reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 55 - Protective service system. › 55.22 - Records.

55.22
Records.
(1)
No records of the court pertaining to protective services or protective placement proceedings, including evaluations, reviews and recommendations prepared under s. 55.11 (1) (c), are open to public inspection but any record is available to all of the following:
(a)
The individual who is the subject of the proceedings and the individual's guardian at all times.
(b)
The individual's attorney or guardian ad litem, without the individual's consent and without modification of the records, in order to prepare for any court proceedings relating to the individual's protective services or protective placement or relating to the individual's guardianship.
(c)
Other persons only with the informed written consent of the individual as provided in s. 51.30 (2) or under an order of the court that maintains the records.
(2)
If the individual is a minor, consent for release of information from and access to the court records may be given only as provided in s. 51.30. If the individual is an adult who has been adjudicated incompetent in this state, consent for release of information from and access to court records may be given only as provided in s. 54.75.
(3)
All treatment and service records pertaining to an individual who is protected under this chapter or for whom application has been made for protection under this chapter are confidential. Section 51.30 governs access to treatment and service records.
History:  2005 a. 264 s. 154; 2005 a. 387 s. 120; 2007 a. 45.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 55 - Protective service system. › 55.23 - Patients' rights.

55.23
Patients' rights.
(1)
The rights and limitations upon rights, procedures for enforcement of rights, and penalties prescribed in s. 51.61 apply to individuals who receive services under this chapter, whether on a voluntary or involuntary basis.
(2)
A parent who has been denied periods of physical placement under s. 767.41 (4) (b) or 767.451 (4) may not have the rights of a parent or guardian with respect to access to a minor's records under this chapter.
History:  1977 c. 428; 1987 a. 355; 2005 a. 264 s. 156; Stats. 2005 s. 55.23; 2005 a. 443 s. 265.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 58 - Private asylums, hospitals and societies. › 58.01 - Private institutions for orphans, indigents and delinquent children.

58.01
Private institutions for orphans, indigents and delinquent children.
(1)
Any corporation organized for the establishment and maintenance of any hospital, asylum or other institution for the care and relief of sick, infirm, indigent or homeless persons, or for any similar charitable purpose may receive all such persons as shall be lawfully committed thereto or placed therein, and shall have and maintain the custody, care and control of such persons until lawfully discharged.
(5)
Any member of the clergy of good standing shall be granted reasonable facilities, at proper times and places, freely to minister and impart moral and religious instruction, according to the usages of his or her church or denomination, to every inmate of such institution belonging to such church or denomination, or who shall desire the member of the clergy to do so.
(6)
The officers designated therefor by the bylaws of such corporation may at any time discharge any adult inmate when, in their discretion, it is for the inmate's interest or the interest of the corporation.
History:  1991 a. 316.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.001 - Definitions.

59.001
Definitions.
In this chapter, unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary:
(1)
“Board" means the county board of supervisors.
(2)
“Clerk" means the county clerk.
(2m)
“Members-elect" means those members of the governing body of a county, city, village or town, at a particular time, who have been duly elected or appointed for a current regular or unexpired term and whose service has not terminated by death, resignation or removal from office.
(2r)
“Municipal clerk" means the clerk of a municipality.
(3)
“Municipality" means any city, village or town.
(3m)
“Municipal treasurer" means the treasurer of a municipality.
(3r)
“Professional land surveyor" means a professional land surveyor licensed under ch. 443.
(4)
“Treasurer" means the county treasurer.
History:  1989 a. 260, 268; 1995 a. 201; 2013 a. 358.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.01 - Body corporate; status.

59.01
Body corporate; status.
Each county in this state is a body corporate, authorized to sue and be sued, to acquire and hold, lease or rent real and personal estate for public uses or purposes, including lands acquired under ch. 75, to sell, lease and convey the same, including the authority to enter into leases or contracts with the state for a period of years for the uses and purposes specified in s. 23.09 (2) (d), to make such contracts and to do such other acts as are necessary and proper to the exercise of the powers and privileges granted and the performance of the legal duties charged upon it.
History:  1987 a. 378; 1995 a. 201.
Cross-reference:  See ss. 75.35 and 75.69 for restrictions on the sale of tax deeded land.
Discussing civil rights actions against municipalities. Starstead v. City of Superior, 533 F. Supp. 1365 (1982).
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.02 - Powers, how exercised; quorum.

59.02
Powers, how exercised; quorum.
(1)
The powers of a county as a body corporate can only be exercised by the board, or in pursuance of a resolution adopted or ordinance enacted by the board.
(2)
Ordinances may be enacted and resolutions may be adopted by a majority vote of a quorum or by such larger vote as may be required by law. Ordinances shall commence as follows: “The county board of supervisors of the county of .... does ordain as follows".
(3)
A majority of the supervisors who are entitled to a seat on the board shall constitute a quorum. All questions shall be determined by a majority of the supervisors who are present unless otherwise provided.
History:  1977 c. 447; 1995 a. 201.
The county board's failure to use the prescribed language of sub. (2) did not invalidate an ordinance. Cross v. Soderbeck, 94 Wis. 2d 331, 288 N.W.2d 779 (1980).
A supervisor who is required to abstain is not “present" for calculating the number of votes required for passage. Ballenger v. Door County, 131 Wis. 2d 422, 388 N.W.2d 624 (Ct. App. 1986).
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.04 - Construction of powers.

