Corporate media coverage of the La Crosse County Board’s reorganization meeting highlighted the reelection of Chair Tina Tryggestad and the swearing-in of new supervisors, but buried one of the most important actions of the night in the final paragraph: approval of a new contract for County Administrator Jane Klekamp.

Taxpayers deserve far more transparency than a passing mention.

This contract, reportedly negotiated behind closed doors, included a substantial pay increase for the County Administrator—while the hardworking county employees who plow our roads, maintain infrastructure, and provide first responder services are rarely given that same level of consideration.

Why was this handled with so little public discussion? Why was such a major financial decision treated as a backroom deal?

At a time when families are struggling with rising property taxes, county leaders should be laser-focused on responsible spending and core government services—not quietly approving generous executive compensation packages with little public scrutiny.

Elections have consequences, and voters should pay close attention to how their tax dollars are being prioritized. Government works best when decisions are made openly, not in closed-door negotiations shielded from public accountability.

The people of La Crosse County deserve common-sense leadership, fiscal discipline, and transparency—not business as usual.