For Immediate Release
Richland County is dismayed and disheartened to share the correspondence received from the Universities of Wisconsin today. Despite ongoing attempts to negotiate a mutually agreeable end to our partnership, the Universities of Wisconsin has made the unilateral decision to completely vacate the Richland County Campus by July 1, 2024 with no compensation or settlement agreement in place. It is disappointing that the Universities of Wisconsin System is shirking their responsibilities. At no time, under any circumstance, did the legislature indicate that receipt of the $2 million grant would absolve the UW Universities System of their obligations to affected counties. Richland County, which had previously relied on the contractual relationship between the parties, is now facing a potential economic crisis due to the Universities’ decision.
The County Board of Supervisors will consult further with partners and counsel to determine and evaluate all available options going forward.
Questions regarding these developments may be directed to County Administrator Candace Pesch at 608-649-3001.