59.04
Construction of powers.
To give counties the largest measure of self-government under the administrative home rule authority granted to counties in s. 59.03 (1), this chapter shall be liberally construed in favor of the rights, powers and privileges of counties to exercise any organizational or administrative power.
History:  1985 a. 29; 1995 a. 201 s. 98; Stats. 1995 s. 59.04.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.05 - County seat; change.

59.05
County seat; change.
(1)
The county seat shall be fixed and designated by the board at the first regular meeting after the organization of any county; and no county seat shall be changed except as provided in this section.
(2)
If a petition conforming to the requirements of s. 8.40 is filed with the board by at least two-fifths of the legal voters of any county, to be determined by the registration list for the last previous general election held in the county at the time of filing, the names of which voters shall appear on the registration list for such election, asking for a change of the county seat to some other place designated in the petition, the board shall submit the question of removal of the county seat to a vote of the qualified voters of the county. The board shall file the question as provided in s. 8.37. The election shall be held only on the day of the general election, notice of the election shall be given and the election shall be conducted as in the case of the election of officers on that day, and the votes shall be canvassed, certified and returned in the same manner as other votes at that election. The question to be submitted shall be “Shall the county seat of .... county be removed to ....?".
(3)
If a majority of the votes cast at the election are in favor of the proposed change, the chairperson of the board shall certify the same, with the attestation of the county clerk, to the governor, who shall issue a proclamation to that effect and publish it in the official state paper. From the date of publication the place designated shall be the county seat. The board may not again submit the question of removal within 5 years.
(4)
Notwithstanding subs. (2) and (3), no election to change a county seat may be held for a period of 5 years after the year in which a courthouse or other county building costing $3,000 or more was built at the county seat and occupied for county purposes.
History:  1977 c. 427; 1983 a. 192, 484; 1989 a. 192; 1995 a. 201 s. 247; Stats. 1995 s. 59.05; 1997 a. 35; 1999 a. 182; 2003 a. 265.
When 40 percent of registered voters were denied ballots in an election to remove a county seat, the election was set aside even though the outcome probably was not affected. McNally v. Tollander, 100 Wis. 2d 490, 302 N.W.2d 440 (1981).
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.06 - County property.

59.06
County property.
(1)
How held. County property shall be held by the clerk in the name of the county. All property, real or personal, conveyed to the county or to its inhabitants or to any person for the use of the county or its inhabitants is county property. Such conveyances have the same effect as if made directly to the county by name.
(2)
Effect of transfer. All deeds, contracts and agreements made on behalf of the county under the directions of the board under s. 59.52 (6), or by a county executive acting under s. 59.17 (2) (b) 3., when signed and acknowledged by the clerk and the county seal is attached, are valid and binding on the county to the extent of the terms of the instrument and the right, title and interest which the county has in the property.
History:  1995 a. 201 s. 402; Stats. 1995 s. 59.06; 2013 a. 14.
Cross-reference:  See ss. 75.35 and 75.69 for restrictions on the sale of tax deeded land.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.07 - Claims against counties; actions on.

59.07
Claims against counties; actions on.
(1)
No action may be brought or maintained against a county upon a claim or upon a cause of action unless the claimant complies with s. 893.80. This subsection does not apply to actions commenced under s. 19.37, 19.97 or 281.99.
(2)
No action may be brought or maintained against a county, for disclosure of information that is received under s. 30.572 (4) and maintained under s. 30.572 (5).
History:  1977 c. 285; 1979 c. 323 s. 33; 1981 c. 20; 1991 a. 39; 1995 a. 158; 1995 a. 201 s. 426; Stats. 1995 s. 59.07; 1997 a. 27, 35; 2013 a. 163.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.12 - Chairperson; vice chairperson; powers and duties.

