BROWN CO., Wis. (NBC 26) -- Brown County Human Services Committee is expected to discuss a possible face covering ordinance during Thursday's meeting.
County Board Supervisor and Chairperson of the Human Services Committee Joan Brusky said first they will have an opportunity for public comment. While the meeting is virtual, she said they are allowing people to go to the Neville Public Museum to speak at the microphone. She said they've also received hundreds of emails from the community on the topic.
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Following public comment, she said there will be three communications for committee members to take up all regarding masks and face shields. One is an ordinance that would be throughout the county. Another is just for county-owned property and buildings. The third is for essential businesses only. Brusky said Corporation Counsel has sent an example mask ordinance somewhat based on the ordinance Green Bay approved Tuesday night.
"What he sent today can be amended and entirely changed, but it's something to work from," added Brusky.
The face covering ordinance in Green Bay passed after hearing from community members, discussion and debate, and making some amendments to it. One of those amendments exempts places of worship.
Brusky said she felt it was encouraging to see Green Bay approve the ordinance. Kathy Lefebvre, a Green Bay Alderperson and member of the Brown County Board of Supervisors, voted in favor of the mask requirement. She said she and Brusky have been working together a bit on the possible ordinance at the county level.
"This is a health issue, and I feel very strongly on this as I have some health issues myself. I have to be very careful and I just feel that this is something you do, not for yourself. You do it for others," added Lefebvre.
Brusky said once the possible ordinance is discussed, the committee will vote on it. She said it could take calling a special meeting. If it's approved by the committee, it will then go to the full county board to be voted on. Brusky said she felt it would pass the committee, but isn't sure what might happen with the county board. She said passing it could be tough.
"I think there's a chance that only county buildings and property will be approved. I think there's a 50/50 chance we could get something county-wide that would be very similar to Green Bay," said Brusky.
Lefebvre also said she wasn't sure how the vote would end up if it did make it to the full county board. She said she knows some that would vote against it, but isn't sure about some others. She said during Tuesday night's city council meeting, they added that if the county puts a mask requirement in place, the City of Green Bay's ordinance would be rescinded.
NBC 26 reached out to the Brown County Executive and Brown County Public Health Officer. They were not available for an interview; however, Brown County Deputy Executive Jeff Flynt said the County Executive's Office is awaiting the Human Services Committee and County Board of Supervisors' decision on whether or not a mask ordinance will be approved.
