Village of Vernon, Wis. – The Village of Vernon Board will meet tonight at 6:00 PM to discuss and vote on Resolution 2025-02. This proposal significantly restricts the public’s ability to view and join in local government meetings. The resolution claims to formalize the livestreaming of board and commission meetings—but closer examination reveals troubling limits.
Regular Village Board and Plan Commission meetings would continue to be broadcast. However, the proposal excludes all special meetings labeled as “discussion only” from being livestreamed. These are often the very meetings where major issues are hashed out before formal decisions are made.
Even if a vote is taken at the end of a closed session, it will only be shown on livestream if the action is explicitly listed on the agenda. This creates a loophole that could easily keep important votes out of public view.
Tonight’s agenda, published in full on the Village website, lists Resolution 2025-02 as Item 7a under “Miscellaneous Matters,” right before a vote on changes to the Village’s fee schedule and an appraisal of Fire Station #2. This resolution will shape how much of your government you’ll be allowed to see.
Why It Matters to Vernon Residents
For a village government that touts transparency, this resolution is a step backward. Instead of making more meetings available to the public, it creates selective access—choosing when residents can watch based on vague criteria and internal discretion.
Discussion-only meetings often contain crucial dialogue that informs future policy. By not broadcasting these sessions, the Village potentially cuts off residents from understanding how decisions are formed. Worse, there’s no guarantee that even final decisions—if made after a closed session—will be livestreamed.
Vernon Village Administrator Karen Schuh’s Viewpoint
In a May 14, 2025 email, Village of Vernon Administrator Clerk Karen Schuh pushed back against a resident’s concerns about transparency in the livestreaming of board meetings. Schuh asserted that all Vernon meetings—except closed sessions—are open to the public and labeled the transparency criticism as “false.” She pointed out that many older residents prefer meetings to be aired on Spectrum cable, as they do not use online platforms like YouTube. Schuh also questioned whether there is enough public demand for online streaming, citing low viewership numbers. She concluded by stating that the decision ultimately lies with the Village Board, which has full authority to modify or adopt the proposed resolution as it sees fit.
Vernon Residents Deserve to Be Heard
While the Clerk emphasizes board authority, it is important to remember that Vernon residents elect the board to represent their interests. Public access to meetings isn’t just a technical policy—it’s a matter of civic inclusion. Residents have every right to speak out and influence how their government communicates. Whether you support livestreaming meetings on YouTube, want greater accessibility, or oppose selective transparency, your voice matters. The board represents you, and tonight’s meeting is your opportunity to hold them accountable.
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Open in new tab Residents Can Still Influence the Vote
This resolution has not yet been approved. Tonight’s meeting is your chance to weigh in.
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM (arrive early to sign up for public comment)
Location: Vernon Village Hall, W249S8910 Center Drive, Vernon, WI 53103
Public Comment: Begins early in the meeting; speakers are limited to three minutes
Waukesha County Watch will attend tonight’s meeting and provide full coverage, including resident comments and the final outcome of the board’s vote. Stay tuned for updates.
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