59.12
Chairperson; vice chairperson; powers and duties.
(1)
The board, at the first meeting after each regular election at which members are elected for full terms, shall elect a member chairperson. The chairperson shall perform all duties required of the chairperson until the board elects a successor. The chairperson may administer oaths to persons required to be sworn concerning any matter submitted to the board or a committee of the board or connected with their powers or duties. The chairperson shall countersign all ordinances of the board, and shall preside at meetings when present. When directed by ordinance the chairperson shall countersign all county orders, transact all necessary board business with local and county officers, expedite all measures resolved upon by the board and take care that all federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to county government are enforced.
(2)
The board at the time of the election of the chairperson shall also elect a member vice chairperson, for the same term, who in case of the absence or disability of the chairperson shall perform the chairperson's duties. The board at the time of the election of the chairperson may also elect a member 2nd vice chairperson, for the same term, who in case of the absence or disability of the chairperson and vice chairperson shall perform the duties of the chairperson. Except for the board of a county with a population of 750,000 or more, the board may provide for the payment of additional compensation to the vice chairpersons.
(3)
In case of the absence of a chairperson for any meeting the members present shall choose another member to be temporary chairperson.
History:  1977 c. 259; 1983 a. 192 ss. 120, 303 (1); 1985 a. 29; 1995 a. 201 s. 106; Stats. 1995 s. 59.12; 2013 a. 14.
A county board cannot adopt a resolution that infringes on the power of a succeeding board to elect its chairperson and vice chairperson. 61 Atty. Gen. 108.
Removal of the chairperson of a county board may be at the will of a simple majority of the board under this section. Section 17.10 is inapplicable. Nothing in this section requires the county board to have any particular reason for removing its chairperson. An incumbent chairperson may be removed at will by the county board simply by voting to elect someone else to that position. OAG 1-07.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.15 - Neglect of duty.

59.15
Neglect of duty.
Any supervisor who refuses or neglects to perform any of the duties which are required of the supervisor by law as a member of the board, without just cause therefor, shall for each such refusal or neglect forfeit not less than $50 nor more than $200.
History:  1991 a. 316; 1995 a. 201 s. 246; Stats. 1995 s. 59.15; 1995 a. 225 s. 136; 1997 a. 35.
A county board may provide for a penalty in the nature of a forfeiture for the violation of a code of ethics ordinance but may not bar violators from running for office. A violation is not a neglect of duties under this section or ipso facto cause for removal under s. 17.09 (1). 66 Atty. Gen. 148. See also 67 Atty. Gen. 164.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.19 - Administrative coordinator.

59.19
Administrative coordinator.
In any county which has not created the office of county executive or county administrator, the board shall designate, no later than January 1, 1987, an elected or appointed official to serve as administrative coordinator of the county. The administrative coordinator shall be responsible for coordinating all administrative and management functions of the county government not otherwise vested by law in boards or commissions, or in other elected officers.
History:  1985 a. 29; 1995 a. 201 s. 103; Stats. s. 59.19.
A sitting member of a county board must resign the office of supervisor before being appointed to the permanent position of county administrative coordinator under this section. OAG 1-11.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.24 - Clerks of counties containing state institutions to make claims in certain cases.

59.24
Clerks of counties containing state institutions to make claims in certain cases.
The clerk of any county that is entitled to reimbursement under s. 16.51 (7) shall make a certified claim against the state, without direction from the board, in all cases in which the reimbursement is directed in s. 16.51 (7), upon forms prescribed by the department of administration. The forms shall contain information required by the clerk and shall be filed annually with the department of corrections on or before June 1. If the claims are approved by the department of corrections, they shall be certified to the department of administration and paid from the appropriation made by s. 20.410 (1) (c), if the claim is for reimbursement of expenses involving a prisoner in a state prison named in s. 302.01, or from the appropriation under s. 20.410 (3) (c), if the claim is for reimbursement of expenses involving a juvenile in a juvenile correctional facility, as defined in s. 938.02 (10p).
History:  1989 a. 31, 359; 1995 a. 27, 77; 1995 a. 201 s. 265; Stats. 1995 s. 59.24; 1997 a. 35; 2005 a. 344.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.28 - Peace maintenance; powers and duties of peace officers, cooperation.

59.28
Peace maintenance; powers and duties of peace officers, cooperation.
(1)
Sheriffs and their undersheriffs and deputies shall keep and preserve the peace in their respective counties and quiet and suppress all affrays, routs, riots, unlawful assemblies and insurrections; for which purpose, and for the service of processes in civil or criminal cases and in the apprehending or securing any person for felony or breach of the peace they and every coroner and constable may call to their aid such persons or power of their county as they consider necessary.
(2)
County law enforcement agencies may request the assistance of law enforcement personnel or may assist other law enforcement agencies as provided in ss. 66.0313 and 66.0513.
History:  1995 a. 201 s. 282; Stats. 1995 s. 59.28; 1999 a. 150 s. 672.
Suppression of evidence is not required when a law enforcement officer obtains evidence outside of the officer's jurisdiction. Any jurisdictional transgression violates the appropriate jurisdiction's authority not the defendant's rights. State v. Mieritz, 193 Wis. 2d 571, 534 N.W.2d 632 (Ct. App. 1995).
A state traffic patrol officer should not, except in extreme emergencies, be impressed into service as part of a posse comitatus under sub. (1). If so impressed, the officer is entitled to worker's compensation, if injured, from the county or municipality but would not be entitled to regular pay from the state and probably would not be entitled to worker's compensation from the state. 62 Atty. Gen. 38.
The statutes do not permit the creation of a separate regional law enforcement agency, and neither the sheriff nor the county board has power to delegate supervisory or law enforcement powers to such an agency. 63 Atty. Gen. 596.
A sheriff may not unilaterally withdraw investigative services provided to one urbanized town within the county because the town maintains its own police department. 81 Atty. Gen. 24.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.30 - Not to act as attorney.

