines as needed to reflect current priorities and ensure funds are allocated in a manner that benefits the public effectively. These guidelines are the current standard for all future funding considerations.

Funding Eligibility Guidelines

1. Ineligible Projects

• Private Businesses: Applications submitted on behalf of private, for-profit businesses will not be considered.
• Building Repairs and Maintenance: Requests to fund repairs, upgrades, or maintenance of town, village, city, or county buildings are not eligible. These costs should be addressed through local government building and grounds budgets.
• School District Projects: Funding for projects associated with public or private school districts is not permitted. School districts are their own tax entity and should fund their own initiatives, unless the project provides a direct and substantial impact on the broader community.

2. Eligible Projects

Funding will support projects that enhance public spaces and recreation opportunities. Eligible examples include:

•   Public parks
•   Community fishing docks
•   Hiking or rail trails
•   Other projects that provide clear public benefit and accessibility

3. Funding Amounts

• The maximum standard funding request is set at $10,000 per project.
• 10% of the annual Power Line Impact Fund allocation will be reserved for major projects that exceed $10,000 cap. These larger projects will require special review and board approval.

Accountability and Reporting Requirements

• Payment Timing: Funds may be disbursed only after the project has commenced or, in some cases, upon completion. Upfront disbursements may be limited or subject to additional conditions.
• Documentation Required: Applicants must provide purchase orders, quotes, or other documentation outlining how funds will be spent.
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Funded projects will be subject to follow-up review to ensure completion and compliance with the approved application. When 25% of the project is completed must provide an update of the project and a picture.
• When the project is completed send an update to the County Clerk’s office of how the project went and pictures of the completed project, including income/expense reports to Taylor County following the event/project.

Application Requirements

The Taylor County Finance Committee considers funding requests twice a year. Submissions must be made prior to March 1st for review and recommendations for final action at the April County Board Meeting, or prior to September 1st for review and recommendations at the October County Board Meeting.

The requesting organization must:

• Complete the attached request form, then submit the signed and dated form with an event/project budget to Taylor County Finance Committee, Taylor County, 224 South Second Street, Medford, WI 54451; signature date will be considered as date of application
• Have a representative from your organization attend the meeting when the request is reviewed by the Taylor County Finance Committee or the request will not be considered.