The state Wisconsin Fund program that provides financial assistance to replace failing septic systems faces elimination in the next state budget and the Vilas County Zoning committee approved a resolution supporting continuing the program. Vilas County Zoning Administrator Dawn Schmidt indicated over 41,000 residents have participated in the Wisconsin Fund including 66 in Vilas County. The program is funded by county septic system permit fees with $100 sent to the state for each sanitary permit. Schmidt didn't know if that cost would be eliminated should the Wisconsin Fund be eliminated or would the state use that money elsewhere or if the permit fee can be reduced by $100.
To be eligible for the Wisconsin Fund, a septic system had to be installed prior to 1978, be for the owners principal residence, and have an adjusted gross income of less than $45,000. Small businesses are also eligible if gross business income is less than $362,500. The Vilas County board will act on support for the Wisconsin Fund May 23. Vilas County has issued 76 sanitary permits so far this year.