59.30
Not to act as attorney.
No sheriff, undersheriff, deputy, coroner or medical examiner shall appear or practice as an attorney in any court, draw or fill up any writ, pleading or proceeding for a party in any action, nor, with the intent to be employed in the collection of any demand or the service of any process, advise or counsel any person to commence an action or proceeding; and for violation of this section every such officer shall forfeit not more than $50.
History:  1973 c. 272; 1995 a. 201 s. 286; Stats. 1995 s. 59.30; 1997 a. 35.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.31 - Service on sheriff; how made.

59.31
Service on sheriff; how made.
Every writ, notice or other paper required to be delivered to or served on any sheriff may be served by leaving the same at the sheriff's office during the hours it is required to be kept open; but if there is any person belonging to such office therein, such writ, notice or other paper shall be delivered to such person; and every such service shall be considered equivalent to a personal delivery to or service on such sheriff.
History:  1991 a. 316; 1995 a. 201 s. 287; Stats. 1995 s. 59.31.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.32 - Fees received by sheriff.

59.32
Fees received by sheriff.
(1)
Sheriff; fees. The sheriff shall collect the fees prescribed in s. 814.70, unless a higher fee is applicable under s. 814.705 (1) (a) or (2), and remit them to the treasurer as provided in s. 59.22 (1) (b).
(2)
Fees, how collected. All fees allowed to the sheriff upon the service of an execution or a writ for the collection of money or judgment for the sale of real estate and advertising thereon shall be collected by virtue of the execution, writ or judgment in the same manner as the sum therein directed to be collected.
(3)
Fees, how paid. All fees to which sheriffs or their deputies are entitled for attendance required by law upon any court of record shall be paid out of the treasury of the county in which the services were rendered in the manner that fees of jurors attending such courts are paid; and whenever any such officer is required to perform any service for the state, which is not chargeable to the officer's county or some officer or person, that officer's account therefor shall be paid out of the state treasury.
(4)
Excessive fees. No sheriff, undersheriff or deputy shall directly or indirectly ask, demand or receive for any services or acts to be performed by that officer in the discharge of any of that officer's official duties any greater fees than are allowed by law; and for the violation of any of the provisions of this subsection every such officer shall be liable in treble damages to the party aggrieved and shall forfeit not less than $25 nor more than $250.
History:  1991 a. 316; 1995 a. 201 ss. 288, 291 to 294; 1995 a. 225; 1997 a. 27.
Because fingerprinting is not one of the items that is mentioned in s. 814.70, fingerprinting persons that have been arrested or taken into custody is not an item for which the sheriff may charge a fee. Further, a sheriff cannot impose a charge for fingerprinting persons who need to submit fingerprints to the Department of Justice in order to be eligible for certain occupations or certain kinds of employment, as a county or a county officer has only such power as is conferred by statute, either expressly or by clear implication. OAG 6-09.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.33 - Powers after term.

59.33
Powers after term.
(1)
Every undersheriff and deputy sheriff, compensated for services by fees or by part salary and part fees, may execute and return all writs, processes and orders in their hands at the expiration of the sheriff's term of office and which the undersheriff or deputy sheriff has, before that time, begun to execute by service, levy, advertisement or the collection of money thereon.
(2)
In counties where the compensation of sheriffs, undersheriffs and deputies has been changed from the fee to the salary system, the sheriff, immediately upon the expiration of the sheriff's term, shall turn over to the sheriff's successor all writs, processes and orders in the hands of the sheriff, or in the hands of the undersheriff or deputies, whether or not such writs, processes and orders have been partly or fully executed or returned, and such successor shall execute and return or complete the execution and return of such writs, processes and orders.
(3)
In case of a vacancy in the office of sheriff, of any county, the undersheriff and deputies then in office having then any writ, process or order in their hands shall have the same authority and be under the same obligation to serve, execute and return the same as if the sheriff had continued in office.
History:  1987 a. 181; 1991 a. 316; 1995 a. 201 s. 295.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.35 - Deputy coroner.

