By Al Stanek
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Jerry Grant, who represents the bulk of the City of Whitewater on the Walworth County Board, has announced that he will not seek reelection. Grant, a retired Whitewater Police Department Sergeant, will have served 20 years in that role.

Residents interested in running for Grant’s position have until January 4 to file nomination papers. Information on running is available at www.co.walworth.wi.us/201/running-for-county-offices or by calling the Walworth County Clerk’s Office in Elkhorn at 262-741-4241.

Grant is the current Vice-Chair of the 11 member elected body that oversees spending for county operations that include state-mandated human services programs, the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department, roadway maintenance and other operations that are partially funded by taxes paid by Whitewater city residents who reside in Walworth County.

Walworth County taxes represent 16% of the total of tax bills mailed out by the City of Whitewater. The Whitewater Unified School District represents 52% of the annual tax bill. The City of Whitewater portion represents 28% with 3% provided to Gateway Technical College. A smaller portion of the City of Whitewater is in Jefferson County which results in slightly different percentages.

During Grant’s service Walworth County has replaced or improved nearly all of its physical facilities while retiring all county debt. Walworth County is reportedly one of only two of Wisconsin’s 72 Counties to be debt free. Grant has been Vice-Chair three times in his career and currently serves on the Public Works and Finance Committees.