59.35
Deputy coroner.
(1)
Within 10 days after entering upon the duties of the office, the coroner shall appoint some proper person, who is a resident of the county, chief deputy coroner, and may appoint as many other deputy coroners as the coroner considers proper. The coroner may fill vacancies in the office of any such appointees, and may appoint a person to take the place of any deputy who becomes incapable of executing the duties of the office. A person appointed deputy coroner for a regular term or to fill a vacancy or otherwise shall hold office during the pleasure of the coroner. Every appointment of a deputy coroner and every revocation of an appointment shall be in writing and filed and recorded in the office of the clerk of the circuit court. In case of a vacancy in the office of coroner, the chief deputy coroner shall in all things and with like liabilities and penalties execute the duties of the office until the vacancy is filled as provided by law.
(2)
The coroner shall be responsible for every default or misconduct in office of a deputy coroner during the coroner's term of office, and after the coroner's death, resignation, or removal from office, as well as before. An action for any default or misconduct under this subsection may be prosecuted against the coroner and the sureties on the coroner's official bond or against the coroner's personal representative.
(3)
The coroner may require a deputy coroner, before entering upon the duties of the office, to execute and deliver to the coroner a bond in such sum and with such sureties as the coroner may require, conditioned for the faithful performance of the deputy's official duties; and every default or misconduct of the deputy coroner for which the coroner shall be liable shall be a breach of the bond.
(4)
Whenever a medical examiner has been appointed under s. 59.34 (1) (a), this section shall not apply in such counties, nor shall the coroner of such counties be responsible for any default or misconduct in office of the medical examiner.
(5)
A person holding office under this section may also serve as an emergency medical services practitioner, an emergency medical responder, a fire fighter or a chief, deputy chief or assistant chief of a fire department.
History:  1973 c. 272; 1975 c. 294, 421; 1985 a. 315; 1989 a. 31; 1991 a. 316; 1995 a. 201 s. 306; Stats. 1995 s. 59.35; 1997 a. 35; 1999 a. 56; 2001 a. 102; 2005 a. 39, 127; 2007 a. 97; 2017 a. 12.
A coroner can legally appoint a deputy after the time in sub. (1). 74 Atty. Gen. 198.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.36 - Coroner and medical examiner; fees.

59.36
Coroner and medical examiner; fees.
The board shall set the fees for all services rendered by the coroner or medical examiner. The fees may not exceed an amount that is reasonably related to the actual and necessary cost of providing the service.
History:  1983 a. 146; 1995 a. 201 s. 307; Stats. 1995 s. 59.36; 2015 a. 336.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.365 - Moratorium on fee increases.

59.365
Moratorium on fee increases.
(1)
From July 14, 2015, to April 17, 2017, the board may not charge an amount that exceeds the amount that was actually charged on April 17, 2015, for any of the following fees:
(a)
Fees for services rendered by a coroner or medical examiner.
(b)
Fees assessed for the signing of a death record by a coroner or medical examiner.
(c)
Fees assessed related to coroner or medical examiner transportation services.
(2)
If on or after April 18, 2017, the board increases the amount of any of the fees specified in sub. (1) (a) to (c), any such increase may not exceed the annual percentage change in the U.S. consumer price index for all urban consumers, U.S. city average, as determined by the U.S. department of labor, for the 12 months ending on December 31 of the year before the increase.
(3)
(a)
Notwithstanding subs. (1) (a) and (b) and (2), if a board that had been providing coroner or lay medical examiner services begins providing physician medical examiner services under an intergovernmental cooperation agreement under s. 66.0301 after December 31, 2015, and before April 1, 2016, the board may one time set the fee assessed for the signing of a death record at an amount exceeding the amount that was in effect on April 17, 2015, by not more than $100 and may one time set the fee assessed for the issuance of a cremation permit at an amount exceeding the amount that was in effect on April 17, 2015, by not more than $100. Fees under this paragraph may be established without regard to any change in the U.S. consumer price index.
(b)
This subsection does not apply to a county with a population of more than 300,000.
History:  2015 a. 55, 336; 2017 a. 334.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.37 - Service when no coroner.

59.37
Service when no coroner.
Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of coroner, or when the coroner is absent from the county, sick or unable to perform the duties of that office, or for any reason, except the nonpayment of legal fees, refuses to serve and execute legal process against the sheriff in any action commenced in any court of record within the county for which the coroner was or should have been elected, any judge of a court of record or circuit court commissioner of the county may, on proof of the vacancy, sickness, absence or refusal to serve and execute such process, by an order to be endorsed on such process and addressed to him or her, empower any citizen of the county in which such process is to be served and executed to serve and execute the same; and that order shall be sufficient authority to the person therein named to serve and execute such process with like powers, liabilities and fees as the coroner.
History:  1977 c. 449; 1995 a. 201 s. 305; Stats. 1995 s. 59.37; 2001 a. 61.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.39 - Coroner or medical examiner as funeral director, limitation.

59.39
Coroner or medical examiner as funeral director, limitation.
No coroner, deputy coroner, medical examiner or assistant medical examiner who is a licensed funeral director, an owner or operator of a funeral establishment as defined in s. 445.01, or an employee of a funeral establishment, and no funeral establishment with which such a coroner, deputy coroner, medical examiner or assistant medical examiner is associated, shall perform any of the services of a funeral director upon the body of any person whose death is required by law to be investigated by such coroner, his or her deputy, medical examiner or assistant medical examiner. Any person who violates this section shall be fined not more than $50.
History:  1973 c. 272; 1979 c. 175 s. 53; 1979 c. 221 s. 2202 (45); 1983 a. 485; 1995 a. 201 s. 308; Stats. 1995 s. 59.39.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.41 - Not to act as attorney.

59.41
Not to act as attorney.
No person acting as clerk of any circuit court in this state may practice as an attorney or solicitor in the court in which the person is acting as clerk; and the person shall not be eligible for the office of municipal judge during the time that the person holds the office of the clerk.
History:  1977 c. 305, 449; 1995 a. 201 s. 323; Stats. 1995 s. 59.41.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.44 - County abstractor; appointment; duties; fees.

59.44
County abstractor; appointment; duties; fees.
(1)
(a)
Except as provided under par. (b), whenever any county adopts a tract index system or any recognized chain of title system, the board may create a department to be known as an abstract department, either in connection with or independent of the office of the register of deeds, as the board considers advisable. The board may appoint a competent person for a term of 2 years, who shall be known as the county abstractor, and shall have charge of and operate the abstract department. The board shall furnish a seal for the abstractor, who shall place the seal on every abstract issued by the abstractor.
(b)
In any county with a county executive or a county administrator, if the county creates an abstract department under par. (a), the county executive or county administrator shall appoint and supervise the county abstractor. Such appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the board unless the board, by ordinance, elects to waive confirmation or unless the appointment is made under a civil service system competitive examination procedure established under s. 59.52 (8) or ch. 63.
(2)
The register of deeds shall be eligible to hold the office of county abstractor and may hold both offices at the same time.
(3)
The county abstractor shall make and deliver to any person an abstract of title to any land in the county, upon the payment of the required fee.
(4)
The board shall fix the salary of said abstractor, provide such clerical assistance as may be necessary and fix their compensation and shall fix the fees to be received for the compiling and furnishing of abstracts and may at any time prescribe regulations for the operation and conduct of said department. All fees received for the compiling and furnishing of abstracts shall be paid into the county treasury.
(5)
The board may by two-thirds vote of all the members of the board discontinue furnishing abstracts.
History:  1985 a. 29; 1991 a. 316; 1995 a. 201 s. 387; Stats. 1995 s. 59.44; 1995 a. 225 s. 163; 1997 a. 35.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.45 - County surveyor; duties, deputies, fees.

59.45
County surveyor; duties, deputies, fees.
(1)
Surveyor; duties.
(a)
The county surveyor shall do all of the following:
1.
Execute, personally or by a deputy, all surveys that are required by the county or by a court. Surveys for individuals or corporations may be executed at the county surveyor's discretion.
2.
Make, personally or by a deputy, a record, in books or on drawings and plats that are kept for that purpose, of all corners that are set and the manner of fixing the corners, of each survey made personally, by deputies or by other professional land surveyors and arrange or index the record so it is an easy-to-use reference and file and preserve in the office the original field notes and calculation thereof. Within 60 days after completing any survey, the county surveyor shall make a true and correct copy of the foregoing record, in record books or on reproducible papers to be furnished by the county and kept in files in the office of the county surveyor to be provided by the county. In a county with a population of 750,000 or more where there is no county surveyor, a copy of the record shall also be filed in the office of the regional planning commission which acts in the capacity of county surveyor for the county.
3.
Furnish a copy of any record, plat or paper in the office to any person on demand and upon payment to the county of the required fees.
4.
Administer to every survey assistant engaged in any survey, before commencing their duties, an oath or affirmation to faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of survey assistant, and the deputies are empowered to administer the same.
5.
Perform all other duties that are required by law.
(b)
Surveys for individuals or corporations may be performed by any professional land surveyor who is employed by the parties requiring the services, providing that within 60 days after completing any survey the professional land surveyor files a true and correct copy of the survey in the office of the county surveyor. In counties with a population of 750,000 or more the copy shall be filed in the office of the register of deeds and in the office of the regional planning commission which acts in the capacity of county surveyor for the county.
(2)
Surveyor; deputies. The county surveyor may appoint and remove deputies at will on filing a certificate thereof with the clerk.
(3)
Surveyor; fees. In addition to the regular fees of professional land surveyors that are received from the parties employing the county surveyor, the county surveyor may receive a salary from the county.
History:  1995 a. 201 ss. 328, 389, 391, 399; 1997 a. 35; 2013 a. 358; 2017 a. 207 s. 5.
Discussing compensation and duties of an elected county surveyor and possible conflicts of interest in public contracts. 60 Atty. Gen. 134.
Discussing duties of county and other land surveyors and minimum standards for property surveys. 69 Atty. Gen. 160.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.46 - Penalty for nonfeasance.

59.46
Penalty for nonfeasance.
Any county surveyor, any city, village, or town engineer, or any professional land surveyor who fails or refuses to perform any duty required of that person by law shall forfeit not less than $25 nor more than $50 for each such failure or refusal.
History:  1991 a. 316; 1993 a. 246; 1995 a. 201 s. 401; Stats. 1995 s. 59.46; 2013 a. 358.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.48 - County assessor.

59.48
County assessor.
The county executive elected under s. 59.17 or the county administrator elected or appointed under s. 59.18 shall appoint a county assessor as prescribed in and subject to the limitations of s. 70.99, approve the hiring of the assessor's staff as prescribed in that section and otherwise comply with that section. In counties with neither a county executive nor a county administrator the appointment of the county assessor shall be the duty of the chairperson of the board subject to the approval of the board and subject to the limitations of s. 70.99. The hiring of the assessor's staff shall be the duty of the county assessor subject to the limitations of s. 70.99.
History:  1995 a. 201 s. 171.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.51 - Board powers.

59.51
Board powers.
(1)
Organizational or administrative powers. The board of each county shall have the authority to exercise any organizational or administrative power, subject only to the constitution and any enactment of the legislature which grants the organizational or administrative power to a county executive or county administrator or to a person supervised by a county executive or county administrator or any enactment which is of statewide concern and which uniformly affects every county. Any organizational or administrative power conferred under this subchapter shall be in addition to all other grants. A county board may exercise any organizational or administrative power under this subchapter without limitation because of enumeration, and these powers shall be broadly and liberally construed and limited only by express language.
(2)
General authority. The board may represent the county, have the management of the business and concerns of the county in all cases where no other provision is made, apportion and levy taxes and appropriate money to carry into effect any of the board's powers and duties.
History:  1995 a. 201 ss. 110, 116, 337.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.535 - Veterans affairs.

59.535
Veterans affairs.
(1)
Certifications and filings for veterans; no charge.
(a)
In this subsection, “veteran" has the meaning given in s. 45.01 (12), and includes a person under s. 45.51 (2) (a) 2.
(b)
No fee shall be charged by any register of deeds, clerk of circuit court or any other public officer, either state, county or local, having custody of statistical records, for the making and certifying of copies, or examining proofs of any public record or instrument, required for or in connection with, the filing of any claim or application with the U.S. department of veterans affairs or any other federal agency, or to any state agency, or to the regularly established agency of any state, for benefits under federal or state laws, by a veteran or by any dependent of a veteran, when certified proof is required in connection with any claim or application for benefits, under federal or state laws, to which such veteran, or a dependent of a veteran, either living or dead, may be required to file, except, that in the counties where the register of deeds or clerk of circuit court is under the fee system and not a fixed salary, the usual fee for such service shall be paid by the county to the proper officer. The provisions of this subsection shall supersede any provision of law in conflict therewith.
(2)
Grave markers; veterans.
(a)
The board may furnish upon the petition of 5 residents of any municipality in their county an appropriate metal marker for the grave of each soldier, sailor or marine who served with honor in the U.S. armed forces, buried within the municipality.
(b)
The petitioners shall state in the petition the names of the soldiers, sailors or marines buried in the municipality.
(3)
War records. The board may appropriate money for the collection, publication or distribution of war records.
(4)
Service officer and commission. The board may appropriate funds for the execution of the duties of the county veterans service officer and the county veterans service commission.
History:  1995 a. 201 ss. 123, 135, 141, 365, 385; 2005 a. 22.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.55 - Consumer protection.

59.55
Consumer protection.
(1)
County consumer protection agency.
(a)
In this subsection:
1.
“Consumer complaint" means a complaint received by a consumer protection agency from an individual.
2.
“County consumer protection agency" means an agency created or designated under this subsection.
(b)
A county may create or designate a consumer protection agency which may:
1.
Maintain an office in the county.
2.
Receive and maintain records of consumer complaints.
3.
Upon receipt of a consumer complaint, conduct an investigation to determine the validity of the complaint.
4.
Notify the person responsible for the cause of the complaint of the nature of the complaint.
5.
Assist in the resolution of the complaint.
6.
Refer complaints:
a.
To the appropriate state department or independent agency; or
b.
To the district attorney.
7.
Maintain follow-up records on all complaints referred to state departments or independent agencies or the district attorney.
(c)
A county consumer protection agency created under this subsection shall report at least once every 6 months to the board on the actions and activities of the agency.
(2)
Testing milk and soil. The board may appropriate money and provide office and laboratory space for testing milk and soil and may provide residents of the county with reports of such tests.
(3)
Truckers, hawkers and peddlers licensing. Except in counties having a population of 750,000 or more, the board may enact ordinances providing for the licensing of truckers, hawkers and peddlers, other than licensees under s. 440.51, and provide for the enforcement of the ordinances. The ordinances shall not provide for licensing of fuel vendors or those engaged in the delivery of petroleum products or farmers or truck gardeners who sell farm products grown by themselves.
(4)
Transient merchants. Counties may, by ordinance, regulate the retail sales, other than auction sales, made by transient merchants, as defined in s. 130.065 (1m), 1987 stats., in the towns in the county and provide forfeitures for violations of those ordinances.
(5)
Secondhand car dealers, junking cars. The board may license and regulate dealers in secondhand motor vehicles, wreckers of motor vehicles, or the conduct of motor vehicle junking. Such regulation shall not apply to any municipality which enacts an ordinance governing the same subject.
(6)
Regulation of obscenity. The board may enact an ordinance to prohibit conduct that is the same as that prohibited by s. 944.21. A county may bring an action for a violation of the ordinance regardless of whether the attorney general has determined under s. 165.25 (3m) that an action may be brought. The ordinance may provide for a forfeiture not to exceed $10,000 for each violation.
History:  1995 a. 201 ss. 130, 131, 152, 178, 240, 368, 452; 2017 a. 207 s. 5.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.62 - Investment authority delegation.

59.62
Investment authority delegation.
(1)
The board may delegate to any officer or employee any authority assigned by law to the board to invest county funds. The delegation shall provide that the officer or employee be bonded.
(2)
The board may impose any restriction on the delegation or exercise of authority delegated under this section considered desirable by the board. If the board delegates authority under this section, the board shall periodically review the exercise of the delegated authority by the officer or employee.
History:  1995 a. 201 s. 207.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.63 - Treasurer's disbursement of revenue.

59.63
Treasurer's disbursement of revenue.
The treasurer may make disbursements of property tax revenues and of credits under s. 79.10 according to the proportions that are reported under ss. 60.33 (10m), 61.25 (10) and 62.09 (11) (j).
History:  1983 a. 395; 1985 a. 39 s. 17; 1989 a. 56 s. 259; 1995 a. 201 s. 272; Stats. 1995 s. 59.63.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.65 - Publication of financial report.

59.65
Publication of financial report.
A board shall cause to be made out and published in the county, as a class 1 notice, under ch. 985, immediately after its annual meeting, a report of the receipts and expenditures of the immediately preceding year and the accounts allowed. The board may waive the publication of names of needy soldiers, sailors, marines and United States war veterans and the amount of aid provided under s. 45.81 (3) and shall publish in lieu thereof the total disbursements thereunder.
History:  1985 a. 29 s. 3202 (56); 1995 a. 201 s. 434; Stats. 1995 s. 59.65; 2005 a. 22.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.691 - Required notice on certain approvals.

59.691
Required notice on certain approvals.
(1)
In this section, “wetland" has the meaning given in s. 23.32 (1).
(2)
(a)
Except as provided in par. (b), a county that issues a building permit or other approval for construction activity, shall give the applicant a written notice as specified in subs. (3) and (4) at the time the building permit is issued.
(b)
1.
A county is not required to give the notice under par. (a) at the time that it issues a building permit if the county issues the building permit on a standard building permit form prescribed by the department of safety and professional services.
2.
A county is not required to give the notice under par. (a) at the time that it issues a building permit or other approval if the building permit or other approval is for construction activity that does not involve any land disturbing activity including removing protective ground cover or vegetation, or excavating, filling, covering, or grading land.
(3)
Each notice shall contain the following language: “YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLYING WITH STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS CONCERNING CONSTRUCTION NEAR OR ON WETLANDS, LAKES, AND STREAMS. WETLANDS THAT ARE NOT ASSOCIATED WITH OPEN WATER CAN BE DIFFICULT TO IDENTIFY. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN REMOVAL OR MODIFICATION OF CONSTRUCTION THAT VIOLATES THE LAW OR OTHER PENALTIES OR COSTS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES WETLANDS IDENTIFICATION WEB PAGE OR CONTACT A DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES SERVICE CENTER."
(4)
The notice required in sub. (2) (a) shall contain the electronic website address that gives the recipient of the notice direct contact with that website.
(5)
A county in issuing a notice under this section shall require that the applicant for the building permit sign a statement acknowledging that the person has received the notice.
History:  2009 a. 373; 2011 a. 32; 2017 a. 365 s. 112.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.696 - Zoning; filing fees.

59.696
Zoning; filing fees.
The board may enact ordinances establishing schedules of reasonable filing fees for the filing of petitions to amend county zoning ordinances and notices of appeal to the board of adjustment from determinations of county zoning authorities and providing for the charging and collection of such filing fees; such fees to be used to partially defray the expenses of holding hearings and giving notices of hearings prescribed in ss. 59.69 and 59.694.
History:  1995 a. 201 s. 126.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 59 - Counties. › 59.697 - Fees for zoning appeals.

59.697
Fees for zoning appeals.
The board may establish a schedule of fees to be charged for the filing of petitions for amendment and notices of appeal under ss. 59.69 and 59.694, relating to zoning ordinances.
History:  1995 a. 201 s. 182.